President Marcos believes that the national and Bangsamoro governments will now have a "greater cooperation" towards development.
Speaking at the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) local legislative general assembly in Davao City on Tuesday, Nov. 14, Marcos expressed optimism that a better cooperation and coordination between the governments are expected, especially with the convening of the inaugural legislative assembly.
“The national and Bangsamoro governments will now have greater cooperation because of these offices that are now been established. We will have greater cooperation, greater coordination, and we will converge towards the realization of our shared endeavors,” he said.
Marcos emphasized that the activation of mechanisms of the inter-governmental relations body is key to establishing a greater cooperation between the Bangasamoro and national government.
He also stressed that the problems of Mindanao are problems of the Philippines, thus greater cooperation is needed.
With this, the President urged local officials to explore various collaborations aimed to improve the lives of their constituents.
“The insights and initiatives that will transpire from this discussion are crucial to our goal of achieving peace and progress in our nation and BARMM governments … As you use this platform to assess the challenges in the implementation of the Organic Act for the BARMM, [may] you also explore various collaborations that will improve the socio-economic condition of the Bangsamoro people,” Marcos said.
The Chief Executive also assured that his administration will continue to support BARMM’s development agenda.
He also informed them that the Philippines and Japan signed and exchanged the Diplomatic Notes on the Non-Project Grant Aid for the acquisition of $6.8 million-worth of construction equipment for road network improvement and disaster quick response operation in BARMM.
This project aims to aid in relief operations, including the restoration of vital access roads, bridges, and waterways, as well as to assist in relief operations after natural disasters and calamities.
“With these initiatives, we will usher in a new era where BARMM becomes a shining beacon of sustainable development in Mindanao and the rest of the Philippines. As we venture together on this collective journey, I invite each and every Filipino to significantly take part in forging our path of progress, of inclusivity, and prosperity for the Bangsamoro region and the entire nation,” Marcos said.