DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte โ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. turned over โฑ3.4 billion in funds for peace, security, and humanitarian projects to Bangsamoro regional officials, local executives, and stakeholders at the Armyโs Camp Siongco on Wednesday, July 22.
BARMM officials allocated โฑ2.9 billion from the regional coffers during the event for public service and communityโempowerment initiatives.
In his address, Marcos told regional leaders โ led by BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, Regional Local Government Minister Jordan Bayam, and members of the 80-seat parliament โ that his administration remains focused on empowering autonomous communities as part of the Southern Mindanao peace process.
Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. accompanied Marcos to Camp Siongco, the headquarters of the Armyโs 6th Infantry Division.
The combined funds from the national and regional governments aim to tackle underdevelopment in remote areas, bolster emergency response capabilities for the BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government and its five provincial governments, and support the education of children orphaned by the Mindanao conflict.
Macacua expressed gratitude to the president for leading the symbolic turnover.
“We are very grateful to President Marcos for supporting extensively our peace and development efforts in the Bangsamoro region,” Macacua said.
BARMM earmarked portions of its funds for special Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLEโBARMM) projects, including aid for distressed overseas workers and livelihood support to help returning workers reintegrate into society. Minister Muslimin Sema heads MOLEโBARMM and also chairs the Moro National Liberation Front.
Health projects will also receive support, with Marcos and Macacua directly handing over funding to BARMM Health Minister Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr.
Additionally, grants were distributed for local peace and development activities to the city government of Cotabato, led by Mayor Bruce Matabalao, and the five BARMM provincial governments.
Governors Tucao Mastura of Maguindanao del Norte, Ali Midtimbang of Maguindanao del Sur, Mamintal Adiong Jr. of Lanao del Sur, Mujiv Hataman of Basilan, and Ysmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi each received โฑ20 million for their respective provincial programs before the event concluded Wednesday morning.
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