COTABATO CITY – Highlighting the need for autonomy to deliver concrete results, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua on Wednesday, Jan. 21, reaffirmed his administration’s “Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro” agenda, anchored on five strategic pillars designed to uplift lives and strengthen regional institutions.
Macacua shared this in his report during the kick-off of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) seventh founding anniversary here.
“Today, there is only one acceptable outcome [for the Bangsamoro]: to uplift the people out of poverty and to develop the Bangsamoro to full potential,” Macacua said.
“This government is present. This government listens. And this government will continue to work for you,” he reaffirmed.
Exactly seven years ago on Jan. 21, 2019, the Bangsamoro Organic Law, officially known as Republic Act No. 11054, established the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, marking a historic step toward self-governance and greater regional autonomy.
“As we enter our seventh year of the BARMM, let us move forward together-united in purpose, honoring sacrifice, and building a Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro (Stronger Bangsamoro),” Macacua said.
Significant Milestones
In his anniversary message, the Chief Minister highlighted the major accomplishments of the Bangsamoro interim government over the past year.
“As we remember our past, we also recognize what we have achieved,” Macacua said.
“These achievements demonstrate that BARMM’s systems and programs are designed to work for the people, ensuring steady progress across our region,” he added.
Autonomy in 2025
Macacua reported that the region attracted nearly P5 billion in investments, creating employment opportunities while expanding social protection initiatives for the Bangsamoro people.
He also cited the completion of around 500 infrastructure projects, alongside continued efforts by justice and peace institutions that helped resolve conflicts and reinforce stability and harmony in the region.
‘Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro’ agenda
Central to Macacua’s address was his five-point Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro agenda, which focuses on Gobyerno (governance), Pamayanan (community), Kabuhayan (livelihood), Seguridad (security), and Pananampalataya (faith).
“Together, these define how we govern, grow our economy, build and protect our communities, and preserve what makes us Bangsamoro while moving forward as one people,” Macacua said.
On governance, he committed to continuing performance-based incentives for local government units, strengthening information and communications technology (ICT) initiatives, granting schools greater autonomy over daily operations, reinforcing the justice system, expanding immediate cash assistance programs, and investing in the permanent Bangsamoro Government Center.
For livelihood development, Macacua vowed to intensify efforts to attract investments, strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), support farmers and fisherfolk to boost food production and income, engage youth in meaningful work experiences, advance economic zones and trade development, and pursue capital-intensive flagship projects.
He also underscored investments in education and learning environments, improved access to medical services, protection of vulnerable sectors, and the creation of safe and sustainable communities through infrastructure and climate resilience programs, supported by dedicated regional development funding.
On security, the Chief Minister emphasized sustained monitoring of joint security operations, support to local government units in addressing peace and order concerns, continued peace-building initiatives, allocation of funds for conflict-affected communities, and honoring the sacrifices of those who fought for lasting peace in BARMM.
Under the faith pillar, Macacua said the government would continue supporting religious guidance, faith-based education and moral formation, spiritual well-being, and educational assistance for underprivileged youth grounded in values.
One Bangsamoro
Macacua stressed that the success of the Bangsamoro transition depends on collective action and cooperation.
“The Bangsamoro Government cannot succeed alone,” he said.
He called on Bangsamoro ministries, offices, and agencies, local chief executives, former combatants, youth, women, and the entire Bangsamoro citizenry to work as one in ensuring a peaceful, progressive, and Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
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