Several officials and governors in the Bangsamoro region have expressed support for Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo’s call to strengthen cooperation between the national government and local stakeholders, especially as the region prepares for its first parliamentary elections in September 2026.
In an exclusive meeting with Lagdameo, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Minister Jordan Bayam, and five governors echoed their support, saying that strong collaboration is vital in promoting peace, development, and good governance in the region.
Bayam said BARMM leaders are confident in Lagdameo who he described as a reliable bridge that links the Bangsamoro government with the national administration.
“His efforts have helped strengthen coordination and ensured that the concerns and priorities of the Bangsamoro people are heard at the national level,” Bayam said.
He added that close coordination between Malacañang and the Bangsamoro government remains essential as the region continues to advance its peace and development agenda.
Bayam also said they acknowledged Lagdameo’s role in promoting dialogue and cooperation, enabling both the national and regional governments to jointly address development priorities and deliver services to communities.
It can be recalled that during the Regional Development Council-Northern Mindanao (RDC-10) Full Council Meeting in Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, Lagdameo stressed that development efforts are most effective when national agencies, local government units, the private sector, and civil society work together.
During the meeting, Lagdameo reaffirmed the administration's commitment to support regional development initiatives through continued collaboration and stronger partnerships with local governments.
Bayam said Lagdameo’s call reflects the type of partnership that has allowed BARMM and the national government to sustain open communication and work toward shared goals despite the region’s distinct governance setup.
“Maintaining strong cooperation between the national and regional governments will be vital to ensuring stability and supporting BARMM's democratic transition in the months ahead,” Bayam added.
