COTABATO CITY – The Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) successfully held the Bangsamoro Labor Summit cum Productivity Olympics 2024 on October 22, 2024, at the Robinsons Hall, Mall of Alnor in Cotabato City.
With the theme “Tripartism: Transcending Barriers, Bridging Gaps for Inclusive Economic Growth in Bangsamoro,” the event aimed to strengthen collaboration among workers, employers, and government stakeholders to promote inclusive economic development in the region.
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim extended his support, commending Minister Sema and MOLE for their continuous efforts to enhance labor relations in the region. He expressed optimism that the summit would strengthen ties between employers and workers, contributing to a more resilient and economically sustainable Bangsamoro region.
“Let us continue to be the architects of a stronger, economically resilient, and sustainable BARMM,” Chief Minister Ebrahim stated.
MOLE Minister Muslimin “Bapa Mus” G. Sema delivered an inspirational message, highlighting the vital role of tripartism—the collaboration between workers, employers, and the government—in overcoming barriers and advancing economic growth. He urged participants to continue safeguarding the rights of Bangsamoro workers and securing the future for the region’s upcoming generations.
“Indeed, we commit to the belief that only through tripartism and productivity can we truly transcend barriers, bridge gaps, and bring inclusive economic growth to our homeland,” Minister Sema remarked.
MOLE Bangsamoro Director General Surab A. Abutazil, Jr. opened the summit by emphasizing the importance of cooperation within the Bangsamoro community. In his welcome address, Abutazil expressed confidence that the summit would generate strategic insights and solutions to empower the Bangsamoro workforce.
“I am confident that the insights, ideas, and experiences we share today will help us develop strategies that empower our workforce and create more opportunities for the Bangsamoro people,” he said.
A highlight of the summit was the ceremonial signing of the Bangsamoro Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (BTIPC) Resolutions, marking a strengthened commitment to supporting the labor force in the region.
The summit featured presentations from national labor experts. Atty. Juevanrey A. Narisma, Mediator-Arbiter of the Department of Labor and Employment-Bureau of Labor Relations (DOLE-BLR), spoke on the significance of tripartism in promoting harmonious labor relations and inclusive economic growth. He emphasized the necessity of worker and employer representation in governmental policy-making bodies.
Atty. Grace N. Mana-ay-Badilla, Director II of DOLE’s National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), discussed the crucial role of productivity in driving sustainable economic growth. She stressed the importance of developing competitive industries in the Bangsamoro region to boost its economic standing.
In conjunction with the summit, MOLE hosted the Productivity Olympics 2024, which recognized micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that demonstrated exemplary employer-employee relationships, business continuity, and adherence to tripartism principles.
Among the 14 competing enterprises, Mardo Restaurant from Tawi-Tawi province won the prestigious title of Productivity Champion 2024, taking home a P50,000 cash prize.
Other winners included the Inaul Weavers of Amito Association from Lanao del Sur (1st runner-up), Gian’s Bakeshoppe and Resto from Maguindanao del Norte (2nd runner-up), and Suana Shoppers Center from Sulu (3rd runner-up). Consolation prizes were also awarded to KC Bakeshop and Fast Food, and Filidian Bazaar International, both based in Cotabato City.
The summit concluded with remarks from Engr. Jonathan P. Acosta, Labor Representative of the Bangsamoro Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (BTWPB), who expressed gratitude for the productive discussions. He emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where economic growth and labor empowerment go hand in hand in the Bangsamoro region.
The Bangsamoro Labor Summit cum Productivity Olympics 2024 reaffirmed the region’s commitment to bolstering economic resilience, strengthening labor rights, and upholding tripartism for the benefit of the Bangsamoro community at large. (MOLE-ICD)