COTABATO CITY — The first-ever BARMM Expo 2025 opened with a vibrant display of culture, commerce, and community spirit on October 28 at the KCC Mall Convention Center, Cotabato City, bringing together entrepreneurs, farmers, coffee brewers, and consumers under one shared vision — to build a resilient and faith-driven Bangsamoro economy.
With the theme “Empowering Consumers, Advancing Halal Industry, and Promoting Local Agri-Industries for a Resilient Bangsamoro,” the three-day expo, organized by the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT), served as a platform to celebrate innovation and strengthen the region’s growing Halal, coffee, and coconut industries.
A Grand Kickoff of Unity and Purpose
The opening ceremony, led by Minister Farserina A. Mohammad of MTIT, was attended by key regional officials including Deputy Minister Padian Macarimbang Jr., Director General Rosslaini Alonto Sinarimbo, and Acting Senior Minister Abdullah Cusain. In her keynote message, Minister Mohammad underscored the significance of transforming the Bangsamoro’s historic struggle into a legacy of prosperity and peace.
“We have been given a historic opportunity to transform sacrifice into sustainable development, to convert struggle into governance. Let us honor the past not by returning to war, but by rising in service — as a progressive Bangsamoro, grounded by faith,” she said.
The opening program was highlighted by cultural performances and messages of support from local and international partners, including the European Union (EU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), both reaffirming their commitment to BARMM’s economic development.
A major highlight of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between MTIT and selected Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from Cotabato City, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, and Tawi-Tawi. The agreement provides subsidies for Halal certification fees, capacity-building, and Halal audits, helping local producers gain access to wider markets.
The expo also opened its doors to the public with exhibits featuring locally made products, innovations, and success stories from across the Bangsamoro region.
Coffee, Creativity, and Competition
On the second day, October 29, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the convention halls as local baristas and enthusiasts showcased their talents in the Barista, Latte Art, and Cup Tasters Competitions. The event highlighted the growing coffee culture in the region and the potential of BARMM’s coffee sector to thrive in both local and international markets.
Participants displayed artistry, skill, and sensory mastery in their craft, reflecting a deep appreciation for the value of locally sourced coffee beans. The competition was not just about brewing excellence—it also celebrated creativity, sustainability, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Bangsamoro’s coffee community.
“Usapang Halal at Konsyumer”: Promoting Ethical Trade and Empowered Consumers
Also held on October 29, the “Usapang Halal at Konsyumer” forum gathered representatives from ministries, government agencies, academe, and the private sector to discuss ethical trade and consumer welfare.
The discussions explored both the Halal industry’s development and the promotion of consumer protection in BARMM.
Key topics included:
- Global and National Trends in the Halal Industry – Atty. Aleem Siddique Guiapal, DTI
- BARMM Halal Roadmap 2025–2030 – Rohaniah S. Rashid, BPDA
- Financial Inclusivity and Muslim-Friendly Tourism – MTIT, MFBM
- MSME Development through Halal Testing – MOST
In the afternoon session, discussions on digital financial literacy, cybercrime prevention, and disaster resilience underscored the importance of protecting consumers in the digital age.
“Usapang Halal and Konsyumer seek to strengthen partnerships, raise public awareness, and inspire collective action toward a more inclusive, responsible, and resilient Bangsamoro economy — one that upholds both faith and integrity in trade,” said Hamida E. Yacob, Chief of MTIT’s Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection Division.
Alongside the discussions, a poster-making contest participated in by senior high school students from across the region showcased youth creativity and advocacy for consumer empowerment.
Strengthening the Coffee and Coconut Value Chains
On October 30, the Coffee and Coconut Forum capped the three-day expo with a forward-looking conversation on sustainability, competitiveness, and inclusive growth.
The event was organized in partnership with the Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Program (BAEP) and the Creating Responsible Sustainable Competitive Enterprises in the BARMM Agribusiness Sector (CRESCENT) Project, implemented by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and funded by the European Union.
Industry leaders, farmers, and entrepreneurs tackled challenges and strategies to strengthen the coffee and coconut value chains.
Highlights included discussions on:
- Sustainable Coffee Value Chain and Market Access by Coffee for Peace, RAPID Growth, and the Philippine Coffee Guild
- Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) by the Philippine Coconut Authority–BARMM
- Coconut-Dairy Integration and Rural Development by the National Dairy Authority and the Integrated Rural Development Foundation
- Islamic Finance for MSMEs and Cooperatives by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Al Amanah Islamic Investment Bank, and CARD Bank-Islamic Bank
The sessions emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and local communities to ensure that Bangsamoro’s agriculture-based industries remain sustainable, competitive, and inclusive.
A Celebration of Progress, Partnership, and Prosperity
As the curtains closed on BARMM Expo 2025, the three-day event stood as a testament to the region’s growing economic confidence and collective resilience. It was more than an exhibition—it was a celebration of Bangsamoro’s identity, innovation, and integrity.
From faith-based trade advocacy to coffee craftsmanship and coconut enterprise development, the expo showcased how the Bangsamoro people continue to build an economy rooted in faith, fairness, and forward vision.
💚 BARMM Expo 2025 — Advancing Progress, Partnership, and Prosperity.
The best of Bangsamoro’s products, culture, and people took center stage — proving that the future of the region is not just promising, but already in motion.