As the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) enters into another project dubbed as Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP), a project orientation was conducted last August 26-28, 2023 at Em Manor Hotel, Cotabato City.
The activity included presentations about BDA, project overview, communications strategies, admin and finance guidelines, environmental and social safeguards policies and the introduction of new set of staff to support the project.
Present as well are the members of Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation (JTFCT) from the six (6) previously acknowledged camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) namely Camp Abubakar, Camp Badre, Camp Bilal, Camp Bushra, Camp Omar and Camp Rajahmuda. They play vital role as project partners and as the main mechanism committed to support the project implementation.
“We are steadfast to support the project and will ensure the security of everyone from BDA and CFSI every time you enter the camps”, said member of JTFCT in Camp Bilal.
In addition, Member of the Parliament and at the same time JTFCT-MILF Coordinator, Hon. Ali O. Salik, also expressed his continued commitment for the success of the project implementation.
“As the Coordinator of JTFCT, I acknowledge the indispensable role that I bear in ensuring the seamless and efficient implementation of the project”, Salik said.
He further stated, “Our vision is clear: to transform our conflict-affected communities into thriving, peaceful havens.”
Hon. Salik urged the JTFCT camp level to embrace their responsibilities for the BCTP with passion and determination.
On the other hand, BDA Executive Director Rhadzni Taalim highlighted the importance of the orientation.
“With this, we have laid the foundation for collaboration, transparency and accountability in the careful operation of the BCTP”.
Officials from the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) were also in attendance headed by Noraida Abdullah Karim, BCTP Project Coordinator and Director for Mindanao Programme.
In her message, Karim expressed her appreciation to BDA for the successful and smooth execution of the activity.
Part also of this 3-day orientation is the planning workshop for the next steps.
BCTP has three (3) main components: community development assistance, capacity and institutional strengthening and project administration and quality assurance.
It contributes to the normalization commitments of the MILF and the Government of the Philippines (GPH), particularly the transformation of camp communities into peaceful, productive, and resilient communities.
Furthermore, BCTP is implemented by BDA Inc. in partnership with CFSI - Community and Family Services International . It is funded through Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF) administered by the World Bank.
