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).