Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang and the Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program

Thank you to Special Assistant to the President Secretary Anton Lagdameo Jr.

[Please be seated.]

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) – all the officials of BARMM led by the Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua; the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Speaker Mohammad Yacob and the other members of Parliament who are here with us today; BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government Minister Jordan Bayam; BARMM local chief executives present; fellow workers in government; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Assalamu alaikum!

As we gather here today, we reaffirm the enduring partnership between the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government. It is one anchored on mutual trust, shared responsibility, and a firm commitment to our people.

Together, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and the National Government of the Republic of the Philippines we are advancing a shared vision of a more peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Philippines, guided by the belief that the strength of our nation rests on the well-being and the dignity of every Filipino. [applause]

In support of this aspiration, we have implemented the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) Program, through which each barangay in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will receive PhP200,000. [applause]

Of the PhP200,000, PhP100,000 is allocated for educational assistance, recognizing that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and to realize their fullest potential.

The remaining PhP100,000 is designated for key priorities identified by local communities.

The 100,000, the first 100,000, for what we now call, have come to call around the country “Presidential Scholars”, 100,000 will be divided amongst five Presidential Scholars in each barangay.

Each scholar will receive the amount of PhP20,000 to help them in their studies [applause] para naman ay matitiyak natin na sila ay makakapagtapos. At ito ay napakahalaga dahil alam naman po natin kung gaano kahalaga ang edukasyon, ang training, at pamparami ng kaalaman ng ating mga kabataan.

Kaya’t ito ay tulong para matiyak na sa bawat barangay ay mayroon tayong matulungan. Kahit lima lamang maumpisahan natin kahit sa lima lamang at sa pamamagitan niyan, we will see that they will be able – with the new knowledge that they gain from their studies, they will be able – ‘yang kaalaman na ‘yan will help them in their everyday lives. To help each of those who have been the Presidential Scholar, to help their families, and to help their communities and in that way, to help the Philippines.

From April 8 to July 17, we already distributed nearly PhP7 billion to 34,800 barangays [applause] nationwide under the BBM Program.

Complementing this initiative are the frontline services being delivered by the Bangsamoro Government. There are 15 BARMM ministries and offices here—led by the Office of the Chief Minister—that will turnover various assistance to you – at least to a thousand of your local beneficiaries.

While we acknowledge the significant progress achieved through the partnership between the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government, we recognize that there is our shared task remains of building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Bangsamoro and that work continues.

In this regard, we enacted the amendments to the Bangsamoro Organic Law following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the territorial composition of BARMM.

These provide the necessary legal and administrative adjustments to ensure an orderly, credible, and inclusive electoral process.

Consistent with this objective, the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections was rescheduled to the second Monday of September 2026.

We are determined that we will push through with the second Monday of September [applause] – in the coming September and to finally achieve our dream, our goal of being able to say that we have a duly elected parliament in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. [applause]

This provides the BARMM Government sufficient time to implement the Court’s decision while upholding the autonomy and democratic aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.

Our commitment also extends to preserving the religious and cultural traditions of our Muslim brothers and sisters.

Through the Iftar Program, we ensure that sociocultural and socioeconomic initiatives reach communities in ways that are respectful of their faith and of their traditions.

From January 2025 to May 2026, we provided social and basic services—including relief assistance, burial assistance, and medical missions—to more than 18,200 beneficiaries.

Over the past two years, we have also extended assistance to more than 26,800 Hajj registrants. [applause]

Moving forward, this Administration remains steadfast in pursuing reforms that enhance the quality of life of every Filipino, strengthen the foundations of our economy, and to ensure that no community is left behind.

In line with this, we also call upon every Filipino to become an active partner in this shared endeavor. Maximize these opportunities to safeguard your health, to strengthen livelihoods, and to contribute to the continued progress of your communities.

Together, let us build a Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino lives with dignity, realizes their aspirations, and shares in lasting peace and inclusive progress.

Maraming salamat po at mabuhay kayong lahat! [applause]

Mabuhay ang BARMM!

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