26 February 2025, Cotabato City — The Regional Statistics Committee of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) successfully conducted its First Regular Meeting for Calendar Year 2025. The meeting was spearheaded by the Chairman of the Committee, Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, MNSA represented by Ms. Marifah M. Agar of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), and the Vice Chairman, Engr. Akan G. Tula, OIC-Regional Director of the Philippine Statistics Authority – BARMM, represented by Mr. Edward Donald F. Eloja, Chief Statistical Specialist of the Statistical Operation and Coordination Division (SOCD). The meeting also participated from various members of the RSCom representing different ministries.
The meeting aims to discuss several key agenda items. First, it addressed the presentation of the Revised Draft Resolution No. 8, Series of 2024, which proposes renaming the Research and Knowledge Management Subcommittee to the Information and Knowledge Management Subcommittee under the Regional Statistics Committee in the BARMM, along with revisions to its functions. The agenda also includes the compilation of the 2022-2024 Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) and the improvement of domestic trade statistics through robust partnerships and coordination with data sources. Additionally, there will be training for RSCom members provided by the Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute (PSRTI), followed by the presentation of the FY 2026 PSA-BARMM Budget Proposal for endorsement to the Budget Executive Development Committee (BEDC). The meeting also covers the compilation of the Annual Regional Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a UNICEF project focused on data landscape analysis to support child rights monitoring in BARMM, along with other matters.
Mr. Eloja mentioned that, “Even though we are not at the forefront of service delivery, being a cornerstone and data-driven is our significant contribution to the region. We are not just about statistics; we provide significant assistance in the planning of our policymakers."
Ms. Sittie Asmalis D. Cornell, Statistical Specialist II, presented updates on the PLDS Project, showcasing the collected data from the provinces. Ms. Maila Mantil, Budget Officer II, presented the 2026 PSA-BARMM Budget Proposal for endorsement to the BEDC. Ms. Monabai Eskak provided updates on the BRAP, ensuring that the RSCom committee understood the current status. Lastly, Mr. Delson Yusop, Registration IV, introduced a new project focused on the mobile printing of civil registration documents.
UNICEF presented their current project on Data Landscape Analysis to assist Child Rights Monitoring in the BARMM. This project intends to evaluate and improve the availability and quality of data concerning children's rights so that stakeholders and legislators have the required knowledge to decide what to do and carry out successful projects for the welfare of the local children.
Approved for Release:
Engr. AKAN G TULA
OIC-Regional Director
