BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, together with members of the Bangsamoro Board of Investments, leads the approval of investments during the ceremony. (BBOI)
COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) eclipsed its entire 2025 investment target within the first quarter of 2025, securing P3.2 billion in approved projects—surpassing its P3 billion annual goal months ahead of schedule.
This remarkable display of BARMM’s economic momentum was announced in a press release on April 4, 2025, through the Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI). The board greenlit strategic ventures across high-impact sectors that include:
-Agriculture/Agribusiness: Expansion of bamboo plantations and abaca fiber processing facilities, capitalizing on the region’s fertile land and traditional industries.
-Healthcare: Construction of a medical center to address gaps in regional healthcare access.
-Future Opportunities: Islamic finance and halal tourism projects are in advanced discussions, poised to leverage BARMM’s cultural assets.
These projects are projected to generate 1,200 direct and indirect jobs, empowering local communities and stimulating ancillary businesses.
The board said, BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua’s steadfast commitment to Moral Governance—a policy framework initiated by former Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim—has been instrumental in fostering stability.
“This milestone reflects the peace dividends of the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” noted Chief Minister Macacua.
“Investors now see BARMM not just as a post-conflict region, but as a land of untapped potential,” the Chief Minister added.
BBOI Chair Pasigan emphasized the timing’s significance, “Surpassing our target before the May 2025 elections defies conventional expectations. This isn’t just about capital—it’s a testament to institutional credibility.”
He cited the 172% overperformance in 2024 (P4.7 billion vs. P2.6 billion target), including the KCC Mall of Cotabato logistics hub, as proof of sustained momentum.
The investments are projected to Boost GDP per capita through higher wages and value-added industries; Enhance rural-urban connectivity via linked agricultural and healthcare infrastructure; and Position BARMM as a halal economy leader, attracting Gulf and ASEAN partners.
“We’re not just meeting targets—we’re rewriting BARMM’s economic narrative,” Pasigan concluded.
This economic milestone signals investor confidence amidst regional transformation. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO with reports from BBOI)
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