Macacua cites national-regional unity as BARMM marks 7th anniversary

COTABATO CITY - Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua on Wednesday credited the national government’s respect for regional autonomy as the cornerstone of Bangsamoro progress, reaffirming the region’s commitment to national authority and the Philippine Constitution.

Speaking at the 7th Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Foundation Anniversary, Macacua addressed an audience that included President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and various national and regional officials. He emphasized that the region’s development is unfolding strictly within the framework of the 1987 Constitution and the existing peace agreement, stating that the Bangsamoro government supports rather than obstructs national commitments to peace.

"This administration will not prevent the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro — we support and protect it," Macacua said.

The Chief Minister characterized BARMM’s autonomy not as an act of separation, but as a working model of devolved governance within a united republic.

He noted that the presence of the president and national leaders served as a clear affirmation of the central government’s role in sustaining the Bangsamoro transition.

According to Macacua, autonomy functions as a vital mechanism to bring governance, justice, and development closer to communities historically affected by conflict.

Macacua highlighted several 2025 milestones as evidence that the autonomy model is delivering results for the people.

The region attracted nearly ₱5 billion in investments, completed more than 500 infrastructure projects, and expanded health and social protection services. He also noted that these initiatives generated employment for thousands of youth and strengthened regional justice and peace mechanisms.

The Chief Minister also pointed to an unprecedented show of unity among regional members of parliament, provincial governors, and mayors.

He argued that this internal alignment under one administration strengthens both regional governance and national stability.

Looking toward the remainder of the year, Macacua announced the Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro Agenda.

He said the administration will amplify, rather than change, its direction in 2026 by committing billions of pesos toward governance reform, economic development, education, and infrastructure. He stressed that sustained coordination with the national government, combined with accountable regional leadership, remains essential to ensuring inclusive growth.

The ceremony concluded with Macacua’s pledge to continue honoring the historical sacrifices that led to autonomy by building institutions that serve both the Bangsamoro people and the nation as a whole.