The “Empowering Youth through Accreditation – The BYC-REAP Initiative” concluded on October 29, 2024 in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), marking a significant step toward enhancing youth engagement and accreditation in the region. The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC), established under the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 10, serves as the primary policy-making and coordinating body for all matters affecting youth in BARMM. With the mandate to accredit, register, and oversee youth organizations, the BYC-REAP Initiative aims to unify and formally recognize these organizations, bolstering their advocacy activities and fostering social cohesion. This initiative is crucial in minimizing the likelihood of youth being targeted by extremist groups and providing opportunities for youth organizations to seek support from international bodies for their initiatives.
The objectives of the BYC-REAP Initiative include ensuring equitable representation and formal recognition of Bangsamoro youth initiatives, enhancing skills and leadership potentials among the youth, and instilling a sense of nationalism and patriotism, with particular emphasis on Bangsamoro culture and Islamic values. The success of this program relies heavily on the training of Project Development Officers, who act as the main connection between community organizations and the BYC Regional Office.
Day 1, Oct. 28: Getting to Know You
The event commenced with an engaging icebreaker, “Getting to Know You,” fostering camaraderie among participants. Following this, attendees were introduced to the BYC-REAP Initiative, which aims to empower youth through accreditation processes tailored to their needs.
A significant portion of the day was dedicated to an overview of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), comparing web applications to standalone applications. This session emphasized the importance of accessible technology for youth development and learning in BARMM.
Additionally, participants experienced a quick system walkthrough and a mini-simulation to familiarize themselves with the tools and resources available through the BYC-REAP Initiative.
Day 2, Oct. 29: Deep Dive into the BYC-REAP Initiative
The second day began with a quick recap of the previous day’s discussions. Participants delved deeper into the BYC-REAP Initiative, reinforcing their understanding of its features and benefits.
The highlight of the day was the Admin Interface Walkthrough, where attendees explored the system’s functionalities. They engaged in hands-on simulations focused on user roles, gaining practical insights into the various protocols and approval mechanisms integral to the system.
Extensive discussions were held on security protocols, ensuring that the system’s integrity and safety were prioritized.
A structured user role-specific simulation was conducted, allowing participants to experience firsthand the efficiency and potential of the BYC-REAP Initiative.
Active Participation and Collaboration
The BYC PDOs and leadership showcased remarkable participation throughout the event. Their inputs were invaluable in discovering areas for improvement within the system, which were immediately addressed. Participants agreed on critical steps forward, including:
- Cascading the use of the BYC-REAP Initiative to various locations in BARMM
- Establishing a schedule for the rollout
- Planning for an immediate launch of the system
However, challenges were anticipated, particularly concerning internet access in remote islands, especially during inclement weather at sea, and the associated expenses for infrastructure development. A significant challenge identified was the lack of dedicated BYC IT personnel to handle server maintenance and troubleshooting.
Special Acknowledgments
The success of the event would not have been possible without the contributions of key individuals:
- SETTIE IVY C. AMPATUAN, Youth Development Officer IV and Chief of the Technical Services Division, for steering the event and providing exemplary leadership.
- JAMMEL F. MUMBAS, Youth Development Assistant II of the Youth Development Unit, for meticulously managing logistics and coordination to ensure a smooth experience.
- EARVIN PAUL T. INDING, Information Technology Officer I and Unit Head of the Research and Statistics Unit, who served as the subject matter expert and played a pivotal role in developing the system.
Equally deserving of recognition is the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) initiative, which provided essential support for the expenses related to the event. Their commitment to facilitating opportunities for youth in the region is invaluable. Special thanks are extended to Atty. Gilbert Sembrano, Ms. Bam Shaima Baraguir, Ms. Carol Pascual-Sanchez, Ms. Marcela Ciriaco, Ms. Bai Ali Malen, and Mr. Aaron Aurelio, whose contributions were instrumental in making this event a success.
Gratitude for Support and Participation
The speaker expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support, participation, and warm hospitality received during the event. This collaborative spirit is essential as we move forward in empowering the youth of BARMM through accreditation and technology.
