Thank you very much to the DBM Secretary and co-chair, Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

[Please take your seats.]

The House Speaker, Speaker Martin Romualdez; the members of the Diplomatic Corps who have been invaluable partners in this entire process and once again, I thank you for your continued interest and support; Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and the members of the Bangsamoro government; fellow workers in government; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

Assalamu Alaikum.

Today, we are gathered here to celebrate what is a significant milestone in our collective journey towards the success of Bangsamoro Region.

This ceremonial turnover of the 3rd National Government-Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body or NG-BG IGRB Progress Report is a testament to our fruitful partnership and enduring commitment to peace and development.

The operationalization of all seven IGRB [mechanisms] is pivotal to the smooth implementation of the provisions and principles laid down in the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

With the said bodies established, we now possess the necessary platforms to ensure greater collaboration, coordination, and cooperation between the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government in pursuing our shared goals and endeavors for our people.

Through these mechanisms, we have witnessed significant achievements:

First, the qualification and commissioning of former MILF and MNLF members into the Philippine National Police;

Second, the inclusion of the proclamations granting amnesties to former members of the MILF and the MNLF, which [we] issued last November 2023 and concurred by the House of Representatives and the Senate;

Third is a successful turnover of various properties and assets of the National Government within the BARMM to the Bangsamoro Government; and

Lastly, the signing in July last year of the Intergovernmental Energy Board Circular on the Joint Award on Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts in BARMM.

These peace and development milestones are part of our collective efforts to lay the groundwork for effective governance and meaningful autonomy in BARMM.

I am confident that we are on the right path to building a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous Bangsamoro Region, as we find responsive solutions to the remaining issues and concerns that still need to be addressed.

I am confident that the IGRB shall continue performing and executing its mandate pursuant to the principles and provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Maximize the established mechanisms as a conduit for identifying and resolving issues, ensuring judicious use of resources, and learning about best governance practices for BARMM.

Sustaining and ensuring that our progress remains resilient amidst political transitions is absolutely crucial.

With the forthcoming elections, I urge the Department of Budget and Management Secretary and Co-Chair of the IGRB to expedite the finalization of the IGRB manual of operations and resolution of identified issues.

The manual will clarify the roles, the functions, facilitate proactive monitoring of issues, and establish a system of continuity amongst those mechanisms.

As we move forward, let us be reminded that our partnership is built on trust, respect, and a shared vision for our people’s prosperity and their well-being.

I reaffirm once again the National Government’s unwavering commitment to helping and assisting the Bangsamoro Government in all its endeavors, as we continue with this important process for — not only for Muslim Mindanao, not only for the southern Philippines, but for the entire Republic.

So, together, let us continue to build a future where peace, progress, and unity prevail.

May our collective efforts to bring about positive change for the BARMM and our nation be realized sooner, rather than later.

Insha Allah. (If God wills.)

Maraming salamat po!

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang BARMM! [applause]

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