Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea; Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim; Finance Minister Carlos Dominguez III and the other members of the Cabinet; Basic, Higher and Technical Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal; members of the Intergovernmental Relations Body and Secretary Yap; Senator Bong Go; mga kasama ko sa gobyerno; mga mahal kong kababayan.
I am happy to join you today as we celebrate the second anniversary of the ratification of the Organic Law establishing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
As I have promised during the early part of my term, we have laid the groundwork for lasting peace and progress in Mindanao. Two years ago, we have reached this milestone — the realization of our commitment to foster enduring peace and stability in the Bangsamoro.
I would like to congratulate the Intergovernmental Relations Body under the able leadership of its
Co-Chairpersons: BARMM Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education Minister Iqbal and Secretary of Finance Carlos Dominguez for instituting much needed reforms and mechanisms that would foster growth in the BARMM.
These noteworthy accomplishments include the participation of the BARMM government in the national planning process; the transfer of the management of existing [nature] reserves and protected areas from the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to the BARMM; and the creation of the Bangsamoro Electoral Office and the Regional Offices of several national government agencies.
We also recognize the significant assistance being provided to the BARMM by the Department of Finance, the Civil Service Commission, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process as well as other national government agencies.
I am indeed pleased — happy — that in the past two years, we have strengthened the collaboration between the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government — a significant step in achieving meaningful and lasting peace in Mindanao.
To Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim, let me thank you for showing exemplary leadership and for your efforts in ensuring that BARMM will achieve meaningful self-governance within the framework of our Constitution and [the] Bangsamoro Organic Law.
Be assured that this administration will remain determined in its commitment to support self-determination, uphold human rights, and advance social welfare in the Bangsamoro region.
Today, like the rest of the nation, the BARMM is faced with many daunting challenges aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is why I have given marching orders to all relevant government agencies to give full support to the BARMM through continued assistance in the region.
We remain as enthusiastic as ever for what the future holds for the Bangsamoro people. Together, let us continue to find common ground in achieving our shared aspirations for economic self-sufficiency, genuine development and lasting peace in our home region of Mindanao.
I thank you all and I wish everyone the best in your endeavors. [applause]
I am happy to see you all and my good friends, may we remain loyal to the cause of peace. Salamat po. [applause]
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Source: PCOO-PND (Presidential News Desk)
