Bangsamoro’s journey towards peace and prosperity

My first mission when I arrived in the Philippines for my tour of duty was to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in October 2024. I was impressed by the hospitality, warmth and resilience of the population of the Bangsamoro region. During that visit, I could see how the European Union assistance has enabled communities to generate income from sustainable agriculture in Camp Abubakar, how the Wao municipality in Lanao del Sur benefitted from EU funding to invest in their children by prioritizing their early childhood care and development and how the EU projects have empowered the youth of Marawi to participate in local political decision making.

A second visit to the region in July 2025 confirmed my favorable impressions of this interesting region. This time, besides meeting with Interim Chief Minister Macacua and Senior Minister Yacob, I had the opportunity to engage with civil society and with communities of indigenous peoples in the municipality of Upi, Maguindanao and to visit EU-funded infrastructure projects, including in the Bangsamoro Parliament and the School of Living Traditions, now in the making.

In a significant development for the future of the BARMM, the European Union and the Philippine government will soon establish an additional framework for the future EU support to the region. Through the “Partnership for Peace and Development in Mindanao,” the EU has committed to invest another P1.65 billion in the region, building on the important progress made under previous EU programs.

Stemming from the landmark Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed in 2014 between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the creation of the BARMM in 2019 was the culmination of years of negotiation and struggle. The agreement was the product of decades of peace talks aimed at addressing historical injustices and grievances of the Bangsamoro people.

The journey of the BARMM has been far from easy, but the milestones reached and the ongoing efforts of stakeholders reflect a collective commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous future for the region. My visits to the region provided valuable insights in the peace dividends that the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro has brought, but also into the needs and opportunities for further economic development.

The establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) was a crucial step in ensuring the smooth transition in the BARMM. The BTA, composed of representatives from various sectors, has worked tirelessly to draft laws, create policies and build institutions that reflect the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people. Among the major accomplishments of the BARMM are the passing of foundational Codes, which set the stage for governance that is inclusive, transparent and aligned with the unique cultural and historical context of the region.

The European Union has been supporting the peace process from the very beginning, aspiring to be a trusted, reliable and neutral partner. With more than P8.5 billion invested in Mindanao, EU initiatives have directly supported the political transition, institution building and socio-economic recovery of conflict-affected areas. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), the BTA and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) have been strategic partners throughout these years. Common key priorities of institution-building, capacity development and transitional justice have been at the forefront of EU support, bolstering governance structures and empowered local civil society. EU programs have also contributed to peacebuilding measures for local communities and the reintegration of ex-combatants. Socio-economic development has been another priority, with projects focusing on the promotion of resilient, climate-smart agricultural investments and sustainable inclusive value chain development.

The EU’s future support for the BARMM under the new ‘Partnership for Peace and Development in Mindanao’ is set to build upon this extensive experience and past initiatives, while ensuring that the objectives are aligned with the vision and values of the Philippine Government and the BARMM authorities. With the new program, the EU will enhance its contributions in governance, normalization and community resilience. It continues the legacy of flagship actions, focusing on institutional strengthening, ex-combatant reintegration and grassroots peacebuilding measures. With its comprehensive approach, the program will further advance the commitments of the peace agreement and the vision for an inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Mindanao.

Good governance will remain a central pillar of EU support to the region, which will focus on the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), improving public administration, including public finance management, and fostering accountability to sustain public confidence in the Bangsamoro government. Complementing these efforts will be initiatives that support the successful implementation of the normalization track. Efforts will focus on security aspects, as well as socio-economic stability and peace dividends for ex-combatants and local communities, underscoring the EU’s commitment to fulfilling long-term peace agreement goals. The EU will continue to support the work of the Third Party Monitoring Team, which is an essential independent body in the peace landscape.

Lastly, the new framework will focus on building resilience among conflict- and climate-affected communities in the whole of Mindanao. This new initiative will mitigate vulnerabilities among internally displaced populations and strengthen community capacities to address overlapping challenges of conflict and natural disasters. Aligned with President Marcos Jr.’s human rights-centered peace and security policy, the action will complement ongoing EU initiatives in digital and green economy, value chain development, human rights and countering violent extremism.

Peacebuilding is a long and complex process, but one that is worth every effort. The future of the BARMM holds immense potential for peace and prosperity. With the political transition projected on its final steps, the role of the private sector becomes more important to secure and expand employment, household income and a more prosperous future. The European Union’s steadfast support serves as a vital catalyst in this journey, offering expertise, resources and partnerships that empower the region to address challenges and reach its goals. Together, the people of BARMM, their leaders, international partners like the EU and the private sector can transform this vision into a vibrant reality. As the region continues to transform, it offers hope not just to the Bangsamoro people but to all Filipinos who dream of a more united and harmonious nation.

Global Gateway is the European Union’s strategy to boost smart, clean and secure links in the Philippines and all our partner countries. Also in the BARMM, with peace and prosperity, we will have the opportunity to enlarge our Global Gateway flagships from the national level into the BARMM, be it on Green or Digital Economy, and connect Filipinos with Filipinos, regional partners and Europeans.

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Massimo Santoro is the Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines.