BARMM VOICES

When the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was ratified in 2019, it was called as a landmark achievement – one where it was thought to finally bring lasting peace and progress to the historically challenged Bangsamoro people. The creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was a product of decades of struggle, negotiations, and the longing for a self-determined future. But, now, more than five years of later, the question still hangs in the air, has BARMM truly empowered the region?

At the surface level, the region has seen promising changes. The government has seemingly established ministries that are reflective of its people’s needs, such as the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. The government has also created initiatives in agriculture, health, education, and peacebuilding. In recent times, the region has shown improvements in budget transparency and has made efforts to strengthen inclusive governance across its provinces.

Yet, for many of the people in the region, progress is seemingly hard to feel in press releases or through government statements, it is measured through daily realities and lived experiences. For the people of the region, empowerment must come not only from institutions but from the services that reach through the marginalized such as on a grassroot level.

The legacy of the historical conflict that continually plagued the lands of Bangsamoro still leaves deep wounds. Generations of Bangsamoro have grown amidst the displacement, poverty, and conflicts that have scarred the region. In this contextualization, what is needed is that empowerment must be more than administrative, it has to be healing at the same time. The transition from the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to BARMM was not just political, it was deeply personal to the communities that were affected. For the majority, autonomy means the hope of restoring the region’s dignity, rebuilding the communities, and reclaiming the region’s pride.

One of the challenges that this has warranted is the implementation of peace through development programs. While BARMM has made improvements in decommissioning former combatants through the normalization process, the road remains sharp for improvement. One step of progress is the release of BEC handbook where the region gears up for inclusivity in the elections. The BEC handbook has been produced to act as a guide and reference to equip election officials, voters, and concerned participants to conduct inclusive and efficient elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

It has been stated by MPOS Home Affairs Service, Law Enforcement Coordination Division Chief Bhenhar Ayob that BARMM transition is now at a critical stage with the end of transition and first Parliamentary election at sight. It is a must to have coordination, collaboration, and complementation among the people.

It is important to acknowledge that many believe true empowerment is in the hands of the Bangsamoro people themselves. While the BARMM government is the structure that is meant to reflect their voices. Long term sustainable progress will depend on community participation, good governance, and the creation of a political culture that is rooted in integrity and justice.

As the 2025 regular elections for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary approach, there is growing anticipation for what will occur for the region. These elections will be the first democratic transition under the BARMM government.

They represent both a challenge and an opportunity for the region as questions arises, will the people be capable and able to choose leaders who will serve their interests? Will political dynasties continue to dominate, or will there be space for new and reform-minded leaders?

Peace beyond paper is meant to show that the promises written into law must be lived the daily experiences of the people. Empowerment cannot be just easily declared, it must be felt by all. The journey of BARMM is far from over, and while a lot of work still remains to be solved. One true hope that remains is that this new form of governance will not only mitigate the harms of the past but also build the foundations of a more peaceful and progressive society.

References:

Hamdan Badrudin (2024) BARMM vows to pursue peace, security beyond transition period. https://bangsamoro.gov.ph/news/latest-news/barmm-vows-to-pursue-peace-security-beyond-transition-period/

Bangsamoro Information Office (2024) BARMM gears up for inclusive elections with release of BEC Handbook. https://bangsamoro.gov.ph/news/latest-news/barmm-gears-up-for-inclusive-elections-with-release-of-bec-handbook/