MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of democratic participation in shaping the future of the Bangsamoro region, urging residents of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to use the upcoming elections to make their voices heard and promote accountable, people-centered governance.

“It is our hope that the upcoming BARMM elections will serve as an opportunity for our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters to freely express their voices and aspirations,” Marcos said during the opening ceremony of the 7th Founding Anniversary of BARMM at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.

“We aspire to further strengthen a leadership that truly serves the people—one that reinforces democracy and accountability,” he added.

The President said future generations deserve governance that is anchored on accountability, participation, and shared responsibility.

“My fellow Filipinos, we must stand as guardians of the progress that we have made through peace. Let us always choose unity and cooperation over division,” Marcos stressed.

“So, together, let us build a Bagong Pilipinas marked by peace, by unity, and a shared belief in a brighter future,” he concluded.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law under Republic Act No. 11054 was enacted in 2018 and ratified in a two-part plebiscite held on January 21 and February 6, 2019, providing the legal framework for the establishment of BARMM, which formally replaced the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.