Statement on the 5th Anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE LOREN LEGARDA’S STATEMENT ON THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO (BARMM)
24 January 2024

We extend our warm felicitations to the Bangsamoro people on the observance of the five-year anniversary of the Bangsamoro government

The road towards the passage of a Bangsamoro Organic law has been long, and in fact, this conflict has been called the longest.

I know the scars of conflict to be harshest as I have been a security partner ever since.

They have left us with visible wounds, but we are embarking on a journey of reconstruction, healing, and progress. The Bangsamoro Organic Law, written with ink soaked in hope and stained with tears, paved the way for a new day.

We look forward to a future built where every citizen can partake in the dividends of peace and progress. The rehabilitation of Marawi, for one, needs to be pursued and fast-tracked; it is a testament to our collective commitment to rebuilding lives and fostering a sense of community that transcends the challenges we have faced.

But our task is not done. Challenges remain. We must ensure all families find their way back home, that education reaches every corner of the city, and that economic opportunities bloom alongside our rebuilt walls. To achieve this, we need unity, not just within Marawi but throughout the Bangsamoro. We must stand together, Bangsamoro and Filipino, Muslim and Christian, hand in hand, brick by brick, building a future where Marawi, the city of a thousand smiles, will shine once again.

So, let us rededicate ourselves. Let us work together as Bangsamoro and Filipinos, leaders, and citizens. Let us channel our passion towards building a BARMM that is:

• Inclusive: a place where every voice is heard, every culture is celebrated, and
everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

• Sustainable: where we use our resources wisely, protect the environment, and create a better future for future generations.

• Progressive: where innovation fuels our growth, entrepreneurship propels our economy and education lays the groundwork for a better tomorrow.

Today, as we celebrate BARMM’s anniversary, let us remember the sacrifices made, and the dreams we hold dear.