Cotabato City, Philippines – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) is moving forward with plans to establish centralized municipal government centers in eight towns within the Special Geographic Area (SGA), a move officials say will streamline public services and bolster local governance. The initiative, currently in its final preparation stages, aims to create accessible “one-stop shops” for residents who currently face logistical challenges navigating multiple locations for government assistance.
The project focuses on the municipalities of Kadayangan, Kapalawan, Ligawasan, Malidegao, Nabalawag, Classic Kaabakan, Pahamuddin, and Tugunan – all part of the unique SGA, which comprises 63 barangays formerly under the jurisdiction of Cotabato province. These areas transitioned to Barmm control following a plebiscite in 2019, as outlined in the region’s autonomy agreement. Understanding the Barmm’s structure and goals is key to understanding this development.
Zaiton Abas, head of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG)–SGA Field Office, emphasized the project’s core objective: “The municipal government center will serve as a hub where—in addition to the municipal hall—various Barmm government agencies can establish their field offices. This creates a strategic one-stop shop for the public.” This centralization is intended to alleviate the burden on residents who presently must travel extensively to access different government services.
SGA: A Unique Administrative Landscape
The Special Geographic Area represents a complex administrative arrangement. As detailed by Wikipedia, the SGA is a collection of 63 barangays within eight municipalities of Cotabato province. Despite being geographically located within Cotabato, the area falls under the jurisdiction of the Barmm, while the rest of Cotabato province remains part of the Soccsksargen region. This unique situation necessitates careful coordination between regional and provincial authorities.
The transition of these barangays to Barmm control followed a two-part plebiscite in January and February 2019, where residents voted to join the newly formed autonomous region. The Barmm government officially took over governance of the area on November 20, 2019. The creation of new municipalities within the SGA is a further step in solidifying Barmm’s administrative presence.
Project Details and Funding
On Wednesday, February 25, MILG and local government officials inspected a proposed site in Kadayangan Municipality to discuss the necessary steps for procurement and construction. The project is being quick-tracked under the direction of Barmm interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua. Local government units (LGUs) have been urged to expedite the completion of required documentation.
According to Abas, the documentary requirements include a deed of donation for the land – ideally spanning three to five hectares – a comprehensive site development plan, and the relevant municipal resolutions. Each municipal hall is allocated a budget of ₱30 million (approximately $535,000 USD as of March 1, 2026) and will adhere to a standardized architectural design already implemented in other Barmm municipalities.
Impact on Residents and Future Development
The establishment of these centralized hubs is expected to significantly improve access to essential government services for residents of the SGA. Currently, accessing services often requires travel to multiple locations, creating a logistical and financial strain on communities. The “one-stop shop” approach aims to address this challenge by consolidating various Barmm agencies in a single, accessible location.
The project likewise reflects a broader effort to strengthen local governance within the Barmm. By providing dedicated facilities and resources, the Barmm government aims to empower LGUs and enhance their capacity to deliver effective public services. The SunStar Publishing Inc. reports that this initiative is a key component of the Barmm’s broader development agenda.
The next step involves securing the necessary land donations and completing the site development plans for each municipality. The Barmm government is actively working with LGUs to ensure a smooth and timely implementation of the project. Residents can expect further updates on the project’s progress through official Barmm channels, including the Barmm Official Website.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this development and its potential impact on the communities of the Special Geographic Area.
