BARMM Chief Minister Macacua names Cabinet less than a week after assuming office

COTABATO CITY — Following the historic inauguration of the region’s first-ever elected parliament, Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua officially announced the newly constituted Cabinet of the Government of the Day (GOTD), marking what he called a "defining moment" in Bangsamoro history.

The announcement comes in the heels of a rigorous vetting and screening process conducted by a specialized committee, designed to select leaders based on competence, professional experience, integrity, and a strict commitment to moral governance.

"To my fellow Bangsamoro, this government is yours," Chief Minister Macacua declared. "We will pursue a policy of moral governance, integrity, and accountability."

The newly constituted Cabinet brings a mix of veteran lawmakers, technocrats, and legal professionals to lead the region's ministries and offices:

• Senior Minister: MP Abunawas Maslamama
• Cabinet Secretary: Abdullah M. Cusain
• Bangsamoro Attorney-General’s Office: Judge Duque D. Kadatuan
• Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education: MP Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo
• Ministry of Social Services and Development: Atty. Alirakim Munder
• Ministry of Health: MP Atty. Jimael Salam D. Salliman
• Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform: MP Atty. Ishak V. Mastura
• Ministry of Interior and Local Government: Jordan S. Bayam
• Ministry of Public Order and Safety: Datu Jomar U. Midtimbang
• Ministry of Labor and Employment: MP Atty. Kitem D. Kadatuan, Jr.
• Ministry of Trade and Investment, and Tourism: Atty. Faizal M. Padate
• Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affair: MP Jo Genna Jover
• Ministry of Finance, and Budget and Management: Atty. Ubaida C. Pacasem
• Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and Energy: MP Akmad Brahim
• Ministry of Science and Technology: MP Hanie Bud
• Ministry of Human Settlement and Development: MP Engr. Rashdi T. Adiong
• Ministry of Transportation and Communication: Termizie G. Masahud
• Ministry of Public Works: Engr. Basir M. Ibrahim

Macacua acknowledged that the governance workload ahead is immense, but emphasized that the regional leadership's resolve remains even greater. He underscored the administration's absolute dedication to preserving the hard-won gains of the peace process.

"We commit to sustaining the gains of the peace process and ensuring that the dividends of autonomy are felt in every household and every community," Macacua said. "Together, with the continued support of our national government, local government units, and our partners, we will write a new chapter of peace, prosperity, and dignity for our people."

Reflecting on the monumental task ahead, Macacua underscored that the newly formed administration will vigorously pursue moral governance — the foundational policy initiated by former Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.

"My fellow Bangsamoro, this government is yours," Macacua stated. "We will pursue and vanish your moral or moral governance that had been initiated by former Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim. Indeed, the work ahead is immense, but our resolve is greater."

The Chief Minister committed his administration to sustaining the ongoing peace process and ensuring that the tangible dividends of regional autonomy reach every household and community.

He also expressed gratitude for the continued, collaborative backing of the national government, inter-governmental units, and international and local partners in cultivating peace, prosperity, and dignity for our land and people. — BAP, GMA News