President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his second State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 24, 2023. (Screenshot from RTVM)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong”Marcos Jr., in his second State of the Nation Address (Sona) Monday afternoon cited and lauded the progress made in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“We are proud of the progress that the BARMM has taken. It will be self-governing, progressive, and effective. But, this was made possible only because of the cooperation of all key groups. The local government, the royal families, the MNLF, and the MILF were all consulted and represented in the transition phase,” said Marcos in his speech.
“The international community has also supported us in this smooth transition. Former adversaries are now partners in peace. Its functions have been defined, and its basic laws are being written,” he added.
Marcos pointed out that Barm has allowed the country to strengthen its prospects for sustainable progress and lasting peace in the south.
“We will continue to support the progress of the BARMM, apace with our singular vision for all Filipinos,” said Marcos.
Member of the Bangsamoro Parliament Amir Mawallil said that it was gratifying to hear Marcos mention BARM in his Sona.
“This only proves that the national government still puts a premium on the breakthroughs achieved in the peace process, and we in the Barmm recognize and are grateful for that,” said Mawallil.