Parang marks 79th founding anniversary, Sarmiento cites peace gains
Parang marks its 79th founding anniversary as national and regional officials cite the Maguindanao del Norte town's shift from conflict zone to trade hub.
NEWS
8/24/20262 min read
PARANG, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE — Parang marked its 79th founding anniversary on Aug. 18 with a street celebration drawing national, regional, and local officials, as the municipality — a former site of armed conflict — positions itself as a trading and investment hub in central Mindanao.
Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento led the delegation, joined by officials from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and local chief executives from the Iranun Corridor. Parang is also slated to become the seat of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government.
National government's message
In his remarks, Sarmiento credited residents' resilience for the municipality's economic shift.
"Over the past 79 years, the Municipality of Parang has proven that its greatest strength lies not only in its rich agricultural lands, its strategic location, or its proud status as the future seat of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao regional government. More importantly, it lies in the indomitable spirit of its people," Sarmiento said.
He reaffirmed the national government's commitment to sustaining peace and development in Parang and across the Bangsamoro region under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
"We believe that the true measure of peace is not only putting an end to armed conflict and signing peace agreements. Peace is best measured by the growth experienced by communities, the opportunities that a stronger economy creates, and the lives that are changed for the better," he said.
"Our agency's battlecry is 'creating shared value.' We believe peace and progress only have real meaning when they are inclusive, and when every member of the community has the chance to grow and reach their full potential," he added.
Local leadership's call
Parang Mayor Cahar Ibay used his message to push for a unified approach to peacebuilding and development.
"We are not merely celebrating one year in our history. We are celebrating 79 years of people, communities, struggles, achievements, and dreams. The progress that we seek cannot be built by one leader, one family, one sector, or one administration alone. It must be built by all of us together," he said.
Ibay urged residents to set aside their differences in pursuit of shared development goals.
"My most important appeal to every Parangueño is simple: let's unite. Whatever our differences in faith, culture, background, perspective, or even political belief, we serve and love one and the same town — Parang," he said.
Regional outlook
BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, represented by Northern Kabuntalan Mayor Umbra Dilangalen, credited residents for the municipality's turnaround.
"Parang at 79 is not growing old. Parang is growing stronger. Today, we are not merely celebrating how many years have passed. We are celebrating the people who made those years meaningful," he said.
Matanog Mayor Zohria Bansil said Parang's growth would have a ripple effect across the Iranun Corridor, which also includes the municipalities of Barira and Buldon. With construction underway on the Moro Global Metropolis — which will host the Bangsamoro Government Center — Parang is positioning itself for a larger regional role.
"Today we can feel and see that our hometown has become a center of opportunity, service, and progress," she said.
Maguindanao del Norte Rep. Sittie Shahara Mastura, whose message was delivered by chief of staff Joseph Bacaldo, pointed to the municipal government's infrastructure and livelihood projects as part of that push.
"We want to make sure that no community is left behind as Parang strides confidently toward modernization and inclusive growth," Mastura said.
Images: OPAPRU