21 January 2023
Assalamualaikum!
Four years ago, the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was passed after garnering more than 1.5 million yes votes, paving the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Since its establishment, the BARMM has embodied the dreams and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people. It continues to gain major strides as a leading commercial, trading and tourism hub in Mindanao.
The BARMM has become synonymous with good, responsive and people-centered governance, and has remained true to the spirit of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the landmark law signed between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The region has now become a place where Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous Peoples can live in peace, harmony, and prosperity.
The theme of this year’s founding anniversary “Sama-Samang Pagtataguyod Sa Isang Mas Mapayapa At Mas Masaganang Bangsamoro” is a testament of the BARMM leadership’s steadfast commitment to uplift the lives of its people and build a better future for them.
Moreover, this theme is in line with the efforts of the Marcos administration to move forward the development of the Bangsamoro region, and make it a centerpiece of genuine peace and sustainable development in the country.
The BARMM government has responded to this challenge by strengthening all levels of the bureaucracy and passing crucial legislation in preparation for the first regional elections in 2025.
I congratulate Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, as well as BARMM’s other officials for the outstanding work you have done over the past four years. You are civil servants in the truest sense whose goal is to ensure the best interests of the Bangsamoro people.
Happy anniversary to the BARMM and the Bangsamoro people! Mabuhay po kayong lahat!###
