Development Gaps in the Bangsamoro

Addressing these development challenges will require a vast amount of resources and commitment over the long run.

It will likely take a generation or two (30-40 years) of sustained investment from both government and, in particular, the private sector for the Bangsamoro to attain 2013 national averages given historical trends. Massive institutional development and capacity mobilization in key technical areas, combined with a concerted effort to reduce conflict and insecurity, may serve to accelerate growth. While the CAB is a significant step in addressing the vertical conflict between the Government and the MILF, the Bangsamoro must address horizontal conflict, including rido and the other forms of inter-communal and inter-elite violence that remain highly prevalent in the region and are a significant impediment to growth.

In the current environment of insecurity and underdevelopment, investment in the region must be based on a complete understanding of the complex security, justice, and economic drivers of conflict in the Bangsamoro. Throughout the transition from ARMM to the Bangsamoro Government, responses must be tailored to the specific geographical and cultural needs and sources of dissatisfaction in Bangsamoro communities, while addressing the needs of the normalization process and the CAB.

Despite these phenomenal challenges, there are a number of factories that can be leveraged to support the development of the Bangsamoro.

Natural and Human Resources Base

The Bangsamoro area enjoys a natural comparative advantage in the form of vast relatively undeveloped land areas and expansive waterways, both inland and coastal. Its rich agricultural lands are suitable to production of high value crops such as banana, pineapple, asparagus, oil palm, rubber, and an assortment of orchards. Its sea and freshwater contributes around 18% of the total national fish catch. It also boasts mineral and non-mineral resources, though their financial and economic viability remains to be fully determined.

On the human capital side, it has a young labor force. Population projections indicate that the working are population will account for 72% of the population in 2040 from 63% in 2010. The economy could take advantage of the potential gains from demographic dividends to speed up catching up process.

Courtesy: Regional Development Plan Midterm Update (2013-2016)