BARMM Holds First Parliamentary Elections Amidst Investor Optimism

The first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Sept. 14, 2026 officially marked the political transition of the region following the peace accord signed on March 27, 2014 between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) hopes for the success of the election and reinforces the UK as a supporter of the Bangsamoro peace process. BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson believes that the success of the elections will further drive the region’s attractiveness to foreign investors. He noted that, “The British Embassy is one of the [international observers] and they have been very supportive of this whole exercise…So, we hope the elections go as safe and secure as they can. And I think this will drive investments because livelihood and economic growth are key to the whole going forward, not just for Bangsamoro, but also for the whole Philippines.” As of April 30, 2026, BARMM investments continue to grow, which has exceeded its target for 2025, reaching up to P5.1 billion. Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) previously noted that the growth is a "strong indicator of rising investor confidence and sustained peace-driven development in the region." As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), growth performance by major industries is recorded in trade, construction and manufacturing at 59.6%, health and social services at 13.9%, public administration and defense at 9.6%, and agriculture, forestry, and fishing at 4.9%. In terms of British investments, Nelson also cited Sunda Energy, a British independent gas-focused company which currently holds exploration Service Contracts offshore the Philippines, particularly the exploration of the Sulu Sea. Nelson noted that other market opportunities can be further leveraged, given the growing economy in the region and said, “I think renewable energy is going to be a key. Energy is a key demand in the Philippines and a key requirement. And let's not forget that it can be 100% owned by foreign investors. I think agriculture and agribusiness is going to be also essential, feeding the growing population, and food security.” In 2017, with the aim of increasing market opportunities for British companies outside Metro Manila, the British Chamber held a trade and investment mission in Davao City to establish partnerships within agribusiness, infrastructure, technology, banking, finance and energy.