May 10, 2024. Data shows that for the current year, there are 510 decommissioned combatants who completed the Values Transformation Training (VTT) as integral course required in the process of Normalization- a term used to define the transitioning of conflict communities, from years of battles into peaceful and progressive society in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) of GPH-MILF in 2014.

Decommissioned combatants are those who are selected to undergo decommissioning- a relevant part of the Normalization process where former combatants are selected to undertake various activities essential to build and develop their capacity through trainings and education.

One strategy adopted is the Values Transformation Training (VTT) that teaches the combatants the importance of faith-based values as foundation towards self-change and personality development.

VTT believes in the integration of values to the process of change, which shall start at one’s self. The training teaches personality development of an individual by reflecting on his strengths and weaknesses, values and faith, therefore enabling him to identify ways to improve as a person. With this, he/ she would become a better being, which would manifest in his/ her actions to others and in the society.

For the decommissioned combatants, it is expected that they would live by the faith-based values as they transition into normal and productive civilian life.

“One important thing I learned from VTT is being consistent in self- discipline. This training adds to my learnings about values and faith”, a 42-year old participant told.

The on-going VTT for the decommissioned combatants is relevant to the project SPAN: Support to Peacebuilding and Normalization Project funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC), Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) is the official training facilitator of the VTT.

According to BDA, there are two more batches of decommissioned combatants who will undergo VTT in the next coming days.

BDA is the development arm of the MILF established in 2002, and is now operating as duly registered non- government organization in 2019 with the official name, BDA Inc. (BDA Communication 2024)