The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has witnessed significant economic growth this year, with investments reaching PhP4 billion, thanks to a vastly improved peace and order situation. This was disclosed by BARMM Cabinet Secretary and Spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun in a news forum held on Saturday in Quezon City.
Pendatun revealed that the region had already exceeded last year’s investment figures, which amounted to PhP3.4 billion and created around 1,900 jobs. “This year alone, and it’s not yet over, we have already reached four billion pesos in investments,” Pendatun said, underscoring the increasing confidence of businesses in BARMM’s stability.
Improved Peace and Security Pave the Way for Investments
Pendatun attributed the surge in investments to the improved peace and security in the region, long considered a barrier to economic development. “In terms of overall peace and security, there has been a significant improvement. Because of this, we have been able to attract investments into the region,” Pendatun explained.
The peace process, which has successfully reduced vertical conflicts—traditionally involving revolutionary groups and government forces—has created a more conducive environment for economic activity. With the cessation of large-scale armed conflicts, BARMM is now focusing on resolving rido, or clan wars, as well as other local conflicts that still persist.
“While vertical conflicts have been addressed through peace agreements, we acknowledge that there are still horizontal conflicts like rido and other crimes that need to be dealt with,” Pendatun said. Nevertheless, these remaining issues have not deterred investors from seeing BARMM as a promising area for economic expansion.
Key Investment Sectors and Projects
The investments pouring into BARMM span various sectors, ranging from agriculture and infrastructure to tourism. One of the most notable projects in 2024 is the planned development of an upscale resort in Tawi-Tawi, which is expected to significantly boost the province’s tourism industry.
“The latest investment we recorded is for the establishment of a high-end resort in Tawi-Tawi. This is expected to elevate the region’s profile as a tourist destination,” Pendatun shared, further highlighting that the resort is a product of the region’s improving security situation, which has encouraged more investors to consider BARMM as a viable market.
The overall investment climate in BARMM is a mix of several factors, with peace and security being the most crucial. As local governance strengthens and business confidence grows, the region is poised to see even more substantial economic activity in the coming years.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
With PhP4 billion worth of investments already recorded for 2024, the region is expecting a significant boost in employment opportunities. Last year’s PhP3.4 billion in investments generated 1,900 jobs, and Pendatun noted that this year’s higher figure is expected to create even more employment across the region.
The influx of capital is also anticipated to stimulate growth in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as new businesses and infrastructure projects spur demand for local goods and services. This trend marks a positive trajectory for the region, which has historically lagged in economic development due to security concerns.
Election Preparations and Governance
As BARMM continues to make strides in peace and economic development, the focus is now shifting to preparations for the 2025 elections. Pendatun emphasized that ensuring a peaceful and orderly election process is crucial for maintaining the progress the region has made.
“The authorities are now focused on preparing for next year’s elections. Ensuring the security and integrity of the electoral process is vital in sustaining the momentum of peace and progress in BARMM,” he said.
A Promising Future for BARMM
The PhP4 billion in investments in 2024 is a clear indicator that the Bangsamoro region is on a path toward sustained economic growth. As peace and order continue to improve, and as horizontal conflicts like rido are resolved, BARMM is set to attract even more local and foreign investors in the coming years.
The BARMM government, under the leadership of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), remains committed to maintaining peace, promoting development, and ensuring the socio-economic progress of the region’s people. With continued investments and a stable political landscape, the future of BARMM looks brighter than ever.
