The creation of the Bangsamoro autonomous region is expected to improve peace and development as well as sustain transparency and accountability in governance in the south, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Sunday.
(PCOO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Andanar gave his high hopes for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ahead of its celebration of its foundation day on January 21.
The new Bangsamoro region was created in 2019 as part of the government's peace deal with a Muslim separatist group. The region is currently led by the transition authority led by Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim until 2022 when new leaders are expected to be elected.
"As we celebrate its Foundation Day, may we continue to successfully pursue the moral governance it seeks to realize, governance that is for the Filipino people and by the Filipino people, regardless of religious beliefs," Andanar said.
"And may our integrity and accountability further translate into ending graft and corruption so that we can faithfully and fully serve the Filipino people and equitably benefit everyone," he said.
Andanar also expressed hope that the improving security condition in BARMM would help foster economic development of the region.
"With the current administrative transition in the region, may this mechanism continue to improve the peace and security in BARMM in order to promote its economic activities and harness its full socio-economic potential to contribute to the overall development and inclusive growth of our nation, especially as we recover as one nation from the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
This year's Bangsamoro anniversary carries the theme “Moral Governance: Building Strong Foundations for a Better Bangsamoro.” The weeklong celebration is expected to begin on Jan. 18.
On Jan. 21, 2019, majority of voters in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) approved Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The law created the Bangsamoro region with larger territory and certain wealth-sharing and power-sharing arrangements with the national government.