In a poignant speech to the Bangsamoro Parliament on 19 February 2025, MP Engr. Don Mustapha Loong has highlighted the transformative impact of Westminster Foundation for Democracy's (WFD) support for the region's democratic transition since 2019. 

Speaking ahead of the conclusion of WFD's 'Building Peace and Stability in the Philippines' Bangsamoro' programme in March 2025, MP Loong praised WFD's "far more than mere technical assistance," describing it as "a transformative journey of collaboration and capacity building” the impact of which “is deeply felt across all aspects of our parliamentary landscape, shaping how we function, interact, and ultimately, govern." 

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was established in 2019 as part of the peace process in the Philippines. Many members of its new parliament are former combatants, making the transition to democratic governance particularly significant. 

MP Loong, who has been a Member of Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) since 2019 and is the Chairperson of the BTA Committee on Human Settlements and Development (CHSD), highlighted several key achievements of WFD's work: 

• Comprehensive training for parliamentarians in legislative drafting, committee work and public engagement
• Development of robust institutional frameworks and processes
• Capacity building for parliamentary staff
• Strengthening relationships between parliament and civil society
• Support for women's political leadership
• Facilitation of inter-party dialogue 

The programme included innovative initiatives such as learning visits to Sri Lanka to study post-conflict governance, and the Female Fellowship for the Bangsamoro programme to empower women leaders. 

"The WFD's partnership has been a cornerstone of the BARMM's success," said MP Loong. "Their unwavering commitment, comprehensive support, and in-depth understanding of our context has been instrumental in establishing a functional and effective Bangsamoro parliamentary system." 

WFD's work in the Bangsamoro region has been funded through the UK Government's Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF).  

MP Loong concluded: “The legacy of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy will not just be remembered in our parliamentary procedures, but in the very spirit of democracy that they helped nurture within our region.” 

Elswhere, MPs Atty. Rasol “Ras” Y. Mitmug, Jr. and Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, the Floor Leader, thanked WFD for its support.  

Ras Mitmug offered "so much thanks to WFD for helping us personally in enriching ourselves and also our parties in finding their roles in the Bangsamoro parliament and its elections," whilst Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba commended WFD's "ability to open doors and connect us with valuable networks worldwide...We need to create waves of change together.". She said: "I’ll never forget how I could always count on WFD whenever I needed help—they never hesitated to support us."