President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim during the first BARMM Local Legislative General Assembly held on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 in Davao City. (Faisal Camsa Jr./BIO)
DAVAO CITY—President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the developmental initiatives of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Government during the first BARMM Local Legislative General Assembly held on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
Addressing the vice mayors and councilors, President Marcos expressed, “To all our BARMM leaders, I assure you this administration’s unwavering support for the development agenda to achieve sustainable and peaceful self-governance.”
“I have never recognized a Mindanao problem. Whatever problem is in Mindanao is a Philippine problem, and that is why it requires efforts of all governments to make sure that BARMM will be a success in the future,” President Marcos Jr. emphasized.
Recognizing the historical significance of the assembly, the President stated that it was a historic and landmark day, emphasizing that it measured the progress made over many decades of striving for peace.
He also acknowledged the strategic significance of the ongoing peace initiatives led by development partners and diverse stakeholders, highlighting their political relevance in navigating the landscape of the transition period.
“With these initiatives, we will usher in a new era where BARMM becomes a shining beacon of sustainable development in Mindanao and the rest of the Philippines,” he stressed.
“We venture together on this collective journey. I invite each and every Filipino to significantly take part in forging our path of progress of inclusivity and prosperity for the Bangsamoro region and the entire nation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim emphasized the importance of the assembly, stating, “As we come together, let this assembly serve as a reminder that all our efforts to push for peaceful and progressive communities run parallel and align with the efforts of the national government.”
He emphasized the importance of remembering that their roles as legislators carry the weight of responsibility and the power to write and shape the destiny of the Bangsamoro homeland and its people.
“It is a great privilege that demands a deep sense of duty, transparency, and a genuine desire to uplift the lives of our constituents through moral governance,” the Chief Minister said.
Sulu Vice Mayor Almedzar Hajiri,
Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VLMP)-BARMM President, spearheaded the said assembly which marks a pivotal moment in the region’s journey toward progress. (Majid Nur/BIO)
