COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua on Monday rallied elected officials in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur to serve their constituents beyond the confines of public offices, ensuring faith and accountability as core hallmarks of leadership.

“True leadership is not about power; it is about trust, responsibility, and fearing Allah more than we fear losing our positions,” Macacua told officials who won in last month’s local elections under the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), during their oathtaking at Bangsamoro Government Center here.

“It’s the heart, the sacrifice, and how well you still listen to your people when the applause fades and the real work begins,” he added.

Macacua stressed that while the oathtaking was ceremonial, it was also a celebration of a renewed commitment to a shared dream, that is, “a better Bangsamoro region.”

Meanwhile, The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is bullish on its marine-based industries after the Asian Development Bank (ADB) allotted $400 million (P22.32 billion at current rates) to support “blue economy” initiatives in Mindanao, Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua said.

ADB’s assistance is in line with efforts to develop the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-Eaga) sub-economic grouping.

Macacua disclosed the ADB funding following their participation as part of the Philippine delegation in the 16th BIMP-Eaga meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 27.