The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) needs to translate its economic and poverty-reduction gains into better public services, stronger workforce readiness, and wider economic opportunities, officials said at the 3rd Bangsamoro Development Policy ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Forum in Cotabato City.
Organized by the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) in partnership with the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ (PIDS), the forum was held as part of the 24th Development Policy ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Month (DPRM), which carries the theme “Building Strong Institutions, Unlocking Human Capital Potential.”
BARMM has recorded notable economic and poverty-reduction gains, but recent indicators point to ongoing challenges in human capital development. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the region's family poverty incidence fell from 26.0% in 2023 to 12.8% in 2025, while the region’s economy grew by 5.0% in 2025.
However, the unemployment rate increased from 3.0% in 2024 to 3.9% in 2025. BARMM also recorded the country’s lowest basic literacy rate in 2024, at 81.0% among people aged five and older.
These figures underscore the challenge of sustaining development gains while ensuring that more Bangsamoro families can access quality education, productive employment, and essential services.
In his opening remarks, BPDA Director General Mohajirin Ali cited improvements in BARMM’s economic performance and poverty reduction but noted persistent challenges in education, nutrition, workforce readiness, and access to services in geographically isolated and conflict-affected communities.
Ali acknowledged progress in economic performance and poverty reduction but noted that challenges remain in education, nutrition, workforce readiness, and access to services, particularly in geographically isolated and conflict-affected communities.
He stressed that research should inform policies, plans, budgets, programs, implementation arrangements, and monitoring systems. He also called for stronger coordination across sectors so that government interventions respond to local needs and contribute to shared development outcomes.
PIDS President Philip Arnold Tuaño likewise underscored the importance of translating the region’s progress into better living conditions and expanded economic opportunities.
“Development must be measured not only by economic growth or programs implemented, but by better education, productive employment, accessible services, and improved opportunities for communities,” he said.
Tuaño also highlighted the need to connect education and skills development with productive employment, entrepreneurship, and the region’s economic opportunities.
He also emphasized that capable institutions require accountability mechanisms, effective coordination, and reliable evidence to ensure that public resources produce meaningful results.
PIDS Senior ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Fellow Richelle Alburo discussed the relationship between institutional quality, public spending, and human development. She emphasized the importance of assessing whether government programs translate public resources and activities into measurable improvements in people’s lives.
Alburo also highlighted open government practices that allow citizens to access reliable information, participate in policy discussions, and hold public officials accountable.
The forum also examined how national employment policies could support BARMM’s workforce development.
Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Regional Office XII OIC-Regional Director Romel Patrick Tanghal presented the ‘Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan 2025–2034,’ which outlines a framework for employment generation, workforce development, and labor market governance.
Tanghal explained that the framework could guide regional coordination while recognizing BARMM’s authority to adapt and implement employment initiatives consistent with national policies.
He identified opportunities to address skills mismatches, support micro, small, and medium enterprises, improve labor market information, and strengthen coordination among institutions.
Tanghal also emphasized that employment strategies should be localized to reflect the needs of communities and the requirements of industries.
Meanwhile, Civil Service Commission for BARMM Director Dominador Gonzales Jr. discussed the commission’s PRIME-ESG framework, which aims to embed meritocracy and excellence through integrated governance processes, digital systems, standards, and accountability.
Gonzales stressed that meritocracy must extend beyond recruitment to employee development, performance management, career opportunities, and leadership continuity. He also called for research-informed improvements in human resource management and public service delivery.
In his recorded message, Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Leo Tereso Magno highlighted the importance of resilient government structures in sustaining peace and development.
He also discussed the importance of strengthening institutions and using sound policy research and evidence-based approaches to ensure that commitments to peace and accountability translate into tangible improvements in communities, households, and people’s lives.
In his closing remarks, BPDA ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Development and Special Projects Bureau Director Kadil Sulaik Jr. underscored the need to translate the forum’s discussions into concrete actions that improve public services and people’s lives. He emphasized the role of research and evidence in shaping policies and programs that respond to the actual needs of Bangsamoro communities.
He also reaffirmed BPDA’s commitment to working with partner institutions to strengthen the link between research, policy planning, and development outcomes.
The forum featured plenary and panel discussions that tackled the need to connect institutional reforms, workforce development, and evidence-based decision-making.
Ultimately, translating research into action and fostering collaboration across institutions will be crucial to ensuring that the benefits of development are felt throughout BARMM.
The event’s playback is available at . ### —RTG
