By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) by launching a convergence program aimed at improving public service delivery and turning over more than P3.4 billion worth of assistance for development projects across the region.
The President’s visit to Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, was warmly welcomed by Bangsamoro officials and residents, who described the event as a strong manifestation of Malacañang’s continued support for the region’s peace and development agenda.
BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said the President’s presence underscored the growing partnership between the national government and the Bangsamoro administration in advancing inclusive governance and sustainable development.
“The President’s visit reflects the strong collaboration between the national government and BARMM in pursuing lasting peace, accelerating development, and strengthening intergovernmental cooperation for the welfare of the Bangsamoro people,” Macacua said after the ceremony.
The President formally launched the National Government–Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program, an initiative designed to synchronize national and regional government efforts in delivering essential services and implementing priority development programs throughout BARMM.
As part of the program, Marcos led the distribution of financial assistance, equipment, and development support to various Bangsamoro ministries, offices, and agencies. He also presided over the ceremonial turnover of the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) to Cotabato City and BARMM’s provincial governments to finance priority infrastructure and community development projects.
Among the projects funded under the initiative are new infrastructure facilities for the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, a Ministry of Health Operations Center, river landing facilities, maritime infrastructure, patrol and rubber boats, senior citizens’ centers, child development facilities, solid waste management projects, housing units, scholarship grants, and livelihood assistance for former Moro combatants.
The government also distributed medicines and medical equipment through Project TABANG, while additional livelihood and agricultural support was extended through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform.
Macacua urged Bangsamoro leaders to remain united in advancing transparent and accountable governance while working alongside the national government to improve the lives of the region’s residents.
“Together, we will continue building a stronger Bangsamoro and contribute to the realization of a Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
Several BARMM leaders welcomed the President’s visit, describing it as a significant boost to the region’s development efforts.
Bangsamoro Labor Minister Muslimin Sema, who also chairs the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), praised the administration for extending livelihood assistance to returning overseas Filipino workers and former combatants.
Meanwhile, Maguindanao del Sur Governor Ali Midtimbang said the government’s sustained support demonstrates President Marcos’ determination to ensure the success of BARMM’s autonomy and peace-building initiatives.
Residents who attended the event likewise expressed appreciation for the President’s visit.
Ali Hassan Macapodi of Matanog admitted he initially believed BARMM was not among the administration’s priorities but changed his view after witnessing the government’s substantial assistance.
Another resident, Shalimar Abdul Kadir of Datu Odin Sinsuat, thanked the President for bringing government programs and services directly to the Bangsamoro people, saying the visit made residents feel that the national government remains
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