MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Bangsamoro Parliament is working to pass a new law focused on ensuring equal rights and opportunities for everyone, particularly women, youth, indigenous people, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The proposed measure, also called the Bangsamoro Gender and Development (GAD) Code, is being advanced by the Parliament’s Women, Youth, Children, and Persons with Disabilities (CWYCP) Committee, with support from the Bangsamoro Women’s Commission (BWC).
The bill, introduced under BTA Bill No. 336, is based on consultations with various groups across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The last round of public hearings in both island and mainland provinces, including Lanao del Sur and the Special Geographic Area, concluded on January 24, 2025.
Committee Chair Diamila Disimban-Ramos said the committee aims to finalize and pass the bill by March 2025, ideally in time for International Women’s Day.
“We are aiming for a meaningful celebration of International Women’s Day with the passage of this bill,” said Ramos.
The GAD Code aims to establish a gender-responsive governance framework that ensures equal access to opportunities and protection for all, regardless of gender, age, or background. While the bill links to women’s rights, its scope extends to marginalized groups, such as youth, PWDs, and indigenous communities.
“We want to make it clear that this law isn’t just about women. It’s about promoting fairness, equality, and protection for everyone—women, men, children, the youth, PWDs, and indigenous communities alike. Gender equality means that all sectors of society benefit from this law,” Ramos said.
The GAD Code integrates Islamic principles from the Qur’an and Sunnah, focusing on justice, equality, and protection of women and children. The bill also addresses issues of violence and exploitation, particularly against women and vulnerable groups.
Bainon Karon, a commissioner of the BWC, explained that the code is the result of years of consultations. She underscored that the code reflects the Bangsamoro government’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone, particularly marginalized groups that have been excluded from decision-making processes.
Gaining Greater Support
The bill has garnered significant support from local advocates. Flora Mae Bagaforo, a police investigator in Marawi City, shared a troubling reality, revealing that each year, many women in the region file complaints of abuse. She called for better support systems, including dedicated spaces for victims seeking assistance after filing reports.
Zulpikar Sawa, a social welfare officer in Old Kaabakan, pointed out that the law would ensure equal access to government opportunities for both men and women, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.
Reynald Macmod, a student leader, suggested that the law should also apply to Bangsamoro youth living outside the region. He believes the law should reach all Bangsamoro people, no matter where they live.
Once passed, the GAD Code will require all local government units (LGUs) in the region to align their policies with the law’s principles, ensuring gender equality in all areas of governance, from public services to economic development.
Commissioner Samauna Unda of the Bangsamoro Women Commission-Lanao del Sur expressed that the GAD Code is about creating a more inclusive and just society, reflecting years of advocacy by women in the region.
The committee will hold its final public hearing in Manila to gather insights from national government stakeholders and ensure their inputs are included. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur with reports from BTA Parliament)
