Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim strikes the ‘gong’ on Sunday, January 21, 2024, marking the beginning of the weeklong celebration of the 5th Bangsamoro Founding Anniversary in the entire region.

COTABATO CITY—The celebration of the 5th Founding Anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officially kicked off following the traditional striking of the ‘gong’ by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim on Jan. 21, 2024.

Employees from various ministries, offices, agencies, and local government units (LGUs) graced the event by marching the stretch of  Governor Gutierrez Avenue to the Bangsamoro Government Center in this city.

The Chief Minister underscored that this year’s theme speaks volumes about the Bangsamoro’s collective aspirations for their beloved homeland—one that is united, enlightened, self-governing, peaceful, just, morally upright, and progressive.

“On January 21, 2019, we witnessed the result of our courage and hope. We saw how our people decidedly and unanimously ratified the Bangsamoro Organic Law that paved the way for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Alhamdulillah,” said CM Ebrahim.

“Five years on, our journey towards building an empowered, cohesive, and progressive Bangsamoro continues to be filled with positivity and inspiration,” he added.

He reminded everyone that the path to peace and meaningful autonomy demanded several decades of persistent struggle and sacrifices, especially of the Bangsamoro Mujahideen and those who devoted themselves to ensuring the necessary conditions for enduring peace and socio-economic development in the autonomous region.

“We in the Bangsamoro Government can do what we do because we are standing on the shoulders of our Mujahideens. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat,” he expressed.

He also thanked the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., international partners, local stakeholders, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, provincial and LGUs in BARMM, who have been instrumental in achieving the gains of the peace process.

“Though the journey ahead may be rough and challenging, the vision of our right to self-determination is within reach of every Bangsamoro. This year is the last full year of the extended transition period; let us make the most of the opportunity given to us to be of service to the people,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, BARMM Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama pointed out that the five years of Bangsamoro governance echo as a symbol of unity, harmony, and solidarity of the Bangsamoro people in the quest for peace, development, and self-determination.

“Today, as we witness the fruits of our five years of building our foundation, we are now witnessing in our lifetime its peace dividends,” Maslamama said.

“Undeniably, we see substantial changes in our different sectors – the economic, social, infrastructure, peace and public safety and security, and development administration or governance sector,” he added.

The Senior Minister also mentioned that the Bangsamoro Government continues to make a significant strive to lift the lives of our people, gain peace a chance, and harness cultural diversity for overall development anchored through the Moral Governance.

This year’s celebration carries the theme: “A Journey Towards Mutual Understanding, Peaceful Co-existence, and a Shared Future in the Bangsamoro”, which propels continuous growth and prosperity in the region. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)