New BARMM chief minister says sustained peace is key to drawing investors

Newly elected Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said keeping the peace will be his administration's top priority, arguing that stability is what gives investors the confidence to put money into the region, according to Edge Davao.

Macacua, who was chosen as chief minister during the Bangsamoro Parliament's inaugural session, spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the Mindanao Development Forum 2026 in Davao City. "Without peace the investors cannot easily come in," he said.

He said the region's shift from conflict to prosperity rests on fully implementing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The political track reached a milestone with the region's first parliamentary elections, he noted, while the normalization track is still being discussed by Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) negotiators. He credited talks between the government and the MILF for the progress made so far.

In his forum speech, Macacua said peace should result in concrete gains for residents, including better farm incomes, decent jobs for young people, stronger businesses and safer communities. He reported that the region drew nearly P5 billion in investments over the past year in agriculture, fisheries, housing, logistics and other sectors.

His proposed "Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro Agenda" focuses on strengthening investment foundations, unlocking productive industries and developing human capital. The region plans to close infrastructure gaps in roads, bridges, water systems, disaster-resilient facilities and digital connectivity, supported by its P114-billion General Appropriations Act for 2026.

Macacua identified agriculture, fisheries, food processing, economic zones, logistics and tourism as areas for public-private partnerships. He said the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority and the Regional Board of Investments will help shape economic policy, and that a more comprehensive economic plan will follow once the region's transition is complete.

He also stressed workforce preparation through education, technical-vocational training, internships and livelihood programs. "Our history was shaped by sacrifice. Our future must be shaped by opportunity," he told the forum.