COTABATO CITY - Over 7,000 former Bangsamoro Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) gathered at the BARMM headquarters for the 3rd Assembly of Bangsamoro OFWs, marking a historic event for the region. During the assembly, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod "Al-Haj Murad" Ebrahim highlighted the importance of moral governance and economic progress, recognizing the vital role of the Bangsamoro diaspora in the region's development.
In his address, Ebrahim highlighted the growing political interest in BARMM, driven by the region's expanding budget, projected to surpass ?100 billion. However, he reassured the attendees that this increased interest does not diminish the core values of the Bangsamoro struggle.
"Jihad is now molded and imparted in the soul of every Bangsamoro. That’s why, in the creation of BARMM, we introduced moral governance as the foundation of our system," he stated.
The Chief Minister showcased the region's impressive progress, pointing to a significant reduction in poverty rates, dropping from 5.3% to 2.3%. He emphasized the regional government's focus on key sectors like education, social services, health, and infrastructure development, which have been crucial in driving BARMM's growth. Ebrahim highlighted the sharp rise in investments and the increasing interest from foreign-friendly countries eager to participate in the region's development.
As the 2025 elections approach, Ebrahim noted the growing number of political nominees, currently standing at 40. Due to heightened interest from political leaders, some districts may adopt a "free zone" approach to accommodate additional candidates. This reflects the increasing political engagement in the region, driven by its development and economic potential.
The event also underscored the enduring support of the Bangsamoro diaspora in the ongoing progress of the region. Former OFWs have played a critical role not only in the economic development of BARMM but also in the liberation movement.
Ebrahim acknowledged their contributions, noting that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was established by Filipino students in Cairo, Egypt, in 1962. He emphasized that overseas workers were instrumental in supporting the movement from its early days.
The Chief Minister highlighted the establishment of the Office of Former Overseas Bangsamoro Workers (OFOBW) at Camp Darapanan by the MILF. Prof. Tahir G. Nalg, the first president of OFOBW, played a key role in furthering the support of former OFWs for the Bangsamoro cause.
"This gathering of former OFWs is a powerful reminder of their enduring support, not only for the region's economy but also for the liberation movement," Ebrahim said.
The assembly has been hailed as a significant event, with former OFWs reaffirming their commitment to BARMM's vision of peace, development, and self-determination. The contributions of the Bangsamoro diaspora remain a vital force in the region's progress, reflecting their deep-rooted connection to the Bangsamoro cause and their unwavering dedication to the future of the region.
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