The EU-funded Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Program (BAEP) CRESCENT Project, together with delegates from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), participated in the 14th Arangkada Philippines Forum held at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel from 25 to 26 September 2025.
This yearโs forum gathered government officials, foreign chambers, development partners, and private sector leaders to discuss policies and opportunities that promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the Philippines. The two-day event opened with a plenary session on Strengthening the Philippine Investment Climate and Ease of Doing Business, followed by the launch of the policy book. In the afternoon, breakout sessions were held on agribusiness, mining and water; manufacturing, infrastructure, and logistics; and the digital economy, creative industries, and tourism.
During the event, the BARMM delegation also had the honor of meeting H.E. Massimo Santoro, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, and presented a token of appreciation. Ambassador Santoro was among the distinguished guests at the forum.
On the second day, discussions shifted toward business-to-government and business-to-business opportunities. The morning sessions featured keynote addresses and messages of support from government leaders, and a comprehensive panel of investment promotion agencies. The afternoon program highlighted private sector perspectives, with industry talks on information technology, infrastructure, taxation, and the sustainable energy transition.
Complementing these sessions, the BAEP CRESCENT Project and BARMM delegation mounted a booth showcasing products from MSMEs across the region, including coffee, cacao, food products, textiles, and traditional handicrafts. The initiative not only promoted Bangsamoro products to a broader market but also fostered linkages with investors, buyers, and partners to support MSME growth and competitiveness.
Funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), the BAEP CRESCENT Project works to strengthen agribusiness value chains in BARMM by providing capacity-building, market access, and institutional support to local enterprises. Its presence at the Arangkada Forum underscores the EUโs enduring commitment to fostering peace and prosperity in the Bangsamoro through inclusive economic development.
By engaging with national and international stakeholders at the forum, the BARMM delegation highlighted the regionโs readiness to contribute to the Philippinesโ overall growth while advancing sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities across Mindanao.
