Photo by Hamdan Badrudin/BIO
COTABATO CITY—The celebration of the city’s 64th founding anniversary on Tuesday, June 20, highlighted the gains of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as a testament to the positive outcomes of a culturally diverse region governed by mutual understanding, reflecting the shared aspirations for a peaceful and progressive community.
Cotabato City, recognized as the seat of the Bangsamoro Government, has encountered numerous challenges, particularly with the significant transformation of its socioeconomic and socio-political landscape following its inclusion in the autonomous region through the consensus affirmative decision of Cotabateños in the historic 2019 plebiscite.
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim expressed his desire to uphold the unity exhibited by the people and urged everyone to foster collaborations that bridge gaps, leading to economic prosperity and a sustainable future for meaningful self-governance.
“This event represents another victory in advancing peace, growth, and prosperity in Cotabato City. This is an excellent moment to reflect on how far we have come as Bangsamoro and how far we can go together,” he said.
He emphasized the symbolic and significant role played by the city as the “Crown Jewel” of the Government of the Day, a result of the decades-long struggle for self-determination.
“As the Crown Jewel of the Bangsamoro Government, the people of Cotabato City are fortunate to live in a city with a rich cultural heritage and resilient communities. It has witnessed many historical events that have nurtured its people, formed its communities, and have shaped the diverse and rich Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” he added.
“Let us join hands and work together to bridge the gaps towards economic prosperity and a sustainable future by investing in smart and strategic infrastructure, conserving and protecting the environment, promoting higher education and holistic learning, advancing agri-fishery productivity and food security, and ensuring that all Cotabatenos are covered by social protection and universal health care,” he further stated.
Meanwhile, Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” D. Matabalao expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support received by his administration from various organizations and the significant contributions made by the Bangsamoro Government to the city’s development and growth.
“Kung hindi tayo magtutulungan, kung wala kayo, hindi natin maaabot ang naabot natin ngayon dito sa Cotabato City,” Mayor Matabalao stressed in deep appreciation to the tremendous support and the unanticipated collective cheers of the Cotabateños for the different conducted activities.
“Ang administrasyong ito ay para sa lahat!,” City Mayor Matabalao passionately uttered in his message.
The administration’s tagline, “Para Sa Lahat”, exemplifies one of the Bangsamoro Government’s goals of enhancing security, peace, and justice, while promoting Bangsamoro culture, heritage, and diversity, fittingly as the capital of BARMM.
As demonstrated by the decision to have four deputy mayors, representing the major sectors of its constituents —Muslims, Christians, Indigenous Peoples, and the Chinese-Filipino community —peace and stability are no longer perceived as elusive ideals.
Furthermore, Cotabateños are encouraged to participate in and witness the remaining activities of the 64th Araw ng Cotabato celebration, including free legal counseling, various academic events, sports, and more, which will continue throughout the month. (Bai Omairah Yusop/BIO)
