Cotabato City: A member of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament has introduced a legislative proposal to provide an annual PHP20-million development incentive to the region's most outstanding local chief executive (LCE).

According to Philippines News Agency, Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, recently appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as one of the 80 members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, stated that the proposed grant is a component of the Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL) Act of 2025, also known as Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Bill No. 355. Sinarimbo highlighted that the bill's objective is to institutionalize the SEAL as the highest regional accolade for exemplary leadership in BARMM.

Sinarimbo explained that the top-ranked nominee, after undergoing comprehensive assessments, would receive the SEAL award along with the development grant. He emphasized that the PHP20-million grant is designated exclusively for local development projects and cannot be diverted for administrative or personal use.

The SEAL program is designed to honor LCEs who demonstrate leadership that is accountable, participatory, and service-oriented. To maintain the program's continuity, the bill also suggests the establishment of a SEAL Endowment Fund, starting with PHP250 million, to be managed by the Bangsamoro Treasury Office.

Sinarimbo initially launched the SEAL program during his tenure as the Minister of the Interior and Local Government. With this bill, he aims to formalize and broaden the program's reach within the region.

The bill has garnered support from thirteen other members of the Bangsamoro Parliament and is currently scheduled for plenary deliberation.