President Marcos said the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is now beginning to reap the dividends of peace, urging regional leaders to accelerate development and attract investments to raise living standards in the region.

Speaking at the 7th Bangsamoro Foundation Day at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City, President Marcos said peace remains the foundation of progress and must now be translated into concrete economic gains for Bangsamoro communities.

“Peace is a vital foundation for progress; it is our shared responsibility to harness peace to further develop the region,” he said on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Marcos vowed that the national government will continue to support BARMM as it expands livelihood opportunities and strengthens its economy, stressing that development gains should be felt by every family in the region.

“As we pursue these goals, you can count on the national government to help you every step of the way,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos said the development plans presented by the Bangsamoro government are closely aligned with national programs, urging regional officials to fully tap existing national initiatives to accelerate growth.

“Take advantage of those national programs. Gamitin ninyo yung mga national program (Use them) to bring it here to Bangsamoro,” he said.

“And that way, if we work together, as we all know, whenever everybody works together, there is a synergy. It’s not one plus one equals two; it’s one plus one sometimes three, sometimes four,” he added.

President Marcos said he has observed visible improvements in BARMM, noting a shift in public sentiment as peace and development take root in the region.

He said this sense of optimism reflects one of the key achievements of establishing the Bangsamoro government.

The President urged BARMM leaders to prioritize ease of doing business to attract investors, saying the region has a unique opportunity to build efficient institutions from the ground up.

“I say that because you are creating a government from a blank sheet – on a blank sheet of paper. You do not need to make the same mistakes that everybody else has done in the past,” he said.

He pointed out that simplifying registration, permits, and regulatory processes will be critical in drawing businesses and creating jobs in the region.

The BARMM was established in 2019 following the ratification of Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which replaced the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and introduced expanded self-governance and a parliamentary system.

The creation of BARMM marked the culmination of decades-long peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, laying the groundwork for lasting peace and regional autonomy.

This year’s three-day celebration, held from Jan. 21 to 23 under the theme “BARMM 2026: Simbolo ng Pagkakaisa, Alaala sa mga Sakripisyo, at Pagpapatuloy ng Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro,” highlights unity, honors shared sacrifices, and reinforces efforts toward inclusive growth.

Activities include ceremonial turnovers, distribution of assistance, and the rollout of programs and projects by Bangsamoro ministries in coordination with partner government agencies.