1 week Ago By Ferdinandh Cabrera
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rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-1" );COTABATO CITY, Philippines – There was a time when silence after gunfire was the only sign that peace might hold in the Bangsamoro territory. Now, the opening of Apple’s Power Mac Center showed that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is ready not just to recover, but to compete, connect, and carve out its place in the future.
Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo, director general at the BARMM’s Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT), said she recalled a time when the opening of a Jollibee fast food branch meant progress in a community. With Apple setting up shop in BARMM, Sinarimbo said it meant that the stakes are higher, and sends a powerful message that the region isn’t just recovering but reinventing itself.Must Read Power Mac Center opens first store, service center in BARMM “Jollibee marked the beginning of peace; Power Mac signifies a leap into innovation,” Sinarimbo said.
The Power Mac Center (PMC) opened Wednesday, April 2, at the new KCC Mall of Cotabato, featuring both its premium retail arm, The Loop, and its service center, Mobile Care.Local business leaders like lawyer Ronald Dimacisil-Torres, chairman of the Bangsamoro Business Council (BBC), see the opening as a catalyst for economic growth. Torres said, “The opening of an Apple Center in KCC Mall of Cotabato marks a significant economic milestone for the city and the BARMM, symbolizing progress and attracting investment while creating job opportunities.
It enhances consumer confidence, promotes technological literacy, and sets higher business standards, portraying the region as a viable market for modern development.”Another Cotabato business leader, Pete Marquez, of the Metro Kutawato Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKCCI) credited the administration of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte which facilitated the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law that created the BARMM and the officials of the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).The arrival of a global brand like Apple also serves as a signal to investors, according to.
Mohamad Omar Pasigan, chairperson of the Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI).He said the investment was more than a commercial venture as it represents the continuing transformation of the BARMM economy. Pasigan said investments such as this would boost local job generation, skills development, and technology access, all of which are vital to sustainable economic growth in the region.
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rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-2" );Bangsamoro parliament member Intan Ampatuan, called it a welcome development, noting that “there will be no new businesses if there is no conducive environment.”BARMM has seen a notable economic growth, with its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) increasing 4.
3%, from over P280 billion in 2022 to more than P292 billion in 2023.Cotabato City, the region’s center, continues to drive commerce and trade. However, poverty remains a major concern, with nearly 8% of the country’s impoverished population residing in the region despite these gains.
During its opening week, the store is offering exclusive discounts on select iPhone and MacBook models, AirPods, and premium accessories. Mobile Care, PMC’s Apple-authorized service center, will provide diagnostics, repair, and software support for customers in the region.“The BARMM region is a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that we hope to get to know more of at this phase of our expansion,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC director for marketing and product management.
“We stay true to our commitment to our customers by making our products and expertise more accessible to Filipinos nationwide, adding value to how they advance education, operate businesses, or spend their recreational time.” – Rappler.com.
