The BARMM Chief Minister

30/07/2026

Chief Minister Macacua underscores informed electorate ahead of 2026 BARMM parliamentary polls

Chief Minister and concurrent Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua emphasized the importance of voter education and civic responsibility during the Stakeholders' Briefing on Voters' Education and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), and the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) on Thursday, July 30, at the Marawi Convention Center.

CM Macacua joined Commission on Elections Chairman George M. Garcia and other government and institutional partners in the activity, which aims to strengthen voter education initiatives and promote greater public participation ahead of the 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.

As concurrent MBHTE Minister, CM Macacua reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to advancing voter education through partnerships with key institutions, recognizing education as a cornerstone of responsible citizenship and meaningful democratic participation.

The event also featured the signing of separate memoranda of agreement between COMELEC and the IBP, and COMELEC and MBHTE, formalizing collaborative efforts to intensify voter education campaigns across the Bangsamoro region.

29/07/2026

CM Macacua Leads Turnover of New Academic Building to Kutawato Darussalam College

Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua led the inauguration and turnover of the Sheikh Omar Pasigan Building to Kutawato Darussalam College in Cotabato City today, July 29.

The newly constructed two-story academic building features five classrooms and a computer laboratory equipped with 40 computer units, providing students with improved learning facilities and access to technology.

Chief Minister Macacua was joined by local government officials and education stakeholders during the ceremony.

29/07/2026

28/07/2026

Chief Minister Macacua Leads Launch of Bangsamoro Education Coordination Forum

Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua joined national education leaders today during the launch of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) Exhibit and the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement establishing the Bangsamoro Education Coordination Forum (BECF).

The event brought together Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Joel Villanueva, Roman Romulo, Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong, Juan Edgardo Angara, and key national education stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in advancing education reforms.

The establishment of the BECF marks a significant step toward improving coordination between the Bangsamoro Government and national education agencies. The forum will serve as a unified platform for BARMM ministries and national education institutions to harmonize policies, address long-standing challenges in the education sector, and enhance the delivery of quality education across the Bangsamoro.

The initiative also reinforces the Bangsamoro Government's commitment to implementing meaningful reforms in response to the findings and recommendations of EDCOM 2.

22/07/2026

Chief Minister Macacua joins President Marcos in National Government–Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program

Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua welcomed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. today, July 22, during the National Government–Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program at the headquarters of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army, reaffirming the shared commitment of the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government to bring essential services closer to Bangsamoro communities.

Held under the National Government's “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” initiative and the Bangsamoro Government's “Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro” agenda, the convergence program serves as a whole-of-government approach to strengthen coordination between national government agencies and Bangsamoro ministries, offices, and agencies (BMOAs). The initiative aims to accelerate the delivery of government services, development interventions, and public assistance to communities across the Bangsamoro Region.

The activity was simultaneously conducted at the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City, bringing together officials from the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government, regional governors, representatives of BMOAs, and beneficiaries from across the region.

In his message, Chief Minister Macacua emphasized that the convergence reflects the collective commitment of both governments to work together in improving the lives of the Bangsamoro people through responsive and coordinated governance.

“We are gathered here today to converge as one, and to pull our resources together to deliver the essential services to our people that will improve their lives and enhance the delivery of services by enabling our government offices in our region to perform their mandated functions,” CM Macacua said.

The Chief Minister highlighted the wide range of government interventions made available through the convergence, covering livelihood assistance, housing, education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, disaster response, social protection, infrastructure, and land reform.

“Today, we will witness concrete interventions from livelihood assistance, housing, education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, disaster response, and social protection to infrastructure and land reform,” he said.

Reaffirming the Bangsamoro Government’s commitment to people-centered governance, Macacua underscored that public service remains the administration's foremost priority.

“Sa BARMM Government, we prioritize public service; we prioritize our people. Sa BARMM Government, inuuna natin ang serbisyo publiko, at uunahin natin ang kapakanan ng bawat Bangsamoro!” he said.

He also called for continued unity and cooperation between the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government in advancing lasting peace and inclusive development across the region.

“Hawak-kamay tayong lahat sa pagtataguyod ng Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro at ng isang mas malakas at mas inklusibong Bagong Pilipinas,” Macacua said.

On behalf of the Bangsamoro Government, the Chief Minister likewise expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for visiting the Bangsamoro Region and reaffirming the National Government's continued support for BARMM's peace and development agenda.

“At the outset, the Bangsamoro Government would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to our President, Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., for taking the time to visit our beloved region, even amidst your busy schedule and the demands of your responsibilities,” CM Macacua said.

21/07/2026

Tuloy-tuloy na!

The National Government–Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program is finally happening tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the Bangsamoro Government Center.

This One-Stop Government Service Initiative brings essential government programs and services closer to the Bangsamoro people.

Kita-kits bukas, Bangsamoro!

21/07/2026

ADVISORY | Please be advised that motorcycle entry inside the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) will be strictly prohibited on July 22, 2026, for the National Government–Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program. This safety measure applies to all public vehicles, excluding authorized government and emergency motorcycles. Attendees, employees, and visitors are advised to park outside BGC grounds and follow security directions. Thank you for your cooperation.

18/07/2026

Chief Minister Macacua highlights unity and stronger partnerships at South Cotabato's T'nalak Festival

Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua joined the celebration of the 60th Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato and the 27th T'nalak Festival, today, July 17.

Addressing government officials, cultural leaders, and festival participants, CM Macacua underscored the symbolism of the T'nalak as a reflection of unity amid diversity. He emphasized that the celebrated woven cloth represents the collective strength of communities working together toward a shared future.

“The T'nalak is more than a beautiful cloth. It tells a timeless story. One thread alone cannot create a masterpiece. But when different threads are carefully woven together, they become something strong, meaningful, and enduring.”

The Chief Minister said the same spirit of unity is what the Bangsamoro Government continues to pursue across Mindanao, where collaboration among neighboring communities remains essential in advancing inclusive development and lasting peace.

“That is also the story of South Cotabato. That is the story we aspire to write across Mindanao.”

He also emphasized that the festival serves as a reminder that diversity should be embraced as a source of strength rather than division, calling for stronger partnerships between South Cotabato and the Bangsamoro Region.

“In a time when the world often focuses on what divides us, this festival reminds us that our diversity is our greatest strength.”

He expressed hope that the continued collaboration between South Cotabato and the Bangsamoro would create greater opportunities for future generations while preserving the rich cultural heritage shared by the people of Mindanao.

“May we continue to weave stronger partnerships between South Cotabato and the Bangsamoro so that future generations will inherit not only a rich cultural heritage, but also a future filled with opportunity, harmony, and lasting peace.”

16/07/2026

Chief Minister Macacua administers oath to new SGA Administrator, Bangsamoro Youth Commissioner

Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua administered the oath of office to Mohammad Kelie Antao as the new Administrator of the Special Geographic Area (SGA)-BARMM and to Alauya Adiong Alonto as Commissioner of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) representing Lanao del Sur with Marawi City during separate oath-taking ceremonies held on the same day.

Antao succeeds MP Butch Malang as SGA Administrator, reflecting the Bangsamoro Government's commitment to ensuring a smooth leadership transition and the uninterrupted delivery of programs and services to communities in the Special Geographic Area.

Meanwhile, Alonto’s appointment reinforces the government's efforts to strengthen youth participation in governance and nation-building through the Bangsamoro Youth Commission.

16/07/2026

Chief Minister Macacua leads launch of upgraded E-BARMM road mapping system

Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua joined the official launch of the Upgraded Expanded Bangsamoro Advanced Road Mapping and Management (E-BARMM) System, today, July 16.

Developed by the Ministry of Public Works, the upgraded E-BARMM System is a geospatial, web-based platform that consolidates road and infrastructure data across the Bangsamoro region. It enables government agencies to map, monitor, and manage road networks, identify infrastructure gaps, and support evidence-based planning and investment decisions to improve the delivery of public services.

In his message, the Chief Minister emphasized that the launch represents more than the introduction of a digital platform, but a new approach to governance in the Bangsamoro.

“Today, we launch more than a digital platform. We launch a different way of seeing the Bangsamoro.”

He stressed that effective governance begins with understanding the realities on the ground.

“Kung hindi natin nakikita ang pangangailangan ng ating mga mamamayan, paano natin ito matutugunan? The E-BARMM System gives us more than information. It gives us responsibility. It challenges every public servant to plan with facts, decide with wisdom, and act with urgency.”

The Chief Minister also underscored the importance of translating data into meaningful public service.

“Ang tunay na sukatan ng mahusay na pamahalaan ay hindi kung gaano karaming datos ang hawak nito. Ang tunay na sukatan ay kung gaano karaming buhay ang nababago dahil sa tamang paggamit ng datos.”

Calling on ministries and local government units to maximize the platform, CM Macacua said the upgraded system should serve as a strategic tool in ensuring that infrastructure investments are guided by accurate information and responsive to the needs of Bangsamoro communities.

“As we unveil this upgraded system, let it become more than a repository of maps and information. Let it become a compass that guides every infrastructure investment toward fairness, transparency, and inclusive development.”