AT least 750 new jobs are coming to the Bangsamoro region as officials approved P1.6 billion worth of investments in agriculture and water infrastructure to kick off 2026.
On January 22, The Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI) green-lit the projects during its first board meeting of the year.
The bulk of the employment boost will come from a large-scale agricultural production and farm development project in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
The project is expected to create 630 jobs while aiming to increase local food security.
In Cotabato City, newly approved bulk water supply and treatment facilities are projected to create another 120 jobs.
These upgrades are designed to provide residents and commercial areas with more reliable access to safe water, paving the way for future industrial growth.
BBOI Chairperson Mohamad Omar Pasigan said the approvals reflect the region’s “Economic Jihad” initiative — an economic campaign focused on self-reliance and aggressive growth.
“These new investments are part of our continuing efforts to advance the Economic Jihad of Barmm anchored on the vision and leadership of Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua under the #MasMatatagnaBangsamoro administration.
Our focus remains on attracting investments that create jobs, strengthen key sectors, and uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro people,” Pasigan said.
Maguindanao del Norte Board Member Michael Abas Kida, who witnessed the approval, highlighted the immediate benefits for local workers and the agricultural sector.
“These investments, especially the large-scale agricultural production and farm development in the Municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat, open up numerous opportunities for the people of Maguindanao del Norte,” Kida said.
Regional officials view the P1.6 billion capital injection as proof of growing investor confidence in Barmm. As the region enters 2026, the BBOI stated it will continue prioritizing business environments that drive long-term economic resilience.
