In March 2025, the BDA Inc. finance division team conducted the skills enhancement and coaching on financial management and basic bookkeeping for the 28 organizations across the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) namely- Abubakar, Badre, Bilal, Busrah Somiorang, Omar and Rajamda.

Ended in April 2025, the activity helped the participants enhanced their skills in the proper entry of financial transactions to the book of accounts such as the journal book, cash receipt and disbursement book, sales and purchase journal and general ledger.

These groups were consisted of 12 cooperatives (farmers and transitioning combatants), 12 local community groups (women and youth) and four (4) indigenous people’s (IPs) organizations, all organized and supported by the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP).

In Brgy. Pendulonan, Munai, Lanao del Norte within Camp Bilal, Bangsa Bae 2 Hope of New Generation Pendulonan Association bookkeeper, Sittie Asiyah H. Acmad expressed gratitude to BDA Inc. for the opportunity to further enhance their skills and knowledge on bookkeeping.

“Through these sessions and actual coaching, I learned how to properly record each transaction and I am now confident in carrying out my role as a bookkeeper,” said Acmad.

The same expression was extended by Meryam Manguda, Datalpandan Women and Youth Association (DWAYA) bookkeeper, during the sessions.

She stated, “We are grateful to BDA for the technical support and continued guidance to us. We hope that they will not get tired of guiding us until our association will be finally capacitated on financial management.”

BDA Inc. finance staff Rahima Datumanong reminded the organizations of the importance of proper bookkeeping within the organizations, “Bookkeeping is very essential. It will enable you to track financial transactions and maintain transparency,” said Datumanong.

“By maintaining the accurate and up-to-date financial records, cooperatives and organizations can achieve a long-term sustainability and success,” she added.

The BDA Inc. finance team is committed to guide the beneficiaries on their journey towards managing their business’ finances effectively.

Relative training on financial management and basic bookkeeping was conducted from September to October 2024 that introduced them to the basics of financial management and basic bookkeeping.

At present, the organizations are operational and engaging businesses. They are applying the skills and knowledge they learned from these sessions specifically on their daily financial transactions.

Moreover, the groups also underwent various capacity building activities such as organizational development and management, business planning and sub-project proposal preparation, training on operation and maintenance, selected members underwent experiential learnings, and amongst others.

BCTP has three (3) components: community development assistance (CDA) which includes the community infrastructure sub-projects (CISPs); capacity and institutional strengthening; and project administration and quality assurance. It also focuses on income stabilization, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR/CCA) and partnership with local and regional governments.

The project, with 12 sites, is one of the projects funded by the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF), a new funding facility administered by the World Bank with contributions from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom.

BCTP is also supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) as well as the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation (JTFCT) both from the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

May 14, 2025. Nine Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) in the Bangsamoro region participated in the Training Workshop on the Enhancement of Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (BDRRMP) conducted through the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP) in April 2025.   

The training primarily aimed to enhance the BDRRMP of the nine barangay recipients of the BCTP, namely- Brgy. Saniag, Ampatuan; Brgy. Limpongo, Datu Hoffer; Brgy. Datalpandan, Guindulungan; Brgy. Dungguan, Datu Montawal all from the province of Maguindanao del Sur; Brgy. Kenebeka, Datu Odin Sinsuat; Brgy. Sapad, Matanog; and Brgy. Minabay, Buldon all from the province of Maguindanao del Norte; and Brgy. Sandab Madaya and Brgy. Ragayan, Butig from the province of Lanao del Sur.

In his message, BDA Inc. Exec. Dir. Rhadzni Taalim highlighted the importance of strengthening preparedness towards resilient communities.

“This training marks a significant step forward in strengthening our disaster risk reduction and management capabilities at the grassroots level, fostering a culture of preparedness towards a resilient communities.”

Representatives from the Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) who were part of the Local Review Board (LRB) also participated the activity. 

BDA Inc. Environmental and Social Safeguard Officer (ESSO), Mohamad Yusseph Alalang shared the role of the LRB in the enhancement of BDRRMP, “composed of esteemed staff from the MLGUs, the Local Review Board is responsible for reviewing the drafted BDRRM plans before its final approval by the Sangguaning Bayan.”

Alalang stated, “During the trainings, the LRB from the 8 municipalities also underwent training of trainers TOT.”

Facilitated by the Ministry of Interior and Local Government Unit (MILG), the training was clustered into three. First cluster for the 4 municipalities from Maguindanao del Sur on April 10-12, 2025, second cluster for the 3 municipalities from the province of Maguindanao del Norte on April 14-16, 2025 and third cluster for the municipality of Butig from Lanao del Sur on April 22-24, 2025.

Led by the MILG regional office, the resource speakers discussed the Philippine disaster context, understanding the community-based disaster risk reduction and management (CBDRMM), the CDRRM process and the disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) thematic areas.

Further, BDA Inc. set a timeline for the submission of the approved BDRRM plans and committed to reproduce hardbound copies of the plans.

On the other hand, MILG Senior Programs Officer, Mr. Mauricio Civiles emphasized the importance of the BDRRM plan to the BLGUs, “BDRRM plan is very crucial for the BLGUs, it is the legal document of the barangay to implement mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response and rehabilitation as basis to allocate fund (5% Calamity Funds) to ensure safety of its constituents.”

Moreover, the participants were very grateful for the training.

Brgy. Datalpandan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur (Camp Badre)

“Marami po kaming natutunan sa training na ito. Nalaman naming na marami pa pala kaming dapat na idagdag sa aming BDRRM Plan,” said Nasrudin Ukay.

Brgy Limpongo, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur (Camp Omar)

“Alhamdulillah, nagpapasalamat kami sa BDA at sa mga facilitators mula sa MILG. Talagang marami kaming natutunan. In Shaa Allah, kung ano ang kulang sa BDRRM plan ng barangay Limpongo ay aming tututukan,” said Chairwoman Lina Unlaw, Brgy. Chairwoman of Brgy. Limpongo, Datu Hoffer.

Brgy. Dungguan, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur (Camp Rajamuda)

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa BDA Inc. dahil nagkaroon sila ng initiative, projects at activities sa aming barangay. Nagpapasalamat din kami sa mga facilitators from MILG para sa pag tuturo nila ng BDRRM Plan. Sana ay magamit natin ng wasto.

As soon as possible gawin na natin lahat para matapos natin agad ang BDRRM Plan natin para maipasa natin agad before ang deadline.”

Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) Datu Montawal

“Nagpapasalamat kami mula sa Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) Datu Montawal, dahil nakasama kami sa training na ito. Kailangan din po namin ito dahil pumupunta din kami sa ground,” said Fatima Diocolano from MSSD Datu Montawal.

Brgy. Minabay, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte (Camp Abubakar)

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa BDA at napabilang ang Brgy. Minabay sa training na ito. Na-enhance ang aming BDRRM plan at natuto pa kami.”

Butig, Lanao del Sur (Camp Busrah Somiorang)

“Napaka swerte natin na napabilang ang ating dalawang barangays (Brgy. Ragayan at Brgy. Sandab Madaya) sa training na ito at ma-enhance ang mga BDRRM Plans.

In behalf of our local executive, nagpapasalamat kami sa BCTP, sa inyong initiative,”  said Maelak L. Unti, MDRRMO in Butig, Lanao del Sur.

Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur (Camp Omar)

“Sa pamamagitan ng training na ito ay natutunan natin kung ano ang mga ilalagay natin sa ating PPAs na based sa 4 thematic areas ng Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM),” said Noriam Matula, MDDRRMO in Datu Hoffer, Maguindnao del Sur.

Similar training was conducted on May 5-7, 2025 for the BLGUs in Brgy. Mamaanun, Balo-I and Brgy. Pendulonan, Munai both from the province of Lanao del Norte in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region X.

This intervention is relevant to the disaster risk reduction/climate change adaptation (DRR/CCA) under community development assistant component of BCTP.

BCTP is implemented by the BDA Inc. in partnership with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI).

It is one of the projects funded by the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF), a new funding facility administered by the World Bank with contributions from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom.

The BCTP is also supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) as well as the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation (JTFCT) both from the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The long-decade conflicts in the Bangsamoro not only hampered economic development in the camp communities but also reduced opportunities for women and youth.

In rural areas like villages in the camps, most people are contented with what they have and only a few believe that there is really hope and transformation.

The arrival of the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP) as part of the Normalization efforts between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) brings confidence and opportunities to these sectors.

At present, BCTP has organized and supported 12 women and youth groups across the six major camps of the MILF. These organizations have been strengthened and capacitated through various trainings such as organizational development and management, financial literacy and management with basic bookkeeping, skills enhancement and development, and amongst others.

Moreover, with an aim to improve access to socio-economic services and basic infrastructures to its target communities, the BCTP has also provided community facilities with tools and equipment and livelihood diversification support as start-up capital, to these groups.

In Brgy. Mamaanun, Balo-I, Lanao del Norte within Camp Bilal, the beneficiaries were very grateful for the interventions they have received through the Mamaanun Womens and Lightness Association (MWLA).

Babo Ongay Alangca, 54 years old, president of MWLA, cannot deny that at first, she had difficulty in handling their group, “As a president of our organization, I can say that struggles are part of it”.

“It’s difficult to form a group in a community, most people don’t believe it will work.  All I’ve heard before were negativities” Babo Ongay added.

Babo Ongay was not deterred by those negative comments, “During the first meeting, I already felt that this project will give us a brighter future,” she further stated, reminiscing about their past activities that even though it was raining, their group still tried to participate after they realized that there was really hope in this project.

“Struggles are real, but never give-up. There are lots of paper works to do but we are now enjoying it,” she ended.

Babo Ongay’s group is currently operating a business, selling various native foods and delicacies. They acquired their skills in processing and cooking a variety of foods during their skills development training on January 29-31, 2025. Their products are displayed in their multi-purpose center, a community facility that was turned over through the BCTP on January 18, 2025.

“We've gained valuable skills and the chance to apply our knowledge in practical ways – from cooking diverse dishes like cakes and cassava treats to processing palapa, all of which we can showcase at our community facility’s display center”, said Babo Ongay.

Recently, the association received additional support on livelihood diversification such as; grocery and ready to wear items, equipment and materials for printing services. These interventions are additional assistance to the beneficiaries to further improve their livelihood activities and generate income.  

“These supports give us additional income-generating opportunities for both our organization and individual members. We are committed to making the most of this support and ensuring its success. We are confident that this will significantly contribute to the growth of our businesses in our barangay”, shed ended.

These initiatives are part of the implementation of BCTP, implemented by the BDA Inc. in partnership with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI). 

It is one of the projects funded by the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF) with contributions from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom, administered by the World Bank.

The BCTP is also supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) as well as the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation (JTFCT) both from the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

March 21, 2025. A single penny for a little family can mean a lot. This is a reality for many local women in communities across the Bangsamoro who are mostly struggling for their day-to-day lives.

Mercilyn Salsain, 38 from is fulltime housewife with three kids residing in Barangay Pasiagan, Bongao, Tawi- Tawi. Her husband is a construction worker.

She learned to produce native delicacies through the women organization in their village.

At home, Mercilyn would fine time to produce delicacies to sell for and gain profit.

“The income helps for our daily needs like the meals for our family, which is the most important for us”, she stated.

As a member of the organization, Mercilyn is glad to see her fellow women having the chance to attend seminars and events in hotels, and in other places beyond Tawi-Tawi.

“Through this project, we were able to go out and be more productive beyond our home”, she told.

A young lady named Norain Mukatil, 26, of the same village is a storekeeper in a pasalubong center in a local airport in Tawi-Tawi where she sells native delicacies. She works to support her siblings in their studies. They were young at age when their parents moved to Malaysia and left them under the guardianship of their uncle (father’s older brother).

Through hard work and perseverance, Norain has completed her education in 2012 and at present, she saves money from the portion of income in selling native delicacies to apply for licensure examination in hope for a stable job.

“Life is hard but the only choice is to go on”, this young lady expressed with high hopes and determination.

Norain shared that the delicacies are saleable specially when there are more guests and tourists.

In Sulu, a widowed mother gains added income by selling products from coconut like cooking oil, biko (sticky rice cake), and others.

Nurmirin Kanain, 37 from Brgy. Timbangan, Indanan, Sulu solely provides for her two children when her husband (a tricycle driver) passed away.

“It was never easy but this is my fate. I have to be stronger. I am joining local groups in hope to get opportunities and have an extra source of living”, Nurmirin stated.

Another widow from Pantar, Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur likewise value a hundred peso worth of money from which she can buy meals for her children in a day.

Left by her husband, Sofia Casangoan works alone hard each day to provide for the family and is grateful for the support of some relatives and neighbors.

Sofia found strength and hope in planting vegetables as livelihood project for transitioning communities affected by war in the past years.

In Maguindanao, Saguira Mamaluba, with seven children learned about making food items from coconut. One of which is biko that she prepares on order basis.

“In cooking and selling biko, I can send money for my daughter in college” Saguira said.

According to her, the amount she sent one time to her daughter was spent to buy cap and stockings prescribed in their school uniform.

Indeed, livelihood support to women groups is relevant to this sector who are mostly responsible in nurturing their families as foundation of the society.

Project reports revealed also that such assistance to women not only results to alternative income, moreover, it goes beyond support to livelihood. It is about empowerment and education that builds and enhances the potentials of women sector while nurturing their respective families. 

“It opens the doors to discover and enhance their abilities to be more fruitful in their crafts which develop the sense of gratification and self- fulfillment meaningful for their social being and status as women”, Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) reported.

This support to women groups across BARMM is relevant to the project SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition, as funded by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.

BDA Inc. is the local implementing agency of the project in collaboration with partner civil society organizations (CSO) in Bangsamoro Region.

March 12, 2025. Early this year, a fire incident broke out in Cotabato City affecting hundreds of families. Up until today, many of the victims were left homeless. Majority are living in temporary shelters in an evacuation center, some found refuge in their relatives and the others have started rebuilding their homes partially damaged by the incident. Initial assistance were provided to these families from the city government, and groups and individuals who initiated benevolent acts in response to this calamity.

In this holy month of Ramadhan, the affected families felt the blessings as they were the priority recipients of food packs (10 kgs. rice, sugar, salt, cooking oil, canned goods) distributed as sponsored by a foreign humanitarian foundation. These food items are helpful for the day-to-day survival of these affected families while recovering from the tragedy, especially during this month of fasting for the Muslims.

The blessings of Ramadhan has likewise reached the struggling life of a widowed mother in a remote area of Pantar, Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur, a community within the MILF Camp Bushra. Sophia Casangoan solely provides for her five children with some few aid from neighbors and relatives after her husband passed away.

“This Ramadhan, I sell fresh vegetables from our garden where I get significant income. I have earnings to buy sufficient meals for my kids, which I could hardly afford, before”, she stated.

The group of Sophia is formed in relevant to the project supporting the transitioning combatants. Vegetable production has been agreed by the organization as alternative livelihood.

In February, they have harvested various vegetable crops from their production site where they felt the success of their hard work. And this Ramadhan, they feel more blessed by the income generated from selling their products.

“We share the joy for this group, and we hope that they will sustain this project especially now that they see the potential and the benefits. They just have to work hard and be more resourceful for living”, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) told.

BDA implements the project which focus involves the assistance for the camp communities towards transformation and progress from armed conflict in the past.

For the agency, this Ramadhan, blessings in other form enlightened their staff and volunteers through symposium that provided refreshing and illuminating lectures and wisdom relevant for spiritual reflection and growth this holy month and further.  

Ramadhan, a sacred month for Muslim communities encourage good deeds among the believers to gain multiple rewards in this world and the hereafter.

Every year, BDA implements Ramadhan Program during this month by delivering food packs and provision of free meals for Iftar (breaking of fast) as donated by foreign partner organizations, conducting Islamic lectures, study circles and among others. (BDA Communication Team, 2025).

March 17, 2025. Part of the community development assistance (CDA) component of the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP) is to strengthen the awareness of the beneficiaries regarding disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA).

From January 28, 2025 to February 27, 2025, series of resilient management training were organized for the members of local community groups (women and youth), indigenous people (IP) groups and cooperatives.

The training focused on discussions about integrated risk reduction, CCA with basic intervention on environmental protection, natural resource conservation, first aid during emergencies and psychosocial. These also included drills and simulations that helped the participants put into actual the learnings they have acquired.

The recent activities on DRR and CCA were actively participated by the said organized groups from the following 12 barangays within the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

• Dalingaoen, Pikit, North Cotabato, January 28-30, 2025
• Kenebeka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, January 29-31, 2025
• Minabay, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte, February 4-6, 2025
• Limpongo, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, February 10-12, 2025
• Ragayan, Butig, Lanao del Sur, February 11-13, 2025
• Dungguan, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur, February 13-15, 2025
• Mamaanun, Balo-I, Lanao del Norte, February 18-20, 2025
• Saniag, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur- February 24-26, 2025
• Sandab Madaya, Butig, Lanao del Sur, February 24-26, 2025
• Sapad, Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, February 24-26, 2025
• Pendulonan, Munai, Lanao del Norte, February 25-27, 2025

According to Mohamad Yusseph Alalang, BDA Inc. ESS Officer, “the activities are very timely to the current scenarios in the Bangsamoro.”

“We want them to be prepared for any disaster that might happen to their community and learn how to respond accordingly”, Alalang added.

“The initiative not only support the project’s success but also contribute to the long-term resilience of the camp communities and well-being of the people,” he ended.

Also among the participants were Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Committee (BRRMC) of the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs).

These initiatives were made possible through the technical assistance of different Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Offices (MDRRMOs) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Municipal Fire Stations.

Meanwhile, the beneficiaries were grateful for the trainings they participated in. Their awareness on DRR and CCA were increased, and their preparedness on disasters were strengthen.

Jasper Joseph Salva, 28 years old, Chairman of Matay-Matay Agriculture Cooperative (MAC) in Brgy. Kenebeka, shared how helpful these trainings were.

“Through the drills and simulations, we learned how to respond when minor accidents occur in our communities,” said Jasper.  

“We live in a mountainous area so it’s probably prone to floods and landslide. It’s good that we learned what to prepare for if such disaster were to happen.” Said Emily Tolino, member of IP group in Brgy. Saniag.

Moreover, in Brgy. Ragayan, the beneficiaries were also thankful for the trainings given to them.

“We are extending our gratitude to BDA and the MDRRMO Butig, our knowledge has increased on how to protect and conserve our environment,” said participants from Brgy. Ragayan.  

BCTP is implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) in partnership with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI). 

It is one of the projects funded by the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF) with contributions from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom, administered by the World Bank.

The BCTP is also supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) as well as the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation (JTFCT) both from the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

March 13, 2025. The indigenous peoples (IPs) are among the significant beneficiaries of the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP). Implemented in the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), two of these camps namely Badre and Omar are known to be home to the IPs.

In Camp Omar, particularly in Brgy. Saniag, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, the BDA Inc. together with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) organized a group of this sector and legally named as Saniag Farmers Producer Cooperative (SFPC).

On January 23, 2025, SFPC received a one unit solar dryer from BCTP. At present, this facility is generating income through rentals.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa BDA, kasi hindi nila kami iniwan. Palagi silang andito,” said Jaypee G. Bansigan, chairman of SFPC.

Bansigan is also grateful to CFSI and funders for the projects turned over to their group through the BCTP.

“Mayroon na kaming pagbibiladan ng aming mga produkto, kumikita pa kami,” added Bansigan.

BCTP initiatives brought hope to the IP communities as for the first time they had their projects they could truly call their own.

Indigenous people are known for being aloof and hesitant to exposure. However, BCTP gave them a chance to participate in activities that will build their confidence, and opportunities to show their capacity to handle an organization and operate projects.

Moreover, 93 sacks of rice as additional support to their livelihood diversification was delivered in February 2025.

BDA Inc. field staff reported that SFPC members were actively participating in the trainings conducted through BCTP.

Meanwhile, BCTP is also supporting IP communities in Brgy. Kenebeka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, Brgy. Datalpandan, Guindulungan and Brgy. Limpongo, Datu Hoffer both situated in the province of Maguindanao del Sur.

BCTP is implemented by the BDA Inc. in partnership with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI).

It is one of the projects funded by the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF), a new funding facility administered by the World Bank with contributions from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom.

The BCTP is also supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) as well as the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation (JTFCT) both from the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

February 12, 2025. Operating their own livelihood activities in their respective communities, various people’s organizations across the Bangsamoro Region have high hopes to boost their productivity and profits with the on-going construction of processing centers.

These facilities will provide proper storage for the equipment and tools used for production of various products which are locally sourced in Bangsamoro communities.

Likewise, the rising of these processing centers will afford the POs manufacture their products with a proper facility ideal for food handling activities based on the standards approved.

At present, the construction of the eleven units of processing centers across the eleven sites are underway.

95% completed at Brgy. Talibadok, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur; 77% at Tumbras, Kadayangan and 59% at Balakayon, Pahamuddin all in the Special Geographical Areas (SGA-BARMM).

Procurement of materials for the construction at Mother Tuayan, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur is on-going.

The groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction activities in Lilod, Balindong LDS, Malimono, Marawi City and Mataya, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte were conducted and layouting by engineering team is set to start the construction.

Technical validation and succeeding activities for the communities in island provinces is set on third to fourth week of February this year.

Various products at present made by local groups are native delicacies, cassava chips, coconut oil, banana chips, herbal soaps, and among others.

POs learned the procedure through the relevant skills training conducted to them respectively.

Most of these groups have reported challenges on proper storage and processing facility, thus the project through the support of donors responded to these needs to further help these communities maximize the chance towards local economic progress.

Relative training on product development has also been completed for the POs as provided by the personnel from MOST-BARMM.

The project team had an initial coordination meeting with the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) in Region XII for the key information about the guidelines and standards for local food processing activities.

According to Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.), “this continuing support to people’s organizations across communities has been a significant approach towards peacebuilding in the region.”

The agency added “we educate and empower the community by allowing them identify available resources potential for livelihood initiative, we gave them training, complete set of tools and equipment, various training for organizational and operational management, and now the project is constructing for them a processing center”.

BDA noted that the continuing support to POs within and outside BARMM is relevant to the project SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition, funded by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.

FEBRUARY 1, 2025. Like a plant that grows and bears fruits, the initiative to educate communities in the Bangsamoro Region about the potentials and advantages of vegetable production has been cultivating hopes and progress.

This effort was started in 2021 with the intention to empower the communities of the benefits of planting vegetables as alternative source of income.

Various community groups were organized and were provided with modern and practical trainings on vegetable production.

These groups have also received complete set of tools and equipment useful in cultivating their lands for various varieties of vegetables.

In Brgy. Datalpandan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur, the group of transitioning combatants has begun for their second season of planting vegetables.

According to them, the first harvest was good, though the income was less due to problem on marketing. Despite that, the group is learning and is determined to strategize for the next season

For this period, they have transplant tomatoes, green chili and bell pepper.

Rowena Kanakan, who is leading the indigenous people (IP) women group in Looy, Upi, Maguindanao showed before the project team their ready-to-harvest vegetables.

The group has been recognized during the Nutrition Month in 2023 by the local government of Upi.

There were two other groups cultivating vegetable farms in this mountainous town like in Brgy. Kibucay and Brgy. Romongaob.

In Brgy. Kinebeka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, the organization toured the team to their garden with huge variety of eggplants.

Women group in Bugasan, Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte is regularly monitoring their vegetable farm which crops are still young and small.

Hard work and unity of community group in Pantar, Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur is about to yield fresh vegetables that were planted in the beautiful farm fields in the area.

The organization is created in 2024 composed of transitioning combatants who are doing farming as means of living.

At present, these groups who are engaged in vegetable production are undergoing training on sustainable agriculture that will help them with practical knowledge and principles of environmental preservation and climate adaptation expected towards increased competency and productivity.

Each group has also received 1-unit of wood shredder that is useful for their production activities.

The continuing support to indigenous people and transitioning combatants falls under the project SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition, funded by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.

Launched in July 2023, Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP) has facilitated various capacity-building activities such as orientation on homebased gardening, training on financial literacy and management with basic bookkeeping, training on operation and maintenance, and experiential learning, amongst others. Its main beneficiaries are women and youth groups within the Bangsamoro camp communities.

Fatima Kingi, 36 years old, a member of the Kenebeka Women and Youth Association (KWYA), an association situated in Brgy. Kenebeka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte within Camp Badre shared how BCTP helped her.

“Aside from the learnings we have acquired from the trainings we went through, the trainings also boosted my self-confidence”, Fatima said. She reflected on how shy she was before the project’s arrival and how hesitant she was to voice her concerns and ideas to others, especially during gatherings such as trainings and meetings.

“The project empowered us and acknowledged our decision as women,” she stated.

Moreover, KWYA is also a recipient of a multi-purpose business center that is equipped with tools and equipment for cooking which the group has underwent skills development training with last December 11-13, 2024.

For KWYA, enhancing their skills in cookery will help them earn money as they plan to open their business center, displaying various foods and delicacies.

“Supporting our family’s daily needs is not a job for men only, women can also do it,” added Fatima emphasizing the project as a significant opportunity for them.  

In Camp Busrah Somiorang, particularly in Brgy. Sandab Madaya, Butig, Lanao del Sur, the Sandab Madaya Women and Youth Association (SMWYA) is led by Amalhaya Dimaoden, a 22-year old youth leader

She expressed her gratitude to the BCTP for the opportunities provided to their group. “As a youth, our confidence in managing our business and association has been strengthened because of the trainings we went through”.  

She is committed to applying the learnings she has gained and is optimistic that the positive relationship within their association will continue.

Currently, the business center provided to SMWYA is already generating income as the group operates through selling various native foods they have produced after their skills development training last December 19-21, 2025.

These women and youth groups are among the organized beneficiaries of the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP), a project that supports the Normalization efforts in the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF): Abubakar, Badre, Bilal, Busrah Somiorang, Rajamuda, and Omar.

BCTP aims to increase the access to socio-economic services and basic infrastructure of the said camps, transforming them into peaceful, productive, and resilient communities.

The project is implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) in partnership with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI).  

It is one of the projects funded by the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF) with funding support from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom, administered by the World Bank.

The BCTP is also supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) as well as the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation (JTFCT) both from the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).