Cotabato city: The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) reaffirmed its partnership in advancing inclusive and sustainable development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as it celebrated its 7th founding anniversary on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, MinDA Secretary Leo Terso Magno expressed his honor in joining the celebration, highlighting that BARMM's anniversary theme signifies the unity and resilience of the Bangsamoro people. MinDA, as the national government's primary planning, policy-coordination, and advocacy arm for Mindanao, is committed to collaborating with BARMM on regional and international cooperation, particularly through the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Magno emphasized that through BIMP-EAGA, MinDA ensures that BARMM's priorities are well-represented in cross-border trade, investment, and connectivity initiatives. These efforts aim to create opportunities for Bangsamoro enterprises to access regional markets.
Looking to the future, Magno mentioned that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed hope for the upcoming BARMM elections, emphasizing the importance of allowing the Bangsamoro people to freely express their voices and aspirations.
During his speech at the anniversary program in Cotabato City on Wednesday, President Marcos urged unity and sustained peace in BARMM, calling for stronger collaboration between the national government and Bangsamoro leadership. He highlighted that peace and cooperation are essential to ensuring lasting progress in the region and described the creation of BARMM as a landmark achievement for the entire country.
President Marcos noted that the Bangsamoro government's development plans align with national priorities, stressing that coordination between the two levels of government would have a more significant impact. He concluded by stating that public service becomes more meaningful when carried out in the spirit of solidarity and collaboration.
