BARMM Key Ministries Fully Staffed After Resignations
KORONADAL CITY – The Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has completed appointments for all 15 key ministries in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), nearly two months after requesting courtesy resignations from his Cabinet members. This decisive move aims to enhance governance and service delivery as the region’s transition period approaches its end.
The filling of BARMM key ministries follows the confirmation of the heads of the Ministries of Public Works (MPW) and Transportation and Communications (MOTC) by their respective agencies. Macacua retained Eduard Guerra as MPW minister and appointed Termizie Masahud as MOTC head, signaling stability and fresh leadership in critical sectors.
Leadership Continuity and New Appointments
Eduard Guerra has served as the MPW minister since November 2019. Before this role, he was the first Minister of Finance, Budget, and Management (MFBM), demonstrating his versatility and experience in public administration. His continued leadership is expected to sustain ongoing infrastructure projects vital to the region’s development.
Meanwhile, Termizie Masahud, a native of Tawi-Tawi, replaces Member of Parliament Paisalin Tago, who recently became president of the Mindanao State University System. Masahud previously served as provincial director of the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) in Tawi-Tawi, where he bolstered local industries, attracted investments, and strengthened partnerships with non-government organizations.
According to the MOTC, Masahud played a key role in enhancing Tawi-Tawi’s position as a strategic maritime and trade gateway within the Bangsamoro region. Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali expressed confidence in Masahud’s leadership, stating, “I am confident that your leadership will bring positive developments in improving transportation and communication services in our region.”
Ministry Changes and Retentions
Chief Minister Macacua formally accepted the courtesy resignations of Abuamri Taddik from the MTIT, Melanio Ulama from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA), and lawyer Sha Elijah B. Dumama-Alba from the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG). Despite stepping down as MILG minister, Alba remains a member of the Bangsamoro Parliament.
Successors were named promptly: Farserina Mohammad, executive director of the NGO Layag Pusaka Inc., was appointed as the new MTIT minister, while Guiamal Abdulrahman, formerly the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative of Maguindanao del Norte, took over as MIPA minister. Macacua continues to hold the MILG post concurrently, maintaining key oversight during the transition.
Courtesy Resignations and Cabinet Stability
On June 23, Macacua directed top BARMM officials to tender their courtesy resignations amid complaints against regional leaders and as part of his efforts to improve government efficiency. However, he rejected the resignations of several ministers including lawyer Raissa Jajurie (Social Services and Development), Akmad Brahim (Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy), lawyer Ubaida Pacasem (Finance, Budget, and Management), Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr. (Health), Muslimin Sema (Labor and Employment), and Jehan Usop (Deputy Minister and Acting Minister of Science and Technology).
Other ministers retained in their posts are Mohagher Iqbal (Basic, Higher, and Technical Education), Hussein Muñoz (Public Order and Safety), Abunawas Maslamama (Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform), and Hamid Barra (Human Settlements and Development). Additionally, Mohamad Omar Pasigan remains chairperson of the Bangsamoro Board of Investments, while Ameen Andrew Alonto continues as executive director of the Bangsamoro Information Office.
BARMM Transition and Future Outlook
Established in 2019 with the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, BARMM is currently governed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority during its transition period. Originally scheduled to conclude on June 30, 2022, the transition period was extended due to the postponement of the first Bangsamoro Parliament elections to May 2025, and later rescheduled to October 13, 2025.
As BARMM key ministries are now fully staffed, local leaders and community members anticipate a more streamlined and effective delivery of public services. The new appointments and retained officials reflect a balance of continuity and renewal aimed at addressing the region’s development challenges.
For more news and updates on BARMM key ministries, visit Filipinokami.com.
