COTABATO CITY(January 23) — With the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao entering a critical political chapter, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged the Bangsamoro people to fully exercise their right to vote in the upcoming regional elections, calling it key to building accountable, people-centered governance.
Speaking at the opening of the 7th Founding Anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Marcos emphasized that democratic participation remains central to the region’s long-term peace and progress.
“It is our hope that the upcoming BARMM elections will serve as an opportunity for our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters to freely express their voices and aspirations,” the President said. “We aspire to further strengthen a leadership that truly serves the people — one that reinforces democracy and accountability.”
Marcos said future generations deserve governance anchored on participation, transparency, and shared responsibility, stressing that the gains achieved through peace must be actively protected.
“We must stand as guardians of the progress that we have made through peace,” he said. “Let us always choose unity and cooperation over division.”
Linking the Bangsamoro peace process to his administration’s national vision, Marcos called on residents and leaders alike to help build a “Bagong Pilipinas” founded on peace, unity, and hope for a better future.
The President also reaffirmed the national government’s continued support for BARMM, urging the regional government to build on peace gains by accelerating economic growth and improving people’s quality of life.
While acknowledging progress over the past seven years, Marcos said the work is far from over.
“Peace is a vital foundation for progress,” he said. “It is our shared responsibility to harness peace to further develop the region.”
He pushed for expanded livelihood and economic opportunities, higher living standards, and sustained focus on the welfare of Bangsamoro families.
BARMM was formally established following the enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2018 and its ratification through a two-part plebiscite on January 21 and February 6, 2019, replacing the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
January 21 is now observed as Bangsamoro Foundation Day, marking what Marcos described as a milestone in the country’s pursuit of lasting peace and unity.
This year’s anniversary carries the theme: “BARMM 2026: Simbolo ng Pagkakaisa, Alaala sa mga Sakripisyo, at Pagpapatuloy ng Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro.”
As BARMM looks ahead to its next elections, Marcos’ message was clear: peace has opened the door—now it is up to the people to walk through it and shape the region’s future.
