Heroes Hall, Malacañan Palace
July 31, 2024

“These peace and development milestones are part of our collective efforts to lay the groundwork for effective governance and meaningful autonomy in BARMM,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed as he presided over the ceremonial turnover of the Third Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) Progress Report at the Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace.

President Marcos Jr. stressed that the IGRB, a key mechanism under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government.

“We now possess the necessary platforms to ensure greater collaboration, coordination and cooperation between the National Government and Bangsamoro Government in pursuing our shared goals and endeavors for our people,” he noted.

He highlighted several significant milestones, including the integration of former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) into the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Additionally, a pivotal agreement was signed in July 2023 concerning the Joint Award on Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), reflecting the Region’s growing role in national energy resources.

Moreover, the Chief Executive emphasized the importance of the IGRB in addressing and resolving issues, ensuring efficient resource use and fostering governance best practices in the BARMM.

He expressed confidence in the continued collaboration between the two Governments to achieve these shared goals, emphasizing the collective responsibility to build a prosperous and stable Bangsamoro Region.

“May our collective efforts to bring about positive change for the BARMM and our nation be realized sooner,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his speech.

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