President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. led the seventh anniversary celebration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

In his message, Marcos said the anniversary marks a significant chapter not only in the history of Muslim Mindanao but in the history of the entire Philippines.

“It marks an important chapter in our nation’s history not just a history of Muslim Mindanao but of the entire Republic of the Philippines and it is a landmark in our fight to achieve genuine progress and unity. It is proved that sacrifice, dialogue, and unity are the keys to lasting peace,” Marcos said.

During the activity, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) presented a report on the region’s achievements over the past year and its plans for 2026, including giving of rewards for performing local government units based on innovative practices, improvements in education, support for the justice system, and efforts to attract investments and business enterprises.

“Lift our people out of poverty and develop a Bangsamoro people  in each potential,” Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said.

Marcos also wanted BARMM to be more conducive for investment.

“Huwag gayahin sa national government na patong patong ang regulation tatlong taon bago mabigay yung papel na napakasimple lang na bagay. That is your opportunity that you can make your government in what you exactly what you want to make,” Marcos said.

The President also expressed hope about the upcoming BARMM parliamentary elections, following the signing of the Districting Law on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

“Let us hope that the upcoming BARMM elections will serve as the opportunity of our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters to freely express their voices and aspirations, to stand to further strengthen leadership  one that will forces democracy and accountability,” Marcos said.