Pasig city: The technical working group (TWG) on the Sulu transition is advocating for the timely implementation of the policy framework and transition plan to ensure a coordinated transfer process for the province.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a meeting held on April 8 at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) in Pasig City, the TWG reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate key measures supporting the move of Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to Zamboanga Peninsula. The meeting was co-presided by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and BARMM's Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), with participation from Sulu Vice Governor Sakur Tan and representatives of national government agencies and Bangsamoro ministries.
Discussions centered on addressing critical funding gaps, safeguarding the welfare of affected government personnel, and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential services, particularly in health and education, throughout the transition period, according to a joint statement by the DBM, OPAPRU, and the MILG on Wednesday. A key agenda item was the funding of Priority Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs) for Sulu for 2026.
The TWG acknowledged recent communication from the Office of the President, authorizing the Bangsamoro government to allocate funds and implement PAPs for Sulu in 2026, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules. To enhance the transition framework, the TWG agreed to revisit select provisions of Executive Order (EO) 91 issued in 2025 to ensure greater policy clarity and operational readiness.
In its commitment to protect the rights and welfare of affected personnel, the TWG also established a timeline for finalizing the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) between the DBM and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The JMC will set the policy framework and guidelines governing personnel movements resulting from Sulu's transition from BARMM to Region IX. The Civil Service Commission will be consulted to ensure safeguards for affected personnel and continuous public service delivery.
Regarding sectoral concerns, the TWG agreed to conduct further consultations on health and education to develop targeted policy options and strategies, including legislative measures. The Bangsamoro government also expressed its intent to continue supporting technical education and skills development programs in Sulu through interim funding arrangements. A joint memorandum between BARMM Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is anticipated to formalize operational coordination.
The TWG reinforced the deadline for submitting a Joint Agency Transition Plan by relevant national government agencies and the Sulu provincial government, which will serve as a critical roadmap for the transition process. The TWG is scheduled to reconvene in the first week of May 2026 to monitor progress and ensure the timely implementation of agreed measures.
