President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended the 7th Founding Anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao/Screen grabbed from RTVM’s livestream, January 21, 2026.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday highlighted the importance of expanding economic and livelihood opportunities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Speaking at the 7th Bangsamoro Foundation Day in Maguindanao del Norte, Marcos acknowledged the progress in the region but said further work is needed to improve the lives of its residents.
He noted visible changes and a sense of optimism as he traveled through Cotabato, saying the growing confidence among local communities reflects the positive impact of the Bangsamoro government.
Marcos encouraged continuing efforts to create jobs, raise household incomes, and ensure that development benefits reach every family in the region. He emphasized the need to prioritize the welfare of all Filipinos.
The President also expressed hope that the upcoming BARMM elections on March 30, postponed after Supreme Court rulings on Bangsamoro Autonomy Acts 58 and 77, will allow residents to freely choose their leaders and shape the future of their region.
Marcos urged Bangsamoro residents to prioritize unity and collaboration in governance, noting that the region has a unique opportunity to build a government “from scratch” without repeating past mistakes.
He expressed optimism about the future of BARMM, saying that the nearly four and a half million residents have the chance to benefit from peace and development, and that the region can flourish as it reaps the rewards of sustained progress.
