Photo courtesy: Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA)
DAVAO CITY(January 23) — As the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) marked its 7th founding anniversary, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the Bangsamoro government in pushing inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable development in the region.
“MinDA is honored to join this year’s celebration,” said Leo Terso Magno, MinDA secretary, noting that the anniversary theme reflects the unity and resilience of the Bangsamoro people.
Magno said MinDA will continue to serve as the national government’s planning, policy-coordination, and advocacy arm for Mindanao, strengthening cooperation with BARMM not only at the national level but also through regional and international platforms.
A key focus, he said, is BARMM’s active participation in the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), which links Mindanao and the Bangsamoro region to neighboring economies in Southeast Asia.
“Through BIMP-EAGA, MinDA ensures BARMM’s priorities are represented in cross-border trade, investment, and connectivity initiatives,” Magno said, adding that this opens new market opportunities for Bangsamoro enterprises.
The renewed partnership comes as BARMM continues to position itself as a growing economic and governance region following years of peace-building efforts.
Looking ahead, Magno said Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed hope that the upcoming BARMM elections will give the Bangsamoro people a free and meaningful opportunity to express their aspirations.
Speaking during the anniversary program in Cotabato City on Wednesday, President Marcos underscored the importance of unity, peace, and cooperation in sustaining the region’s progress. He described the creation of BARMM as a landmark national achievement, born out of sacrifice and dialogue.
“The establishment of BARMM is proof that sacrifice, dialogue, and unity are the keys to lasting peace,” the President said.
Marcos also noted that BARMM’s development plans are closely aligned with national priorities, stressing that stronger coordination between the Bangsamoro government and the national government will produce greater impact on the ground.
“Public service becomes more meaningful when it is carried out in the spirit of solidarity and collaboration,” he said.
For MinDA, the message is clear: peace, partnership, and regional cooperation remain central to ensuring that BARMM’s gains translate into lasting opportunities for communities across the Bangsamoro region and Mindanao as a whole.
