August 17, 2024/ COTABATO CITY-BARMM. Imagine those communities ravaged by or at least isolated by the effect of war in the past, now on its recovery and reconstruction? Imagine the peace.
This story of peace is a reality to many of the communities in the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front recognized in the Normalization Annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) of the GPH- MILF in 2014.
This is through the implementation of various infrastructure projects which for the communities are bringing hopes for the future.
“The construction of the school library is not only a symbol of knowledge, it also speaks of hopes for the future”, Misbah Zacaria stated. He is a local official in Brgy. Sandab, Butig, Lanao del Sur- Camp Bushra.
Construction of various infra projects in the camps has been officially started through series of pre- implementation meetings and groundbreaking ceremonies conducted.
In Camp Bushra will be a school library at Brgy. Sandab, Butig, Lanao del Sur and a warehouse with solar dryer at Brgy. Poctan, same town.
A week before this, partners in peace and development likewise joined hands for the kick- off of more relevant infrastructure projects in the camp communities.
August 7 at Brgy. Kilangan, Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Norte- Camp Rajamuda for the projects such as water system, hygiene facility and warehouse with solar dryer.
On August 8 at Brgy. Tuayan, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur- Camp Omar for water system, playground, refilling station and warehouse with solar dryer.
Partners in peace and development graced the event such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Task Force on Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC), Joint Task Forces for Camp Transformation (JTFCT), representative from the Office of MP Ali O. Salik (JTFCT- MILF), representatives from BLGU, People’s Organizations and community members.
According to the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.), the implementation of these infra projects in the camps is relevant to on- going implementation of the PROACTIVE Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion, Violence Prevention and Economic Empowerment, a program that supports the camps transformation and development.
Other than the projects mentioned above, there are further different infra projects, which constructions are on- going, some with relevant progress while there were three that are already completed and benefiting the community recipients like the tribal hall for the indigenous people in Camp Omar, the post- harvest facility and the school library in Camp Abubakar.
PROACTIVE is funded by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) as local implementing agency.
