COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Barely a week after his election as chief minister of the first-ever regular Bangsamoro Parliament, Abdulraof Macacua announced the newly constituted Cabinet of the Government of the Day (GOTD).
Macacua named 15 officials to lead regional ministries and four others to head an agency and key offices under the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM). The announcement followed a rigorous evaluation process led by a screening committee headed by Minister Jordan Bayam, who previously served as the chief of the Ministry of Interior and Local Government under the transition government.
Streamed live on the official Bangsamoro Government social media page, the announcement marks a key milestone for the autonomous region. The newly appointed lineup features a blend of seasoned administrators and returning officials:
- Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education: MP Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo
- Ministry of Social Services and Development: Atty. Alirakim Munder
- Ministry of Health: MP Atty. Jimael Salam D. Salliman
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform: MP Atty. Ishak V. Mastura
- Ministry of Interior and Local Government: Jordan S. Bayam
- Ministry of Public Order and Safety: Datu Jomar U. Midtimbang
- Ministry of Labor and Employment: MP Atty. Kitem D. Kadatuan Jr.
- Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism: Atty. Faizal M. Padate
- Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs: MP Jo Genna Jover
- Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management: Atty. Ubaida C. Pacasem
- Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy: MP Akmad Brahim
- Ministry of Science and Technology: MP Hanie Bud
- Ministry of Human Settlements and Development: MP Engr. Rashdi T. Adiong
- Ministry of Transportation and Communication: Termizie G. Masahud
- Ministry of Public Works: Engr. Basir M. Ibrahim
Ministers Pacasem, Brahim, Bayam, and Masahud were reappointed to their respective posts. Meanwhile, Sinarimbo returns to the Cabinet after previously serving under interim Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim from 2019 to 2023. MP Jo Genna Jover stands out as the lone woman heading a ministry in the new administration. Except for Jover, all members of the Cabinet belong to the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP).
Reflecting on the milestone, Macacua emphasized the significance of the appointments:
“Today, we mark a defining moment in our history. And I am happy to announce to the Bangsamoro that we have formally constituted the Government of the Day Cabinet with the following appointments.”
Additionally, former Bangsamoro Transition Authority Member of Parliament Atty. Laisa Alamia was tapped to lead the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA). Under the OCM, Abdullah Cusain was appointed Cabinet Secretary, MP Abunawas Maslamama as Senior Minister, and Atty. Duque Kadatuan as Bangsamoro Attorney General.
Concluding his announcement, Macacua reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to public welfare:
“To my fellow Bangsamoro, this government is yours. We will pursue a policy of moral governance, integrity, and accountability.”