ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has approved a P133.91 billion Annual Investment Program (AIP) for fiscal year 2026.

The AIP, approved during the Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council’s Executive Committee (BEDC-ExeCom) meeting last 2 May will fund 637 regional development projects.

These projects span infrastructure, social services, the economy, peace and security and administrative development.

The investment program is part of the updated Bangsamoro Development Investment Program (BDIP) and will guide future budget proposals from regional and external funding sources.

To recall, the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) spearheaded the AIP’s formulation through a collaborative effort involving 34 BARMM ministries and agencies.

According to BPDA Planning Director Melanie Indar, the 2026 investments allocate 11 percent (184 projects) to infrastructure, 16 percent (171 projects) to the social sector, four percent (161 projects) to the economic sector, 29 percent (81 projects) to peace and security, and 44 percent (40 projects) to development administration.

Alongside the AIP, the BEDC adopted enhanced internal rules of procedure (IRP), updating a 2020 resolution. The new rules aim to streamline governance and strengthen representation within the council.

Daren Española, chief of the BEDC Secretariat, presented the updated rules, which include clearer meeting protocols, updated committee structures, and the inclusion of Special Non-Voting Members representing the Special Geographic Areas and key sectoral concerns.

Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, who chairs the BEDC, said the updated procedures will support a more inclusive and transparent policymaking process.

“Our shared priorities remain clear: Education, health, peace, livelihood, infrastructure, security and long-term development,” Macacua said, reaffirming his commitment to Moral Governance.

Macacua emphasized that the enhanced IRP reinforces inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in policymaking and development planning within the BARMM.

Key regional officials, including senior minister Mohammad Yacob and BPDA director general Engr. Mohajirin Ali, along with ministers from various BARMM ministries, attended the BEDC-ExeCom meeting.