Datu Blah T. Sinsuat Emerges as a Model of Peace and Economic Growth in Bangsamoro

Datu Blah T. Sinsuat (DBS), a tranquil municipality along the Moro Gulf known historically as the fishing capital of Maguindanao del Norte, is now attracting heightened interest from investors, business groups, and regional leaders due to its growing reputation for peace and security. With a population under 30,000, the town is rapidly becoming one of the most stable communities within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a distinction that is proving to be a significant economic advantage in an otherwise fragile region.

At a recent gathering in Cotabato City, Ronald Halid Dimacisil Torres, chair of the Bangsamoro Business Council and head of the Regional Advisory Group of Police Regional Office–BAR, emphasized that DBS is emerging as a "magnet" for outside investors. He noted, "Good peace and security is essential to creating a stable and attractive business environment in every town, city, and province – and Datu Blah Sinsuat has that."

The Police Regional Office–BAR has consistently recognized DBS among the most peaceful municipalities in Maguindanao, an assessment that business communities directly consider in their evaluations of investment risks and opportunities.

Economically, DBS is at a pivotal juncture. While fishing remains the backbone of the local economy—with an estimated daily catch of 10 tons placing it among the region's richest fishing grounds—the town’s economic base is gradually diversifying. The 2023 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index highlights DBS’s strong performance in terms of Cost of Doing Business and Cost of Living, factors crucial for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Furthermore, local government reports indicate rising fiscal strength, with revenues surpassing ₱238 million in 2022.

Infrastructure developments are further boosting DBS’s growth. The completion of the ₱106-million Matuber Bridge in 2021 has improved connectivity between coastal barangays, facilitating more efficient movement of goods for fishers and traders.

A key driver of DBS’s progress is the political cohesion among local and regional leaders. Bangsamoro Parliament member Ramon Piang, former Upi mayor, is a prominent advocate working closely with Mayor Raida Tomawis-Sinsuat, Vice Mayor Mikhaela Marsha Sinsuat, and Maguindanao del Norte Vice Governor Marshall Sinsuat. Piang attributed DBS’s edge to the sustained peace achieved through collaboration among officials, security forces, and communities.

Additional support comes from other parliament members such as lawyer Suharto Ambolodto and Health Minister Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., who contribute through governance initiatives, social programs, and technical assistance.

Security remains a priority, with local police and military maintaining strong coordination with political leaders. This partnership has effectively shielded DBS from the conflicts and violence that have impeded development in other BARMM areas. A recent report featuring Vice Governor Sinsuat, MP Piang, and security chiefs evaluating the town’s peace situation underscores the community’s commitment to maintaining order.

Looking ahead, DBS is positioned to develop into a strategic coastal investment center, with plans focusing on fish processing and cold-chain infrastructure, small port and logistics improvements, coastal ecotourism, marine resource industries, and MSME growth. These initiatives align with BARMM’s broader vision for economic transformation, which is closely linked to sustaining peace and stability.

In a region long marked by unrest, the evolution of Datu Blah T. Sinsuat from a quiet fishing village to a prospective economic hub is a compelling example of what peace can foster. The town may be small, but its future prospects are expanding well beyond the shoreline, capturing the attention of investors, policymakers, and residents alike.