BARMM local government code being drafted by BTA

By Noynoy Lacson

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Ministry of Interior and Local Government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is spearheading the drafting of the Bangsamoro local government code, one of the priority legislations entrusted to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

BARMM Chief Minister Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim said that the Bangsamoro Local Government Code is one of the important codes that should be crafted and passed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) as it “will clearly define the relationship between the LGUs and the Bangsamoro government.

“The only way to realize the aspiration of the decade-struggle of the Bangsamoro people is to be able to achieve the changes we want in the governance,” he added.

He also recognized the importance of LGUs as they are the real face of governance to which constituents can easily relay their concerns.

Ebrahim recently issued a memorandum directing the BARMM agencies to align their plans, projects, and programs to the 12-point agenda of the Bangsamoro government.

The 12-point agenda of the BARMM published by the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority include the enactment of priority bills; integration of development plans; establishment of appropriate bureaucracy; continuity of existing government services; special programs for transitioning combatants; supporting the on-going Marawi rehabilitation; development of enabling policy environment; activation of job-generating industries; enhancement of security; maximizing synergistic partnerships; ensure environmental compliance; and exploration of Bangsamoro’s economic potentials.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, minister of interior and local government (MILG), emphasized the importance of the local government code as it will outline and define the mandate of the Bangsamoro government in its relations with the different local government units.

He said that, in 2022, the local government code will be enacted.

“Let us attempt to create a system that will allow us for the first time not just in the region but in the country to integrate service delivery and programming to the different LGUs,” he said, adding that the three-year opportunity given to the Bangsamoro should not be missed.

During the initial round of the drafting of the code, participants did a comparative analysis of the Muslim Mindanao Act No. 25 Local Government Code of ARMM and Republic Act No. 7160 Local Government Code of the Philippines, as well as challenges and opportunities on local planning and service delivery, local revenue generation, and local autonomy and innovations.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/07/17/barmm-local-government-code-being-drafted-by-bta/

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. to open Lanson Place Hotel & Serviced Suites in MOA

Shown from left at the signing of the management agreement are: Lanson Place Hospitality Management Limited CEO Michael Hobson, Wing Tai Properties Limited Director for Corporate Development, Karen Li, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp President Elizabeth Sy and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp (SMHCC) and Lanson Place Hospitality Management Limited (LPHM) of Hong Kong signed a management agreement heralding the introduction of the Lanson Place brand in the Philippines.

The first Lanson Place in the Philippines will be located at the heart of SM Mall of Asia providing guests with direct access to extensive retail, F&B and entertainment facilities. The property which will feature a 250-room hotel and a 150-room serviced suites will also be within close proximity to the flagship SMX Convention Center Manila as well as the iconic eCom office buildings, making it ideal for business travelers and MICE delegates.

“We are delighted to be able to introduce Lanson Place’s contemporary lifestyle into The Philippines. This is an important milestone for our Group, as we establish our first foothold in the Philippines. Lanson Place Hotel and Serviced Suites will serve as an ideal setting for guests looking for quality accommodation and attentive service, whether for a short or long-term stay. We are very excited to be collaborating with SMHCC on this project and we can’t wait to receive our first guests,” says Lanson Place Hospitality Management CEO Michael Hobson.

“Lanson Place Hotel and Serviced Suites Mall of Asia will be an outstanding addition to the SM Hotels and Conventions Corp (SMHCC) portfolio. Its anticipated opening of the property underscores the expanding footprint of SMHCC and will be an added boost in the booming Philippine hospitality industry,” adds SMHCC President Elizabeth Sy.

Within 15 minutes away from the capital’s two international airports, Lanson Place Hotel and Serviced Suites Mall of Asia is strategically located near the city’s main commercial and entertainment districts as well as tourist attractions such as museums and historical landmarks. The hotel rooms as well as the well-appointed serviced apartments are designed in sleek, contemporary style. Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant, a fitness center and a rooftop swimming pool offering a full view of the picturesque Manila Bay.

It is also poised to be a choice venue for meetings and social events. Its ballroom can accommodate a maximum of 800 guests which makes it ideal for mid-sized events. An al fresco facility on the podium caters to relaxing intimate events.

Lanson Place Hotel and Serviced Suites Mall of Asia is slated to open in 2022.

Lanson Place is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wing Tai Properties Limited (Wing Tai), a publicly listed company in Hong Kong.

https://business.mb.com.ph/2019/07/16/sm-hotels-and-conventions-corp-to-open-lanson-place-hotel-serviced-suites-in-moa/