President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. ensured that the government is prioritizing the development of the newly created provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte. (https://images.mb.com.ph/production/mb-mkt-neo-prod-1-uploads/Fuzk_TF_2a_AAE_Yw_Ri_8952b5370b/Fuzk_TF_2a_AAE_Yw_Ri_8952b5370b.jfif) *New provinces -- President Marcos swears in the new officials of the two new Maguindanao provinces in Malacañang on April 28, 2023. (Malacañang photo)*
Marcos said this during the oath-taking of the officials from the two provinces in Malacañang on April 28. In his speech, the President assured the new officials that they could count on the national government's support, particularly during the transition period. “Malaking bagay sa amin na ito’y maging maayos dahil makakapagdala na tayo ng development sa iba’t ibang lugar (It's a big deal for us to ensure that everything is in order as we can now bring development to different places). That is why this is so important to give because this is a grand opportunity," he said. "It is of high priority that all of these be a success. You can count on us; you can count on me. And I think that we know each other well enough that we can trust each other to be in partnership with the success of both our new provinces," he added.

sina Bobby Bondula Midtimbang, Ahmil Hussein Ampatuan Macapendeg, Yussef Abubakar Musali Paglas, at Alonto Jr. Montawal Bangkulit. pic.twitter.com/R8fvBk03tQ

— Presidential Communications Office (@pcogovph) April 28, 2023

Marcos acknowledged that the two provinces might experience a few birthing pains, but with the cooperation, understanding, and compromise that the officials have displayed, there will be two strong functioning provinces borne out of Maguindanao province. He said the current challenge was in organizing the two provinces well so that the division of the province of Maguindanao would benefit both new provinces. "Although we are presently still in transition, I think that we have an opportunity to make that transition most advantageous to all of us," Marcos said. Among those who were appointed and sworn in by the President on Friday were Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraop Abdul Macasena; Vice Governor Fatima Ainee Limbona Sinsuat; and board members Armando Mastura, Mashur Ampatuan Biruar, Datu Rommel Seismundo Sinsuat, Alexa Ashley Tomawis, and Aldulnasser Maliga Abas. The Maguindanao del Sur officials who took their oath of office were Governor Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu; Vice Governor Nathaniel Sangacala Midtimbang; and board members Bobby Bondula Midtimbang, Ahmil Hussein Macapendeg, Yussef Abubakar Musali Paglas, Alonto Montamal Baghulit, and Taharudin Nul Mlor. In May 2021, former President Duterte signed into law Republic Act No. (RA) 11550, dividing the province of Maguindanao into two distinct and independent provinces known as Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.