The long-decade conflicts in the Bangsamoro not only hampered economic development in the camp communities but also reduced opportunities for women and youth.

In rural areas like villages in the camps, most people are contented with what they have and only a few believe that there is really hope and transformation.

The arrival of the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP) as part of the Normalization efforts between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) brings confidence and opportunities to these sectors.

At present, BCTP has organized and supported 12 women and youth groups across the six major camps of the MILF. These organizations have been strengthened and capacitated through various trainings such as organizational development and management, financial literacy and management with basic bookkeeping, skills enhancement and development, and amongst others.

Moreover, with an aim to improve access to socio-economic services and basic infrastructures to its target communities, the BCTP has also provided community facilities with tools and equipment and livelihood diversification support as start-up capital, to these groups.

In Brgy. Mamaanun, Balo-I, Lanao del Norte within Camp Bilal, the beneficiaries were very grateful for the interventions they have received through the Mamaanun Womens and Lightness Association (MWLA).

Babo Ongay Alangca, 54 years old, president of MWLA, cannot deny that at first, she had difficulty in handling their group, “As a president of our organization, I can say that struggles are part of it”.

“It’s difficult to form a group in a community, most people don’t believe it will work.  All I’ve heard before were negativities” Babo Ongay added.

Babo Ongay was not deterred by those negative comments, “During the first meeting, I already felt that this project will give us a brighter future,” she further stated, reminiscing about their past activities that even though it was raining, their group still tried to participate after they realized that there was really hope in this project.

“Struggles are real, but never give-up. There are lots of paper works to do but we are now enjoying it,” she ended.

Babo Ongay’s group is currently operating a business, selling various native foods and delicacies. They acquired their skills in processing and cooking a variety of foods during their skills development training on January 29-31, 2025. Their products are displayed in their multi-purpose center, a community facility that was turned over through the BCTP on January 18, 2025.

“We've gained valuable skills and the chance to apply our knowledge in practical ways – from cooking diverse dishes like cakes and cassava treats to processing palapa, all of which we can showcase at our community facility’s display center”, said Babo Ongay.

Recently, the association received additional support on livelihood diversification such as; grocery and ready to wear items, equipment and materials for printing services. These interventions are additional assistance to the beneficiaries to further improve their livelihood activities and generate income.  

“These supports give us additional income-generating opportunities for both our organization and individual members. We are committed to making the most of this support and ensuring its success. We are confident that this will significantly contribute to the growth of our businesses in our barangay”, shed ended.

These initiatives are part of the implementation of BCTP, 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) with contributions from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom, administered by the World Bank.

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).