BARMM greenlights ₱1.6B investments for 2026; farmers, communities stand to benefit

COTABATO CITY (January 27) — The Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI) has approved ₱1.6 billion worth of projects, marking a “strong and promising start” for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in fiscal year 2026. The approvals were made during the first BBOI board meeting of the year, held Thursday as part of the three-day celebration of BARMM’s 7th founding anniversary.

BBOI Chair Mohammad Omar Pasigan said the projects reflect BARMM’s sustained focus on job creation, sectoral development, and inclusive growth under the “Economic Jihad” investment branding.

“These new investments exemplify our continuing efforts to advance the economic jihad in BARMM, anchored on the vision and leadership of Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua under the ‘Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro’ administration,” Pasigan said.

“Our focus remains on attracting investments that create jobs, strengthen key sectors, and uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro people.”

BBOI board member for Maguindanao del Norte, Michael Abas Kida, described the investments as “pregnant with bright prospects” for the province’s agricultural sector, signaling growing investor confidence in BARMM’s stable, transparent, and business-friendly environment.

During the January 21 opening of BARMM’s founding anniversary, graced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua reported that the region recorded ₱5 billion in investments in 2025, demonstrating a sustained upward trend in investor interest.

Sectoral breakdown and community impact

The approved projects cover key sectors—agriculture, water, and support services—designed to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and uplift local communities.

Total Investment: ₱1.6B | Total Jobs Created: 900+

Local voices

The investments have been welcomed by farmers and community leaders in affected areas.

“This project gives us hope that we can finally sell our produce at better prices and improve our livelihoods,” said Ali Musa, a coffee and corn farmer from Datu Odin Sinsuat.

“It will also provide jobs for our young people so they won’t have to leave the community for work.”

“Access to clean, reliable water has been a problem for years. This new facility means our children will have better health, and businesses can grow,” said Rina Santos, a resident of Cotabato City.

The BBOI reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating projects aligned with the BARMM Strategic Investment Priority Plan, which targets key sectors such as agriculture, water, energy, logistics, and social services, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development for the Bangsamoro people.