President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday emphasized the importance of peace and cooperation between the national government and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as key drivers of the region’s steady development.
Speaking during the BARMM’s seventh founding anniversary celebration at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City, Marcos said the progress being experienced in the region is the result of unity, dialogue, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
The creation of BARMM marked a significant chapter in the country’s history, he said, noting that it was not only a milestone for Muslim Mindanao but also for the entire Republic of the Philippines.
“It is a landmark in our fight to achieve genuine progress and unity. It is proof that sacrifice, dialogue, and unity are the keys to lasting peace,” the President said, citing the gains achieved since the enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2018 and the formal inauguration of BARMM in 2019.
Marcos said the establishment of BARMM demonstrates the collective commitment of the government, the Bangsamoro people, and the international community to peace, unity, and progress.
He also noted that the creation of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) laid the foundation for self-governance in BARMM.
“It shows that public service becomes more meaningful when it is carried out in the spirit of solidarity and collaboration,” he said.
Over the past years, Marcos said, institutions in BARMM have been strengthened, and the aspirations of Muslim Filipinos have been supported.
The President also underscored the deepening partnership between the national government and the Bangsamoro government, urging regional leaders to align local initiatives with existing national programs to maximize development gains.
He made the call as he acknowledged that much more needs to be done.
“Take advantage of the national programs and bring them to Bangsamoro,” Marcos said, adding that cooperation creates synergy and better outcomes for communities.
“My fellow Filipinos, we have come a long way. Still, there is work to be done. Peace is a vital foundation for progress. It is our shared responsibility to harness peace to further develop the region,” he said.
The President reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to assist the BARMM in expanding livelihood and economic opportunities, raising the standard of living, and ensuring inclusive growth.
He also expressed optimism about the region’s future, citing visible improvements and a growing sense of hope among residents as peace takes root.
Peace remains the foundation of progress, he said, calling on all stakeholders to safeguard the gains achieved through unity and cooperation.
Marcos added that the upcoming BARMM elections present an opportunity to strengthen democratic leadership that is accountable and responsive to the people.
“We aspire to further strengthen a leadership that truly serves the people – one that reinforces democracy and accountability. This is the kind of governance that we should pass on to the next generation,” he said.
He urged Bangsamoro leaders to build a system of governance anchored on accountability, participation, and shared responsibility, noting that the BARMM has the advantage of shaping institutions that avoid past governance pitfalls.
“As we build a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), let us continue to choose unity over division,” he said, expressing confidence that the Bangsamoro people would continue to reap the dividends of peace. (PNA)