On November 10, 2025, the Bangsamoro Government formally held the Conference and Groundbreaking Ceremony for the WOW–Matanog Special Economic Zone (Bangsamoro Halal Hub) a landmark initiative signaling a decisive shift in the region’s narrative, from conflict-affected areas toward sustainable economic growth and global investment opportunities.
The event was organized in coordination with the Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Norte, under the leadership of Zohria Bansil-Guro, Mayor of the Local Government of Matanog, and headed by Datu Tucao O. Mastura, Governor of Maguindanao del Norte, representing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao (BARMM).
JCRD Builders Corporation, led by its Chairman Joy Christopher R. Dulay, took part in the historic ceremony, reaffirming the company’s commitment to nation-building, inclusive development, and strategic infrastructure growth within emerging economic zones in the Philippines.
Also in attendance were prominent leaders of BARMM, including Sanaira Ibay Ali-Imam, Vice Mayor of Matanog; Bai Dimple Mastura, Congresswoman of BARMM; and most notably, Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” A. Macacua, Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao, whose presence underscored the strategic importance of the project at the regional and national levels.
The event likewise drew strong interest from international investors and business leaders, highlighting growing global confidence in Bangsamoro’s economic direction. Among those present were Dragon Lee, Chairman of SUDU EMAS Group, and Datuk Jack Yap Woei Sun, Chairman of JNJ Group, a foreign partner of JCRD Builders Corporation.
The WOW–Matanog Special Economic Zone is a pioneering development—recognized as the first JAKIM-certified halal economic zone and the first officially established special economic zone in BARMM. Envisioned as a premier halal industrial and trade hub, the project is expected to generate employment, attract foreign and domestic investments, and foster long-term peace through economic empowerment.
Through initiatives such as this, Bangsamoro continues to redefine itself—not as a former warzone, but as a rising economic frontier, where government, private enterprises, and international partners work together to build a stable, competitive, and prosperous future.
