The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is undergoing significant transformations, especially in the areas of tourism, investment, and sustainable development. Leading these efforts are key figures such as Rosslaini J. Alonto-Sinarimbo, Bangsamoro Director General; Shamera Abobakar, Director of the Bureau of Investments; and Marites Maguindra, Regional Secretary at the Department of Tourism-BARMM. Their combined expertise and dedication to the region’s progress are instrumental in reshaping MTIT-BARMM’s tourism landscape.
Tourism as a Gateway to Growth For many years, MTIT-BARMM faced challenges in promoting tourism due to negative perceptions surrounding the region’s safety. “Before, we really had the difficulty to market the region in terms of tourism because of the travel advisory,” noted Alonto-Sinarimbo. However, she emphasized that with the signing of the peace agreement, the region has witnessed a dramatic improvement in peace and order, leading to a significant increase in tourist arrivals. Popular destinations such as Tawi-Tawi and Cotabato have started to attract more visitors, both for leisure and for those interested in the region’s governance and peace-building efforts.
A Shift in Economic Focus, Maguindra shared that the economic landscape of MTIT-BARMM has evolved from being primarily agro-fishery-based to a service-based economy. “The region now is already a service-based economy. Tourism is a major contributor to that economy,” she explained. The region’s shift not only highlights the growing importance of tourism but also the need for proactive and strategic planning.
The region now is already a service-based economy. Tourism is a major contributor to that economy.
Engr. Marites K. Maguindra, Director II Bureau of Tourism Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism
To guide this transformation, MTIT-BARMM has introduced the 10th Year Tourism Development Plan, a comprehensive framework designed to boost tourism over the next decade. Despite the framework, Maguindra acknowledged ongoing challenges, including complex political landscapes and varying needs among the region’s diverse ethnolinguistic groups. To address these, the ministry is focusing on ground-level preparation and coordinated efforts across local and national agencies.
Attracting Investments and Promoting Peace MTIT-BARMM is actively working to counter the perception of being a high-risk area for investments. Abobakar explained, “Having positive publications or news about MTIT-BARMM can help us counter these negative images. The BARMM now is considered one of the most peaceful regions in the country.” Highlighting the region’s progress in terms of peace and order is key to drawing more investors.
The BARMM now is considered one of the most peaceful regions in the country.
Shamera A. Abobakar, Director II Bureau of Investments Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism
The tourism sector itself is aligned with these efforts. The ministry is planning to host a Regional Travel Fair, a first for MTIT-BARMM, which aims to showcase the region’s tourism potential. Maguindra expressed optimism, stating that the event will “bring all the tour operators to really look at what the MTIT-BARMM region could offer for their niche markets.”
Moving Forward MTIT-BARMM’s leadership is committed to fostering sustainable tourism and economic growth. The ministry’s initiatives, including the development of tourism blueprints and proactive investment campaigns, are positioning the region as an emerging destination. As perceptions shift and more travelers and investors experience MTIT-BARMM firsthand, the region’s untapped potential is poised to unfold.
