Despite gains in recent years, significant challenges remain for children in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), according to a recent assessment by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Persistent Challenges
Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative to the Philippines, stated that BARMM “still lags behind in most social sector indicators (for children).” She presented data highlighting ongoing difficulties, including the fact that one in three children in the region is not currently enrolled in school, particularly in poorer and more remote communities.
Further compounding these issues, more than one in three children in BARMM remain chronically malnourished. This impacts not only their immediate health but as well their future potential, hindering brain development, school readiness, and long-term productivity, according to Kim.
Immunization rates also present a concern, with only one in two children fully immunized against preventable diseases. Approximately four in ten children live below the poverty line, and many more experience multidimensional deprivation.
Signs of Progress
Kim also acknowledged positive trends. School enrollment in the Bangsamoro region has increased by 17% since 2023. Child poverty rates have fallen from over 60% in 2019 to around 40% currently, and chronic malnutrition has decreased from 45% in 2015 to 34% in 2023.
Kim emphasized that investing in children is a high-return pathway to stability, economic growth, and lasting peace for the young BARMM government.
Looking Ahead
Continued investment in the development of children in the Bangsamoro region is seen as critical. Sustained collective efforts will be needed to close the gap in social sector indicators and ensure children in BARMM have the same opportunities as those in other parts of the Philippines. Further gains in enrollment, poverty reduction, and nutrition are likely to depend on continued support and strategic partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific factors intensify the challenges faced by children in BARMM?
According to Kim, these challenges are intensified by factors such as location, gender, disability, ethnicity, and household income levels.
What did UNICEF say about the impact of malnutrition on children?
Kim stated that a child who is stunted is more likely to struggle in class and less likely as an adult to earn an income that can contribute to the revenues that can break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.
What was the theme of the forum where these findings were presented?
The theme of the 5th Bangsamoro International Development Partners Forum was “From Promise to Prosperity: Celebrating Gains, Accelerating BARMM’s Transformation Through Strategic Partnerships.”
What more can be done to ensure a brighter future for the children of the Bangsamoro region?
