PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the critical role of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) in achieving peace and normalizing the lives of former combatants.
In a video message to the Local Government Peace and Development Summit 2025 yesterday, August 28, Marcos praised Barmm Chief Minister Abdulrauf ‘Sammy’ Macacua for organizing the event. The president said local governments are the “cornerstone” of peace-building.
Marcos reiterated his commitment to the normalization process, which secures human security and demonstrates the partnership between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“It is a testament to the partnership… in ensuring that gains benefit all Filipinos,” the president said.
He noted the summit highlights the role of local governments in peace-building and fosters ownership of normalization and transformation projects.
Marcos said he believes peace starts from the ground up, with local leaders as the architects. He urged all local government units, not just those in Barmm, to implement these projects, reinforcing his belief in localizing their execution.
“The summit addresses opportunity issues, refines our strategies, forges stronger partnerships, and further deepens the commitment of all stakeholders to peace,” Marcos said.
The president urged everyone in the Bangsamoro region to secure peace and continue on the path that has led to a period of calm.
“We have come such a long way, and this is a process. We are very close to success, let us not falter now,” he said.
