Region XV – BARMM

Provinces, Cities and Municipalities in Region XV – BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous  Region in Muslim Mindanao)

Basilan

Lanao del Sur

Maguindanao del Norte

Maguindanao del Sur

Tawi-Tawi

People of BARMM

• As of the 2020 Census, BARMM had a population of 4,404,288.
• In 2015, the region recorded a population of 3,781,387, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 16.5% over five years.
• BARMM is home to several indigenous Moro ethnolinguistic groups, including the Maguindanaon, Maranao, Tausug, Yakan, and Sama. These communities have rich traditions in Islamic scholarship, weaving, music, and oral history.
• The major dialects spoken are Maguindanaon, Maranao, Tausug, and Yakan, with Cebuano and Tagalog also present due to migration. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration across the region.

Location of BARMM

• BARMM is located in the southern Philippines, covering parts of mainland Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. Its geographic coordinates center around 7.13°N latitude and 124.15°E longitude.
• The region spans a land area of approximately 36,650.95 square kilometers, comprising six provinces: Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, plus the independent city of Cotabato City and 63 barangays in North Cotabato.
• The regional center and seat of government is Cotabato City. The Bangsamoro Government Center is located in Barangay Rosary Heights VII, Cotabato City.
• Most people reach BARMM via land, air, and sea. Major airports include Awang Airport</strong (Maguindanao), Marawi Airport, and Zamboanga International Airport (gateway to Basilan). Seaports include the Port of Jolo, Port of Bongao, and Polloc Port in Parang, Maguindanao. Cotabato City is accessible by bus from Davao and General Santos, and by air from Manila and Cebu.

Tourist Attractions of BARMM

• Lake Lanao: The second largest lake in the Philippines, sacred to the Maranao people and central to hydroelectric power generation.
• Bud Bongao: A sacred mountain in Tawi-Tawi, popular for pilgrimage and trekking.
• Sheik Makhdum Mosque: Located in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, it is the oldest mosque in the Philippines, built in 1380.
• Pink Mosque (Masjid Dimaukom): A symbol of peace and unity in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
• Shariff Kabunsuan Festival: Celebrated every December in Cotabato City, honoring the arrival of Islam in Mindanao through cultural parades, boat races, and traditional performances.

Economy of BARMM

• BARMM’s economy is anchored in:
  • Agriculture and fisheries: The region produces rice, corn, coconut, seaweed, and tuna. It is a key supplier of halal products.
  • Mining and natural resources: Rich in gold, copper, and other minerals, especially in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.
  • Tourism and crafts: Traditional textiles, brassware, and eco-tourism sites contribute to local livelihoods.
  • Public administration and services: The regional government employs thousands across ministries and LGUs.
• In 2024, BARMM posted a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of ₱386.1 billion, up from ₱362.5 billion in 2023. Despite challenges from natural calamities, the region achieved a 2.7% growth rate in 2024.

Educational Institutions of BARMM

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Mindanao State University – Maguindanao: Offers programs in agriculture, education, and Islamic studies.
  • Adiong Memorial Polytechnic State College: Located in Lanao del Sur, offering technical and agricultural programs.
  • Basilan State College and Sulu State College: Recently accredited by CHED to offer postgraduate programs.
  • Notre Dame University – Cotabato City: A private Catholic institution offering liberal arts, law, and business programs.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in welding, electronics, culinary arts, and other trades across the region.

History of BARMM

• The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was officially established on February 26, 2019, replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Its creation followed the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (Republic Act No. 11054) through plebiscites held on January 21 and February 6, 2019.
• The region’s formation was the result of decades of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), aiming to provide genuine autonomy and self-governance to the Bangsamoro people.
• BARMM operates under a parliamentary system, with its own Chief Minister, Parliament, and ministries. It has fiscal autonomy, its own justice system, and the power to enact regional laws consistent with national policy.
• Today, BARMM is seen as a gateway to peace and progress in Southern Philippines, balancing Islamic heritage, indigenous governance, and inclusive development across its diverse provinces.

Elected Officials of BARMM

• As of the 2025 transition, BARMM is led by:
  • Chief Minister: Abdulraof A. Macacua
  • Deputy Chief Ministers: Ali Solaiman (Maguindanao) and Omar Yasser Sema (Lanao)
  • Speaker of the Bangsamoro Parliament: Pangalian M. Balindong
  • Ministers: Eduard Guerra (Public Works), Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba (Attorney General), and Termizie Masahud (Transportation and Communications), among others.
• The first regular parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 13, 2025, marking the transition from the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority to a fully elected 80-member Parliament.
• For full election results and updates, visit: BARMM Election Results.

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