The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is steadily solidifying its place as one of Mindanao’s strongest drivers of inclusive and sustainable development, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) affirmed during the 3rd Private Sector Organization Summit.
MinDA Deputy Executive Director Asec. Romeo Montenegro said BARMM has transformed into a symbol of regional progress expanding its economic output and contributing more significantly to both Mindanao and national growth.
“BARMM’s transformation is proof that peace and progress can move hand in hand,” Montenegro said.
He noted that some of the country’s most competitive global commodities originate from the region and these include bananas, where the Philippines ranks fourth worldwide; seaweeds, with Tawi-Tawi supplying half of the national output; and coffee, where eight of the top ten producing provinces are in Mindanao many of them inside BARMM.
“Our farmers and fisherfolk fuel these globally competitive industries. We must ensure they benefit from better infrastructure, renewable energy access, and climate-resilient support systems,” Montenegro added.
Montenegro also emphasized BARMM’s rising international presence. Its participation in the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) has shifted from aspiration to full engagement, with BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua now representing the region in high-level meetings alongside ASEAN neighbors signaling BARMM’s strengthened global visibility.
MinDA stressed that BARMM’s rapid development aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda of boosting regional growth, expanding renewable energy, modernizing infrastructure, and building climate resilience, ensuring that progress reaches communities on the ground.
As BARMM’s economic momentum continues to grow, Montenegro said Mindanao remains firmly aligned with the Marcos administration’s vision of a more inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive Philippines.
