09 September 2023, Cotabato City. The Philippine Statistics Authority – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PSA BARMM) headed by OIC Regional Director, Engr. Akan G. Tula successfully inaugurated its new 3-story building at the Mega Supreme Holding Corporation Bldg., Notre Dame Avenue, corner Doña Theresa St., Poblacion 4, Cotabato City.

The inauguration ceremony commenced with a ribbon-cutting which symbolizes the grand opening of the state-of-the-art facility followed by guided tours and unveiling of the CRS-ITP2 outlet, PhilSys Fixed Registration Office, Office of the Regional Director (ORD), Civil Registration and Administrative Support Division (CRASD), and Statistical Operations and Coordination Division (SOCD) featuring the Lakandula Conference Hall and Sheik Makhdum Training Room. The guided tours also showcase festivity of culture and diversity highlighting native delicacies served across the five distinct provinces in the region.

To celebrate this significant milestone, PSA BARMM is honored and privileged to have Mr. Clemente S. Manaog, Deputy National Statistician from the PSA Civil Registration and Central Support Office who represented Under Secretary, Claire Dennis S. Mapa, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General, PSA Central Office.

In addition, distinguished guests among key officials from the BARMM regional government, city local government, ministries, line agencies, legislative bodies, stakeholders, and media partners also graced the activity. This journey is a testament to our commitment to progress and service. Engr. Akan G. Tula, conveyed in his message “Today’s inauguration is not just about statistics and location, it’s about embracing new opportunities, advancing our mission of providing accurate and timely statistics and serving the people of the Bangsamoro more effectively. Let us remain committed to our mission of providing vital statistics and civil registration services and continue to serve with integrity, transparency, and a deep sense of purpose. As we step into this era of our new home, we will continue to make a meaningful impact on the BARMM and the nation as a whole, RD Tula commended.

Meanwhile, Clemente S. Manaog commended the transition from the old building to the new splendid office as a manifestation of the alignment of vision and reality. “The region’s visionary leadership met with unwavering support from the national leadership, resulting in the transformation of our vision into a tangible reality.” With that, our new office in BARMM designed exclusively for the PSA, sets an unparalleled standard that can serve as a template and blueprint for similar ventures across the nation. At the national level, Undersecretary Mapa has consistently had a clear vision for PSA to have an office space that exemplifies accessibility, quality, and purpose. When people think of the best or most delightful services, the image of this office and what it represents should be on top of their minds, DNS Manaog further emphasized.

In addition, Bai Sandra A. Sema, former Congressman in Maguindanao reflected “Our region has been a place of war where peace has been a distant hope. So, the struggles we have faced in bringing the people of BARMM on par with the rest of the Filipino nation were a great challenge.” While it is true that change doesn’t happen overnight, and that it takes a lot of time and years to go through the phases of change, however, it's actually possible to expedite this process, provided that our leader is decisive. It's important to remember that a decision, whether good or bad, is still better than no decision at all. If you fail, there's always room for improvement, and if you succeed once, further success will likely follow, she further elaborated. However, strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle, so don’t stop here, she reminded RD Tula.

Through PSA BARMM we can now prove to the national government that the Moro people possess brilliance and potential waiting to be unleashed – and that all we need is the space to showcase our capabilities.” Former Congresswoman Sema finally commended. Secretary to the Mayor Mr. Guianudin Abdullah, who represented Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao also conveyed “With the developments we celebrate today, we have reached a stage where the national government and the BARMM government can better understand each other. It has become evident that the individuals entrusted with roles in various agencies within the region are the true representatives of the Bangsamoro, capable of fulfilling their functions and duties in alignment with the national government's expectations.

In the span of more than four decades of tireless struggle for self-determination, we find ourselves truly blessed to stand on the stage of the state, where we can finally exercise our right to govern ourselves, Secretary Abdulla added.

To offer prayers and blessings for the new office space and promote moral governance for a better understanding of Bangsamoro leadership, Ustadz Faisal B. Dacungan, the Director of Mahad Alil Amir Islamic Inc., delivered a brief lecture on good governance from an Islamic perspective. Regardless of religious affiliations, Ustadz Amir emphasized the importance of upholding unity and respect among leaders, stakeholders, and employees to maintain harmonious relationships for efficient service delivery.
 

On the other hand, BARMM regional key officials such as Hon. Ahod B. Ebrahim, Chief Minister, and Bangsamoro Transition Authority members Basser D. Utto, BTA, and Tawakka B. Midtimbang, also delivered a congratulatory message and commended PSA BARMM with its significant milestone and achievements.

Also in attendance are the RSSO BARMM division chiefs, Mr. Edward Donald F. Eloja, Chief SOCD; and Ms. Noronisa D. Macacadaya, Chief Administrative Officer, CRASD; the Chief Statistical Specialists among the five Provincial Statistical Offices, namely: Mahmur H. Sarail of PSA Basilan, Medzhor A. Tan of PSA Sulu, Masil S. Mohammadsha of PSA Tawi-Tawi, Mohammadali R. Alonto of PSA Lanao del Sur, and Naldo G. Pendaliday of PSA Maguindanao.

ENGR. AKAN G TULA
OIC-Regional Director
EDFE/BMB/SGU