COTABATO CITY — Local officials called on bus companies in Mindanao on Thursday to enhance economic activities by increasing the number of units operating along highways connecting three Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) provinces to trading sites in Region 12.
Bangsamoro Transportation and Communications Minister Paisalin P. Tago announced plans to persuade bus company owners to add more units, starting January 2024, particularly for Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and parts of Region 12. The initiative aims to expedite the mobility of residents and merchants engaged in local entrepreneurial and trading activities.
The Bangsamoro region has seen improvements in commerce and trade in recent months, particularly in Moro-dominated barangays in Region 12. Mr. Tago emphasized the need to complement these improvements with increased bus services.
Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño Mendoza, chairperson of the Regional Development Council-12, expressed support for the initiative, considering it essential for the economic growth of small-scale traders in the 63 Bangsamoro barangays. She believes that increased bus services will signal safety and encourage investment in Moro-dominated barangays.
Security forces, including the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and regional police, expressed readiness to collaborate in ensuring security along the highways connecting Bangsamoro provinces and Region 12 if bus companies expand their services. Local government units are already supporting current security efforts in these areas. — John Felix M. Unson