BDA Communications
Training of teachers across camps on-going
For the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Component of the Mindanao Trust Fund – Reconstruction and Development Project Phase II (MTF-RDP/2), the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) is currently conducting the Training for Instructional Managers, which started on July 21 and will be until July 28 at the Al-Nor Hotel in Cotabato City.
According to Hashim Manticayan of BDA Human Resource Division, the first part of the training workshop was intended to discuss about BDA, understanding of the MTF-RDP/2; and a glimpse of what Islamic Values in promoting a wholesome personality of ALS implementers, demonstrate and appreciate it in planning and implementation process.
Moreover, it is also designed to expose the participants on management of ALS learning sessions on Basic Literacy, Accreditation and Equivalency, IP education and Infed Program, as well as the Usage of Functional Literacy Test, Weekly Log Lesson, Organizing the Individual Learning Agreement and portfolio assessment among others.
In his message, Abdulmaguid K. Salidatan, BDA Administrative Division Head, said that being one of the mobile teachers is not merely a post but more of a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.
“We have trust in you to deliver and perform your tasks/duties as expected”, he urged.
TFCT members learn updates on BARMM
Members of the Task Force on Camp Transformation (TFCT) of the MILF recently acquired updates about the Bangsamoro Government (BARMM) on August 16, 2019 at the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in Cotabato City.
Atty. Lanang Ali, Jr., majority floor leader of BARMM, welcomed the TFCT members and gave updates about the newly established government, which filled the minds of the visitors of key information that are relevant as they perform their roles in the facilitation and monitoring of projects related to the normalization process.
Dr. Zulkarnain Abas, of the Ministry of Health- BARMM also greeted the TFCT.
TFCT are one of the key partners for the Mindanao Trust Fund- Reconstruction and Development Project Phase II (MTFRDP/2), a program partnership agreement signed between the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) and Community and Family Services International (CFSI).
They are the target partners specifically for the capacity and institutional building components of the project wherein they were capacitated for, among others, project development and management, community organizing and monitoring and evaluation of projects.
Rhadzni Taalim, project coordinator of BDA shared that the activity was intended to present the proposed priority list of projects for the six MILF major camps for BARMM consideration for the development planning and programming.
The said list are consolidated based on the workshop and series of consultation organized earlier for the TFCT, community and BIAF members at the ground level.
Ali O. Salik and Prof. Abhoud Syed Linga of the project board of the MTFRDP/2 provided the overall guidance during the activity.
Aside from the visit to and updating from BARMM, the gathering of the TFCT was also pursued for the reflection session aimed for looking back at the activities conducted in line with the overall implementation of the project.
MTFRDP/2 aims to improve access of targeted communities in the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao to basic socio-economic infrastructure and alternative learning system.
This intervention is comprised of engaging the communities through a community-driven development and alternative learning system with an end in view of making those productive, participative and peaceful communities. Moreover, this is in line with the Normalization Aspect of the CAB.
MTFRDP/2 is supported by the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF) with various donors such as the European Union, the government of Sweden, Australia, Canada, United States, New Zealand and the World Bank, which also serves as Trust Fund Administrator and Secretariat.
The Spanish Cooperation Agency for International Development (AECID) is also supporting the project through the Supporting Access to Basic Services and Building Institutional Capacity in Conflict-affected Communities Mindanao (MTFRDP/2-AECID).
Sustaining camaraderie for better service to Bangsamoro
Sustaining good relationship in workplace results to better output of tasks. It can promote healthy work environment. One research shows that workers are happier in their jobs when friendship is there with their colleagues. They find their jobs more fun, enjoyable, worthwhile and satisfying. Moreover, good relationship at work creates a common sense of purpose and the mentality that we are in it together.
In this same manner on giving value to its workforce that, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) is regularly organizing a weekly gathering for its management, staff and volunteers spearheaded by the agency’s Human Resource Development (HRD) Division.
Supporting the call for moral through values training in BARMM
In line with the call for moral governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) facilitated a three-day training on values transformation for the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) during its General Orientation for Pre-Service Induction Training for LGOOs on October 28-30, 2019 at Em Manor Hotel, Cotabato City.
Stories of appreciation, realization and commitment to apply values to be a good public servant were expressed and shared by the participants that demonstrated the impact of the training.
For the BDA as facilitator of the training, the experience was a great achievement and a level-up role since the participants for the activity were employees of the government.
“BDA has been conducting VTT since 2003 and the particants are mostly at the community level, but now, we have entrusted to do VTT for the BARMM employees in line with the call for moral governance”, Engr. Windel Diangcalan, BDA executove director said.
He expressed thanks to BARMM and the MILG for the trust to BDA to take responsibility for this noble mission to promote value-based governance for the reform aspired for Bangsamoro.
Engr. Diangcalan also thanked the facilitators of the VTT for the MILG for their courage and commitment to deliver the topics and share the knowledge to the participants.
To note, BDA has piloted the VTT for the employess of the RPDO-BARMM in May 2019 and is expected to do the similar values training for other BARMM agencies in the coming days.
Values Transformation Training or VTT was conceptualized during the early days of BDA in 2003 in line with the agreed principle of the agency on self-change first before overall development.
The VTT has become of the major programs of the BDA and is integrated as key components of all other projects. The objective is to develop a pool of catalyst with enhanced knowledge, appreciation and practice of Universals values that will help them in serving the most marginalized and indigent communities in Mindanao.
Serving communities living outside BARMM
The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) facilitated a workshop for Barangay Development Planning (BDP) in Panikian, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental on October 26, 2019.
According to Engr. Windel Diangcalan, BDA executive director, this effort is part of the agency's commitment to provide services for the communities outside BARMM areas.
"The agency isvery pleased to share our expertise and learning from the previous engagement most particularly in the formulation of Bangsamoro Development Plan in 2015, which serves as main reference in the crafting of the Development Road Map of the newly established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
To note, the BDA had worked with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in the formulation of the masterplan for the Economy and Infrastructure thematic areas of the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) in 2016.
In 2017-2018, the BDA collaborated with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on the Mindanao Development Corridors-Joint Planning and Programming, particularly on the Bangsamoro Economic Development Corridors.
Rejuvenating the workforce- BDA’s teambuilding activity
For an agency tasked of the development projects for conflict-affected communities, along with other mission for the Bangsamoro, sustaining the spirit of its workforce is essential for effective and efficient delivery of services.
“We organized this simple team building activity for all of us at BDA to have some time to enjoy together away from our daily work even for a day only”, Sarah Panglima said.
Sarah is the human resource management officer (HRMO) of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA).
Officers and staff of the agency had fun together during the team building event on September 3, 2018 at Amaya Resort, Kusiong Beach in Datu Odin Sinsuat Maguindanao.
During the activity, various games such as sack race, tug of war, balloon bursting pinoy henyo and others were prepared and joined by active staff of BDA that made the event more fun and memorable.
“In this activity, you are to obey rules in playing the games prepared for you”, BDA Executive Director Mohammad S. Yacob told staff.
He also added that this fun-filled activity proves that we can be active players without compromising our religion. This is a ‘guided happiness’ we are undertaking, he noted referring to the delight that can be derived from this team building effort.
“This activity is very helpful in relieving stress”, one staff said.
Another staff shared that some physical games gave him body pain which made him realized the need to have stretching some times for stronger and healthier body.
After the games, BDA family all together join the “boodle fight” and savor the foods prepared by the beach.
Swimming at the sea followed where everyone enjoyed the cool water while some went banana-boat riding.
There were BDA members also who satisfied themselves by just watching the scenes and breathing the fresh air from the sea.
For the BDA Management, this team building activity is important in promoting and strengthening teamwork among staff.
“As one saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work!”
It also builds and develop further the established working relationship between and among employees especially from top to bottom.
BDA is a development agency mandated of the relief and rehabilitation in the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao and of building the capacity of the Bangsamoro for long-aspired future governance role.
At present, the agency has over one hundred number of staff working together in managing various programs and projects all intended for the development of underserved communities.
Orphanage staff undergo evaluation and planning
With an end to improve management of the orphanage for the children they are taking of, staff of the Moro Orphanage Complex worked together recently for evaluation and planning on January 2-3, 2019 at the said institution located at Tamontaka 1, Cotabato City.
According to Ustadza Anisa Taha, orphanage director, the purpose of the activity was for every staff to learn and develop further their capacities in managing the orphanage for the welfare of the children.
“I wish for them to learn more, I let them share their stories of their childhood, the way they were raised so that they can compare and apply as they perform their tasks in looking after the orphans”, Ustadza Taha said.
During the activity, participants were grouped based on their designated roles e.g. laundry worker, cook, in-house officer, distant orphan officer, health officer and among others.
Each group were asked to evaluate their current practice of performing their duties, and determine what they think can improve their works.
Omer Kesmen of the Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH), the organization sponsoring the orphanage also graced the activity and spoke about the history of their foundation.
Accordingly, IHH is supporting orphans worldwide because they believe that it is the children losing their parents who are the most affected in times of difficulties e.g. war.
Also during the activity, Ustadza Anisa shared that they presented awards to outstanding employees who were Ustadz Buhari Lintang, Judith Adam and Aisa Kanakan.
At present, there are 120 female orphans housed at the Moro Orphanage Complex.
The institution is run and managed with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) as local partner and the IHH as donor partner.
Orientation on Admin and Finance Procedures for Tahderiyyah Expansion
Orientation on Admin and Finance Procedures for Tahderiyyah Expansion on April 17 and 19, 2019 at BDA Training Center in Cotabato City.
BDA is be the implementing partner with the IMBPI to facilitate the implementation with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and with fund assistance from Embassy of Japan (EOJ).
The program which will run for 18 months aims to provide early learning program to 40, 000 Bangsamoro children through expansion of Madrasah delivering early learning programme.
It will include strengthening governance and management of Tahderiyyah, improving the quality of Tahderiyyah and strengthening program monitoring and supervision.
OPAPP to BDA, properly inform communities for massive support to Bangsamoro
In a meeting hosted by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) on July 18 here at Cotabato City, key official from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) told the agency of the significance of proper information to communities for massive support for the incoming ratification and plebiscite among others.
“It’s up to us now how are we going to make our communities properly informed about the things that matter to them”, OPAPP Assistant Secretary Rolando Asuncion stated.
He added: “we are now in the tail end towards a new beginning and it’s up to us on how we work out things so that our communities – especially those who are not yet very supportive of our endeavors – to provide their support for the coming Bangsamoro government referring to the need for massive support for the incoming ratification and plebiscite among others.
Further, Asec Asuncion recognized the fact that the battle is not yet over in the BBL approval for the fight is yet to be fought still in that plebiscite aspect.
He reiterated support to the efforts towards progress in Mindanao and described the situation as having ‘reached the tail end towards a new beginning’ now the Bangsamoro Basic Law made its way to the approval of the Bicameral Conference.
The JTFCT meeting is part of BDA strategies to cull out learnings, polish related concerns and resolve pressing issues regarding the on-going implementation of the Mindanao Trust Fund – Reconstruction and Development Project attended by representatives from key partners such as the JTFCT, BDA CPST and office staff and the Community and Family Services International (CFSI).
MTF-RDP/2 is part of the continuing effort of BDA together with partners to help uplift the living condition of its people thru access to basic socio-economic infrastructure and alternative learning system.
MTFRDP/2 targets selected communities in the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) namely Camp Bushra, Camp Bilal, Camp Abubakar as-Siddique, Camp Rajamuda, Camp Badre and Camp Omar.
This intervention is comprised of engaging the communities through a community-driven development and alternative learning system with an end in view of making those productive, participative and peaceful communities. Moreover, this is in line with the Normalization Aspect of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
BDA is the project-implementing unit (PIU) while the CFSI is the trust fund recipient.
Funds for the projects come from the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF) with various donors such as the European Union, the government of Sweden, Australia, Canada, United States, New Zealand and the World Bank, which also serves as Trust Fund Administrator and Secretariat.
The Spanish Agency for International Cooperation in the Philippines (AECID) is also supporting the project.
On developing socio-econ model for Bangsamoro- BDA-UNFAO conducts Strategic Mng’t. Planning and Dev’t. Training
Part of the on-going initiative of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) and the United Nations-Food and Agriculture Office (UNFAO) on “developing and piloting socio-economic model durable solution in transforming Bangsamoro communities into productive agro-economic areas” is the conduct of Strategic Management Planning and Development Training, which was realized recently on July 13, 2018 at the Bangsamoro Development Center in Cotabato City, Inc. (BDCCI) in Brgy. Datu Balabaran, Cotabato City.
Participants to the said activity were BDA management team, staff and volunteers led by executive director Mohammad S. Yacob and members of the People’s Organizations (POs) from Brgy. Buliok, Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao and Brgy. Cabpangi, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato where this project is being piloted.
According to Engr. Windel Diangcalan, deputy executive director of BDA who facilitated the training, outputs from the workshops will be inputs for the socio-econ model that this project shall develop once completed.
“The outputs of this project will provide inputs to develop the socioeconomic model and will contribute to the piloting of the socioeconomic model,” he said.
Sessions during the training were presentation about BDA and the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP), inputs on strategic thinking and management, and the role of communication.
Facilitated also during the activity were workshops on formulation of vision, mission and strategies for each group of the POs and of the BDA, Strength, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results (SOAR) Analysis and among others.
Participants shared their stories of involvement and understaning of BDA.
Lengan Bitali, PO president in Brgy. Cabpangi accounted that “the coming of BDA in our place indeed brought good things. The Values Transformation Training (VTT) is the best part of it. As an Imam (religious leader), I am sharing to our people the learning I gained from VTT”.
“What is I understand about BDA is that it is created for the development of Bangsamoro communities who have been left behind for many years. For us at community level, BDA is an opportunity for learning and for recovery from poverty”, he added.
BDA and UNFAO signed a Letter of Understanding (LOU) in January this year for this project which objective is to open opportunities and link farmers to market to ensure sustainability of their livelihood and establish value chain. There will be also various training for the beneficiaries such as farm preparation through modern methods, Values Enhancement Training (VET), book keeping and recording, project planning and among others.