President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to supporting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and boosting economic development across Mindanao.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the BARMM Parliament at the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City on Friday, October 30, the President emphasized the administration’s dedication to regional progress.
”I reaffirm the National Government’s support for Bangsamoro autonomy and democratic institutions. We stand ready to work with the government formally constituted by this newly elected Parliament,” Marcos stated.
”To the people of the Bangsamoro: the National Government stands with you. Your success is the success of the country. Hinding-hindi namin kayo pababayaan,” he added.
Addressing the newly inducted members of parliament, Marcos urged them to lead with modesty and remember the sacrifices made to achieve self-governance.
”To the Members of this Parliament: Never forget the struggle that people have endured. Serve with humility. Carry the hopes of many generations and honor their sacrifices through good governance,” Marcos said.
He also stressed that the coalition must prioritize unity, statesmanship, and cooperation to foster a peaceful and progressive region.
According to the President, a stable governance framework relies on enacting responsive legislation, managing public resources with transparency and efficiency, and ensuring that peace delivers tangible benefits to local families.
”Above all, it means ensuring that the dividends of peace are felt in the daily lives of every Bangsamoro family,” Marcos noted.
The Chief Executive paid homage to families affected by years of conflict, as well as leaders from all factions who contributed to the peace process, which led to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the Bangsamoro Organic Law, and the initial creation of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.
He highlighted the milestone as a pivotal shift from armed conflict to peaceful democratic governance.
The historical trajectory of the peace process spans decades, beginning with the 1976 Tripoli Agreement between the national government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), followed by the 1996 Final Peace Agreement.
Subsequent milestones included the 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (Republic Act No. 11054) in 2018 to replace the former ARMM, and the subsequent parliamentary elections following multiple adjustments to the transition period.