DAVAO CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, November 14, expressed optimism that the collaboration between the Bangsamoro and the national governments would contribute significantly to development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The President recognized the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines and the BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government for coordinating and hosting the First BARMM Local Legislative General Assembly at the Acacia Hotel Davao in Lanang.

Marcos said the valuable perspectives and actions arising from the conversations in the assembly are essential for attaining peace and development in the Philippines and the BARMM government.

“It is historic, and it is a landmark day because it is a measure of the progress that we have made over so many decades as we have strived for peace. We have made some false starts. We have come to some successes. But we have never come this far,” Marcos said.

Marcos encouraged cooperation and coordination between the national and Bangsamoro legislative offices. He said that the country and BARMM still have to learn about the organization of the new regional autonomous government.

“I have never recognized a Mindanao problem. Whatever problem is in Mindanao is a Philippine problem, and that is why it requires all government efforts to ensure that the BARMM will succeed in the future,” he said.

Marcos said there is still much work that needs to be done. He urged Bangsamoro officials to maintain the progress achieved in the region and explore diverse partnerships that will boost the socio-economic well-being of the Bangsamoro people.

The President assured the administration will continue to support the development agenda of the BARMM to achieve sustainable and peaceful self-governance. He said the government continues to promote the BARMM and seek help from other countries for support.

Marcos recalled that during his recent visit Japan, he and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida signed and exchanged diplomatic notes on the non-project grant aid for the acquisition of $6.8-million worth of construction equipment for the road network improvement and disaster quick response operation in BARMM.

“We have continued in our contacts around – in the trips that I have taken for the government, especially when we are talking to Malaysia and other Islamic countries, we continue to remind them that BARMM still needs their support,” he said.

Marcos said those countries he visited earlier have pledged their support, adding that with these initiatives, the government will usher in a new era where BARMM becomes a shining beacon of sustainable development in Mindanao and the rest of the Philippines.

Naguib G. Sinarimbo, minister of the BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, urged Bangsamoro officials to use their mandated power to legislate laws and evolve policies that will genuinely contribute to their region's peace, prosperity, and development so that the country can finally achieve its dream of peace, progress, and development. 

Sinarimbo said the structure of the government is mirrored at every tier of the government, from the national to the provincial to cities and to municipalities, where everyone has a legislative branch and an executive branch.

“This is the excellent time to explore and highlight the significant contribution of legislative bodies and study their similarities and uniqueness across different years of our government from the barangays, municipalities, cities, the region, and the national government,” Sinarimbo said.

He said that establishing a system tailored to the Bangsamoro in the BARMM region, especially during the current implementation of the peace agreement, will not only affirm one’s distinct identity but also contribute to a broader Filipino identity.

“The role of legislators in shaping a collective future for all of us becomes increasingly significant. Let us all take this opportunity to converse about how best we can bring your expertise and your unique insights from your respective communities,” Sinarimbo said.

He added that this is to contribute to shaping institutions in the Bangsamoro government where they will provide inputs or, even better, participate in the regional government institutions so that they can reflect and walk towards a more participative and democratic Bangsamoro government.

“The BARMM is currently at the stage of institution building, and it may be essential to provide you with a seat in the region's governance institutions. We would be happy to hear how we can implement this,” Sinarimbo said.