USTP Agropolis S&T Park staff co-authors approved bill at 4th Bangsamoro Youth Parliament
By Aina Bitiara Mauyag, Agropolis S&T Park
Share:
The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), through the Agropolis Science and Technology (S&T) Park, contributed to youth-led policy development through the participation of Aina Bitiara Mauyag in the 4th Bangsamoro Youth Parliament (BYP), held from July 27 to 30, 2026, at the BARMM Regional Compound in Cotabato City. Mauyag was selected as one of 80 Young Members of Parliament from more than 3,000 applicants, with a legislative proposal she co-authored among the measures approved during the parliamentary exercise.
The 4th Bangsamoro Youth Parliament provided young representatives with opportunities to engage in legislative research and writing, policy formulation, committee hearings, plenary deliberations, bill sponsorship, and other parliamentary proceedings. The program encouraged participants to identify issues affecting their communities and develop corresponding policy proposals.
Mauyag, a staff member of the USTP Agropolis S&T Park, supports research coordination and development activities related to renewable energy and other priority areas under the Agropolis development agenda.
Under the Committee on Economic Empowerment and Agriculture, Mauyag and Sittie Hainah Pasandalan co-authored the proposed measure titled “An Act Establishing the Bangsamoro Strategic Economic Zones for Resource-Based Industrial Development, Transport, Logistics, and Export Promotion of Priority Bangsamoro Products, Providing for Their Development and Management, and Appropriating Funds Therefor.”
The proposed measure seeks to establish a framework for resource-based industrial development and economic growth in the Bangsamoro. It covers value-added processing and manufacturing, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and the integration of farmers, fisherfolk, cooperatives, local producers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into regional value chains.
The bill also identifies agriculture, fisheries, halal industries, tourism, renewable energy, innovation, research, and technology transfer among the areas that can contribute to regional economic development.
Mauyag’s participation complements her work at the USTP Agropolis S&T Park, where she assists in research coordination and renewable energy initiatives. As focal person for the energy plan under AgreenergI, a public-private energy initiative associated with the Agropolis development agenda, she supports efforts to explore renewable energy interventions responsive to local development needs.
Her involvement in the BYP also builds on her previous participation in youth-led legislative advocacy, including efforts related to the proposed Ranaw Green Innovation Hub ordinance before the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur.
The policy areas covered by the proposed Strategic Economic Zones measure intersect with the Agropolis S&T Park’s focus on connecting science and technology with agriculture, renewable energy, innovation, and local economic development. In Claveria, Misamis Oriental, the Agropolis initiative works with partners and stakeholders toward research- and technology-based approaches that can respond to the needs of agricultural communities and agrarian reform beneficiaries.
The 4th Bangsamoro Youth Parliament concluded with the approval of six bills and three resolutions developed and deliberated by the participating youth parliamentarians. The measures were subsequently turned over to appropriate Bangsamoro institutions and agencies for review and consideration through their respective policy-making processes.
Through Mauyag’s participation, USTP extends its engagement in research and innovation into policy discussions that address regional development concerns. The experience also contributes to the Agropolis S&T Park’s efforts to connect research, technology, community needs, and institutional partnerships in developing initiatives for agriculture, energy, and local economic development.
Follow us:
Contact us:
+63(88)857-1738 local 1118
[email protected]
