COTABATO CITY -- Top officials in the Bangsamoro region, including all five provincial governors, are backing a call by a key presidential aide for stronger cooperation between the national government and local stakeholders.

Jordan Bayam, minister of the interior and local government for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said regional leaders have full confidence in Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Anton Lagdameo Jr. as a "trusted bridge" to Malacañang.

"His efforts have helped strengthen coordination and ensured that the concerns and priorities of the Bangsamoro people are heard at the national level," Bayam said, adding that close cooperation is vital for the region's peace and development agenda.

The statements follow Lagdameo's recent address at a Regional Development Council meeting in Cagayan de Oro City, where he spoke on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Lagdameo stressed that national agencies, local government units and the private sector must align their priorities to ensure economic gains reach ordinary families.

Bayam said Lagdameo's message reflects a partnership that allows both governments to maintain open communication despite the region’s unique governance structure.

"Maintaining strong cooperation between the national and regional governments will be vital to ensuring stability and supporting BARMM's democratic transition in the months ahead," Bayam said.

The show of support was solidified during a recent meeting with BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, Lanao del Sur Governor Bombit Adiong, Tawi-Tawi Governor Mang Sali, Maguindanao del Sur Governor Kagui Ali Midtimbang, Maguindanao del Norte Governor Tucao Mastura, Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman and Bayam.

The unified stance comes at a critical time for the region. Continued coordination will be essential as the territory prepares for its historic, first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, scheduled for September 2026.