World Bank Urges Poverty Reduction in Muslim Region of Philippines

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), located in the southern Philippines, has seen a rapid decline in poverty levels in recent years, according to a recent World Bank report.

After decades of sluggish growth, the region expanded rapidly in 2017, averaging 7.9% growth between 2017-2019, outpacing the rest of the Philippines. Poverty levels dropped from over 60% in 2018 to 37.2% in 2021, lifting around 892,000 people out of poverty.

The report cites diminished conflict, increased government support, and consistent economic growth as key drivers of this progress. However, challenges remain, with 36% of the population still considered near-poor and lacking access to essential services.

Maintaining peace and investing in agriculture, infrastructure, and social services will be crucial to sustaining this positive trajectory and further reducing poverty in the region.