MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expressed great pride in the progress made in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

"We are proud of the progress that the BARMM has taken. It will be self-governing, it will be progressive, and it will be effective," he said in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), July 24.

The President attributed BARMM's success to the cooperation of all key groups, including the international community.

"We talked to the local governments, the royal families, the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) and the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), all of whom were all consulted and represented in this transition phase," he added.

The President also acknowledged that former adversaries have now become peace partners of the government, working together to provide crucial support during the BARMM's transition period.

Unlocking BARMM's energy potential

President Marcos also mentioned in his SONA the partnership between the national government and the BARMM on energy exploration and development to establish the Bangsamoro region as another energy resource hub in the country.

On July 6, 2023, the President witnessed the signing of the Intergovernmental Energy Board (IEB) Circular on the Joint Award of Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts in BARMM.

The IEB Circular makes the provision in Section 10, Article XIII of Republic Act No. 11054, or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, to jointly grant rights, privileges, and concessions for the exploration, development, and use of uranium and fossil fuels like petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the territory of the Bangsamoro.

The Circular aims to facilitate the growth of the energy sector and attract foreign investments into the region.

"We, therefore, expect to see renewed investor interest in its promising sites," the President said.

Sustaining Marawi's recovery

The President also emphasized the government's ongoing efforts to rebuild the war-torn city of Marawi, highlighting how locals are now enjoying the city's vibrancy as a result of the completion of numerous facilities.

More importantly, our earnest efforts to facilitate the long-awaited return of the internally displaced persons (IDP) to the MAA are now bearing fruit," he said.

Marcos further announced that the government has started processing financial assistance for siege victims so that they can finally start over.

"Kasalukuyan na tayong nagpoproseso ng tulong-pinansyal para sa mga biktima ng Marawi siege upang sila ay makapagsimula muli. Nawa’y mamayani ang pag-asa. Nawa’y magpatuloy ang pagkakaisa, pagmamatyag, at paghahangad ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran," the President said.

(We are currently processing financial assistance for the victims of the Marawi siege so they can start over. May hope prevail. May unity, vigilance, and pursuit of peace and prosperity continue)

To recall, Marcos Jr. appointed the chairperson and members of the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) in January this year to facilitate reparations to "qualified claimants" who lost residential and commercial properties in the Marawi siege.

Also last week, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo witnessed the applications for compensation claims filed with the MCB.

Continuing support for BARMM

The President further reaffirmed his administration's support for BARMM's pursuit of sustainable growth and prosperity.

"Through the BARMM, we have strengthened the nation’s prospects for finally achieving sustainable progress anchored on a true and lasting peace in the Southern Philippines. We will continue to support the progress of the BARMM, apace with our singular vision for all Filipinos," Marcos stated. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)