Senator JV Ejercito made a historic visit to Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte during a trip to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, becoming the first sitting member of the Senate to personally visit the two provinces.
Ejercito met with Datu Ali Midtimbang, governor of Maguindanao del Sur, and Datu Tucao Mastura, governor of Maguindanao del Norte, during his visit to the region. Local officials welcomed the trip and said the visit highlights growing attention to development opportunities in the Bangsamoro region.
The senator chairs the Senate Committee on Tourism. He said promoting Mindanao’s destinations can help attract more visitors and expand economic opportunities for local communities.
“Napakaganda ng Mindanao. Napakaraming lugar na puwedeng puntahan at ipagmalaki. With continued peace, mas marami pang Pilipino at mga dayuhan ang makakadiskubre sa ganda at potensyal ng rehiyong ito,” Ejercito said.
During meetings with local officials, discussions also focused on improving infrastructure and healthcare services to support long term development in the region.
“Infrastructures help spread opportunity. Kapag may maayos na kalsada, tren, at airports, tumitibay ang connectivity at lumalawak ang potensyal ng Mindanao bilang isang major growth corridor. Dito pumapasok ang negosyo, mas maraming trabaho, at matatag na ekonomiya,” he said.
Ejercito also emphasized the importance of strengthening healthcare access for communities in Mindanao.
“Sa pagpapalakas ng universal healthcare, batid din natin na mapabuti ang health services para sa mga kababayan natin sa Mindanao,” he said.
A supporter of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Ejercito said continued investments in tourism, healthcare, and infrastructure can help translate peace gains into long term opportunities for communities in the Bangsamoro region.
“Walang distansya ang ating paglilingkod. Patuloy kong isusulong ang tatlong mahahalagang sektor na ito. Kalusugan, imprastraktura, at turismo sa Mindanao. Only by strengthening these sectors will we be able to open opportunities and ensure lasting peace and sustainable development in the region,” he said.
Ejercito also paid a courtesy call on Abdulraof A. Macacua, interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro government, at the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City.
Among the sites visited during the trip were the Masjid Dimaukom and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Grand Mosque.
Ejercito was in the region as part of Team Wheeltek’s Ultimate Epic Philippine Loop, a nationwide ride that promotes tourism destinations across the country and responsible motorcycle tourism.
