Hataman calls for unity, good governance as BARMM Parliament convenes

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman called for unity and good governance following the installation of the first regular Bangsamoro Parliament and the election of Member of Parliament Abdulraof Macacua as chief minister.

In a statement on Sunday, Hataman noted that government success must be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.

He urged leaders across political divisions to shift their focus from political exercises to addressing the pressing socio-economic challenges confronting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

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“With the election of Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua and the organization of the Bangsamoro Parliament, we now enter a new chapter in the history of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” Hataman said.

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The first regular parliament started its mandate on October 30 until June 30, 2031.

“Tapos na ang usapin kung sino ang mamumuno. Ang mas mahalagang tanong ngayon ay kung paano natin sama-samang paglingkuran ang Bangsamoro (The question of who will lead is settled. The more important question now is how we will collectively serve the Bangsamoro),” he added.

Hataman highlighted several critical issues facing the region, including the anticipated impact of El Niño on agricultural communities, high unemployment rates, and persistent gaps in basic and functional literacy.

He also pointed to long-standing poverty and the lack of essential public services across the autonomous region.

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The governor also stressed the necessity of preserving stability and safeguarding the progress made under the Bangsamoro peace process.

“Equally important is the need to sustain peace and stability across the Bangsamoro, protect the gains of the peace process, and ensure that our communities can live without fear and pursue better opportunities,” he added.

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To effectively address these issues, Hataman noted that governance responsibilities cannot rest solely on the regional government or the chief minister.

He called for multi-sectoral cooperation involving provincial, municipal, and barangay local government units, political parties, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

Highlighting the core principles of public service, Hataman reiterated that transparency and accountability must guide government decisions and fiscal management.

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“At the end of the day, the success of this government will not be measured by who occupies positions of power, but by whether ordinary Bangsamoro families experience meaningful improvements in their daily lives,” he said.