President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appeared to acknowledge that the ease of doing business in other parts of the country has not been effectively implemented, as he encouraged officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) not to emulate the national government, where red tape persists.

“I’m sorry to say, when we were talking about investment, what businessmen are really looking for—what are businessmen really looking for? It’s the ease of doing business. It’s easy to establish a corporation, to register, as permits are not that high. That’s what we are looking for,” Marcos said during his speech at the 7th Bangsamoro Foundation Day at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex.

“Huwag n’yong gagayahin ’yung nangyari sa national government na patong-patong na ang regulation, tatlong taon bago maibigay ’yung papel na napakasimple lang na bagay. And that is your opportunity—that is your opportunity—that you can make your government into what exactly it is you want to make it,” he stressed.

In October 2025, the Bangsamoro Board of Investments reported that BARMM achieved a historic milestone as total registered investments for 2025 reached P5 billion, generating 2,029 jobs across the region.

The newly approved projects include a Filipino-owned Islamic bank and an investment operation under Republic Act No. 11439 to be established in Marawi City, which is expected to generate 44 employment opportunities. Also approved was a foreign-owned agriculture and agribusiness investment in Amai Manabilang, projected to create 499 new jobs for residents.

Stronger development

Meanwhile, Marcos assured continued support from the national government as he called on BARMM to build on the gains of peace by accelerating economic growth and improving the quality of life of its people.

He said that while significant progress has been made, much more work remains to be done.

The President noted that the past seven years have seen development and strengthened institutions in the region, as well as deeper ties between the national and Bangsamoro governments, describing the establishment of BARMM as a milestone in the country’s pursuit of lasting peace and unity.

“My fellow Filipinos, we have come a long way. Still, there is work to be done. Peace is a vital foundation for progress; it is our shared responsibility to harness peace to further develop the region,” Marcos said.

“So, let us continue to expand livelihood and economic opportunities in the BARMM. Let us raise the standard of living of every family in the region. And let us always prioritize the welfare of every Filipino,” he added.

The President assured the people of BARMM of the national government’s continued commitment to support the region in pursuing lasting peace and inclusive development.

“As we pursue these goals, you can count on the national government to help you every step of the way,” he said.

21 January is officially recognized as Bangsamoro Foundation Day to commemorate the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law through the 2019 plebiscite—a historic event that formally established BARMM.