PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed optimism that the inaugural parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) would advance peace, good governance and economic development in the region.
During the presidential luncheon hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines at Diamond Hotel Philippines in Manila, Marcos said his priority is to ensure that BARMM succeeds as an autonomous government capable of delivering services and improving the lives of its people.
He said violence in the region has significantly declined compared with the organized violence and secessionist movements of previous decades.
“When you say violence is continuing [in the region], perhaps, yes, to an extent that’s true, but it is perhaps very, very small. The level of that is very, very much lower in comparison to what we had before,” he said.
“I’m more worried about the development. I’m more concerned in making BARMM a success, that it becomes a region, an autonomous region, that is successful in terms of providing service to its people, to its constituents, and that there will be progress in terms of the economy, in terms of jobs, in terms of people’s livelihoods,” Marcos added.
Marcos said the elections scheduled for Sept. 14 are significant because they will mark the first time the autonomous government will be led by an elected parliament.
He said the elections would give stakeholders a voice in deciding regional issues and allow BARMM to manage its own affairs while remaining part of the national government.
Marcos also noted growing interest from Muslim countries, Japan, the European Union and Gulf states in investing in the region once stability is established.
“That is why the elections in September are so important for the development of Muslim Mindanao,” Marcos said.
He said a credible, transparent and peaceful election would be a major step forward for the regional government and could pave the way for further development.
Marcos also rejected the characterization of the situation as merely a “Mindanao problem,” saying it is a “Philippine problem” and that progress in Bangsamoro would benefit the entire country.
“I can already anticipate that the progress, the development that will go on in BARMM will be tremendous,” Marcos said. (PNA)
