The Director General’s Corner
Atty. Mohammad Muktadir Ahmad Estrella
is a prominent Moro youth leader and a dedicated advocate for peace-building. He hails from the province of Sulu and currently holds the esteemed position of Bangsamoro Director General (Director IV) at the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD).
In this crucial role, he is responsible for serving the welfare of more than 5 million constituents. The MSSD, as the heart of the Bangsamoro Government, addresses the needs of important sectors, including women of intersectional identities, children, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, the elderly, and internally displaced persons.
In addition to his government role, Atty. Estrella serves as a Senior Lecturer at both the University of the Philippines Manila and the Notre Dame University College of Law. His extensive knowledge and expertise contribute to the academic growth and development of aspiring legal professionals.
Recognized for his outstanding abilities, Atty. Estrella received a prestigious US State Department Fellowship, where he was assigned to the Hennepin County Government in Minnesota and Hawai’i. This opportunity allowed him to expand his global perspective on governance and further enhance his peace-building advocacy.
Atty. Estrella’s academic accomplishments are noteworthy. In 2012, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Philippines Manila with a degree in Political Science. During his time there, he also served as the Student Council Chairperson in his home college. The same year, he was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines in the National Capital Region, recognizing his exemplary leadership and academic excellence.
Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, Atty. Estrella enrolled in law school, joining the faculty of the Political Science program at UP Manila in 2013. In July 2016, he earned his Juris Doctor degree with Second Honors from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law. During his time at Ateneo, he also held the position of Vice President for External Affairs in the student council. In May 2017, he was admitted to the Philippine Bar, officially becoming a lawyer.
At the start of his legal career, Atty. Estrella worked at Villaraza & Angangco (V&A), collaborating with some of the finest legal minds in the country. He then served at the Office of the Attorney General in the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where he handled various legal cases related to civil service, Ombudsman, elections, and criminal law. He also provided legal advice on procurement activities.
Returning to V&A in 2018, Atty. Estrella specialized in Intellectual Property while also handling Anti-Graft and Corruption and Family Law cases in the firm’s Litigation Department.
In 2019, he joined the Civil Service Commission for BARMM, assuming the role of the head of the Legal Services Division. Additionally, in the same year, he achieved an impressive feat by securing the 4th place out of 4,082 examinees in the licensure exam for Local Treasurers.
In March 2022, Atty. Estrella’s dedication and competence led to his official promotion as Director II of the Civil Service Commission FO-Tawi-Tawi.
Finally, in March 2023, Atty. Estrella embarked on his journey with the Bangsamoro Government as the first-ever Bangsamoro Director General (Director IV) of the Ministry of Social Services and Development.
His appointment as the youngest serving DG in the entire Bangsamoro Region is a testament to his exceptional abilities and commitment to public service.
Atty. Mohammad Muktadir Ahmad Estrella is a prominent Moro youth leader and a dedicated advocate for peace-building. He hails from the province of Sulu and currently holds the esteemed position of Bangsamoro Director General (Director IV) at the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD).
In this crucial role, he is responsible for serving the welfare of more than 5 million constituents. The MSSD, as the heart of the Bangsamoro Government, addresses the needs of important sectors, including women of intersectional identities, children, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, the elderly, and internally displaced persons.
In addition to his government role, Atty. Estrella serves as a Senior Lecturer at both the University of the Philippines Manila and the Notre Dame University College of Law. His extensive knowledge and expertise contribute to the academic growth and development of aspiring legal professionals.
Recognized for his outstanding abilities, Atty. Estrella received a prestigious US State Department Fellowship, where he was assigned to the Hennepin County Government in Minnesota and Hawai’i. This opportunity allowed him to expand his global perspective on governance and further enhance his peace-building advocacy.
Atty. Estrella’s academic accomplishments are noteworthy. In 2012, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Philippines Manila with a degree in Political Science. During his time there, he also served as the Student Council Chairperson in his home college. The same year, he was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines in the National Capital Region, recognizing his exemplary leadership and academic excellence.
Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, Atty. Estrella enrolled in law school, joining the faculty of the Political Science program at UP Manila in 2013. In July 2016, he earned his Juris Doctor degree with Second Honors from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law. During his time at Ateneo, he also held the position of Vice President for External Affairs in the student council. In May 2017, he was admitted to the Philippine Bar, officially becoming a lawyer.
At the start of his legal career, Atty. Estrella worked at Villaraza & Angangco (V&A), collaborating with some of the finest legal minds in the country. He then served at the Office of the Attorney General in the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where he handled various legal cases related to civil service, Ombudsman, elections, and criminal law. He also provided legal advice on procurement activities.
Returning to V&A in 2018, Atty. Estrella specialized in Intellectual Property while also handling Anti-Graft and Corruption and Family Law cases in the firm’s Litigation Department.
In 2019, he joined the Civil Service Commission for BARMM, assuming the role of the head of the Legal Services Division. Additionally, in the same year, he achieved an impressive feat by securing the 4th place out of 4,082 examinees in the licensure exam for Local Treasurers.
In March 2022, Atty. Estrella’s dedication and competence led to his official promotion as Director II of the Civil Service Commission FO-Tawi-Tawi.
Finally, in March 2023, Atty. Estrella embarked on his journey with the Bangsamoro Government as the first-ever Bangsamoro Director General (Director IV) of the Ministry of Social Services and Development.
His appointment as the youngest serving DG in the entire Bangsamoro Region is a testament to his exceptional abilities and commitment to public service.
