BARMM poverty rate declines
The poverty incidence among families in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) declined from 28.0 percent in 2021 to 23.5 percent in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) attributed the improvement to governance reforms and institution-building during the transition period, saying better socioeconomic indicators reflect an improved quality of life for the Bangsamoro people. Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said the transition has always been focused on building institutions that deliver lasting change through peace, good governance, and inclusive growth. Since BARMM’s establishment, the regional government has enacted key laws, including the Administrative, Local Governance, Civil Service, Electoral, and Education Codes, while strengthening public service delivery and institutional accountability. Member of Parliament Kitem Duque Kadatuan Jr., chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Budget and Management, said sustaining progress will require continued investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, livelihoods, and job creation. The BTA said it remains committed to strengthening governance, promoting transparency, attracting investments, and expanding access to essential government services across the region.
