Settler People’s Agenda Unveiled in Cotabato City

City Cotabato City, BARMM – May 5, 2025 — The priorities and aspirations of Cotabato City's settler communities took center stage in a dialogue that brought together local political candidates and key sectoral representatives. Held ahead of the May 2025 elections, the event served as a timely platform to amplify the Settler People’s Agenda and reinforce calls for inclusive and participatory governance.

Spearheaded by the Office for Settler Communities (OSC) under the Office of the Chief Minister and led by Member of Parliament and OSC Executive Director Dr. Susana Salvador-Anayatin, the forum was conducted with support from her team at the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). It reflects growing momentum to ensure that settler voices are not only heard but actively considered in policymaking.

Participants included local political candidates as well as representatives from the religious sector, academe, youth, women, senior citizens, media, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and the security sector—specifically the 6th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, Cotabato City Police, and Marine Battalion Landing Team 5.

    The Settler People’s Agenda, presented by Atty. Edwin Matura of the OSC, outlines a consolidated set of priorities focused on inclusion, security, services, education, culture, environment, and stronger institutional ties.

    Local candidates were given the opportunity to present their platforms centered on the welfare of the settlers. The forum encouraged active and meaningful engagement among all participants. The dialogue highlighted the critical importance of voting, emphasizing that in order to address the settlers’ needs, it is essential to elect leaders who are responsive and committed to their concerns.

COMELEC’s Ms. Esnairah O. Macabago-Usop shared updates on election preparedness, while the security forces reaffirmed their support for peaceful and inclusive elections.

Faith leaders added moral weight to the agenda. Cardinal Orlando B. Quevedo urged both candidates and voters to reject transactional politics and instead uphold integrity, transparency, and service to the marginalized. Archbishop Angelito R. Lampon echoed this call for equity, emphasizing that the Bangsamoro region, as a tri-people community, must uplift settlers and Indigenous Peoples alongside the Moro population.

Senior Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., in his inspirational message, emphasized the vital role of inclusive leadership in building social harmony. He affirmed that fostering unity among the region's diverse communities—rooted in the principles of the Bangsamoro Organic Law—is a shared responsibility. He called on all stakeholders to honor the legacy of those who struggled for peace by working together to build a safer, more united Bangsamoro for future generations.

The program concluded with the signing of a Commitment Pledge by political and sectoral representatives, signifying shared responsibility to uphold and advance the Settler People’s Agenda.