Construction of processing centers to boost productivity and local economic progress in Bangsamoro communities
Written by BDA Communications
February 12, 2025. Operating their own livelihood activities in their respective communities, various people’s organizations across the Bangsamoro Region have high hopes to boost their productivity and profits with the on-going construction of processing centers.
These facilities will provide proper storage for the equipment and tools used for production of various products which are locally sourced in Bangsamoro communities.
Likewise, the rising of these processing centers will afford the POs manufacture their products with a proper facility ideal for food handling activities based on the standards approved.
At present, the construction of the eleven units of processing centers across the eleven sites are underway.
95% completed at Brgy. Talibadok, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur; 77% at Tumbras, Kadayangan and 59% at Balakayon, Pahamuddin all in the Special Geographical Areas (SGA-BARMM).
Procurement of materials for the construction at Mother Tuayan, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur is on-going.
The groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction activities in Lilod, Balindong LDS, Malimono, Marawi City and Mataya, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte were conducted and layouting by engineering team is set to start the construction.
Technical validation and succeeding activities for the communities in island provinces is set on third to fourth week of February this year.
Various products at present made by local groups are native delicacies, cassava chips, coconut oil, banana chips, herbal soaps, and among others.
POs learned the procedure through the relevant skills training conducted to them respectively.
Most of these groups have reported challenges on proper storage and processing facility, thus the project through the support of donors responded to these needs to further help these communities maximize the chance towards local economic progress.
Relative training on product development has also been completed for the POs as provided by the personnel from MOST-BARMM.
The project team had an initial coordination meeting with the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) in Region XII for the key information about the guidelines and standards for local food processing activities.
According to Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.), “this continuing support to people’s organizations across communities has been a significant approach towards peacebuilding in the region.”
The agency added “we educate and empower the community by allowing them identify available resources potential for livelihood initiative, we gave them training, complete set of tools and equipment, various training for organizational and operational management, and now the project is constructing for them a processing center”.
BDA noted that the continuing support to POs within and outside BARMM is relevant to the project SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition, funded by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.
Initiatives on vegetable production cultivate hopes and progress for indigenous people and transitioning combatants in Bangsamoro
Written by BDA Communications
FEBRUARY 1, 2025. Like a plant that grows and bears fruits, the initiative to educate communities in the Bangsamoro Region about the potentials and advantages of vegetable production has been cultivating hopes and progress.
This effort was started in 2021 with the intention to empower the communities of the benefits of planting vegetables as alternative source of income.
Various community groups were organized and were provided with modern and practical trainings on vegetable production.
These groups have also received complete set of tools and equipment useful in cultivating their lands for various varieties of vegetables.
In Brgy. Datalpandan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur, the group of transitioning combatants has begun for their second season of planting vegetables.
According to them, the first harvest was good, though the income was less due to problem on marketing. Despite that, the group is learning and is determined to strategize for the next season
For this period, they have transplant tomatoes, green chili and bell pepper.
Rowena Kanakan, who is leading the indigenous people (IP) women group in Looy, Upi, Maguindanao showed before the project team their ready-to-harvest vegetables.
The group has been recognized during the Nutrition Month in 2023 by the local government of Upi.
There were two other groups cultivating vegetable farms in this mountainous town like in Brgy. Kibucay and Brgy. Romongaob.
In Brgy. Kinebeka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, the organization toured the team to their garden with huge variety of eggplants.
Women group in Bugasan, Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte is regularly monitoring their vegetable farm which crops are still young and small.
Hard work and unity of community group in Pantar, Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur is about to yield fresh vegetables that were planted in the beautiful farm fields in the area.
The organization is created in 2024 composed of transitioning combatants who are doing farming as means of living.
At present, these groups who are engaged in vegetable production are undergoing training on sustainable agriculture that will help them with practical knowledge and principles of environmental preservation and climate adaptation expected towards increased competency and productivity.
Each group has also received 1-unit of wood shredder that is useful for their production activities.
The continuing support to indigenous people and transitioning combatants falls under the project SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition, funded by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.
UNLOCKING CONFIDENCE AND EMPOWERMENT FOR WOMEN AND YOUTH IN CAMP COMMUNITIES
Written by BDA Communications
Launched in July 2023, Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP) has facilitated various capacity-building activities such as orientation on homebased gardening, training on financial literacy and management with basic bookkeeping, training on operation and maintenance, and experiential learning, amongst others. Its main beneficiaries are women and youth groups within the Bangsamoro camp communities.
Fatima Kingi, 36 years old, a member of the Kenebeka Women and Youth Association (KWYA), an association situated in Brgy. Kenebeka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte within Camp Badre shared how BCTP helped her.
“Aside from the learnings we have acquired from the trainings we went through, the trainings also boosted my self-confidence”, Fatima said. She reflected on how shy she was before the project’s arrival and how hesitant she was to voice her concerns and ideas to others, especially during gatherings such as trainings and meetings.
“The project empowered us and acknowledged our decision as women,” she stated.
Moreover, KWYA is also a recipient of a multi-purpose business center that is equipped with tools and equipment for cooking which the group has underwent skills development training with last December 11-13, 2024.
For KWYA, enhancing their skills in cookery will help them earn money as they plan to open their business center, displaying various foods and delicacies.
“Supporting our family’s daily needs is not a job for men only, women can also do it,” added Fatima emphasizing the project as a significant opportunity for them.
In Camp Busrah Somiorang, particularly in Brgy. Sandab Madaya, Butig, Lanao del Sur, the Sandab Madaya Women and Youth Association (SMWYA) is led by Amalhaya Dimaoden, a 22-year old youth leader
She expressed her gratitude to the BCTP for the opportunities provided to their group. “As a youth, our confidence in managing our business and association has been strengthened because of the trainings we went through”.
She is committed to applying the learnings she has gained and is optimistic that the positive relationship within their association will continue.
Currently, the business center provided to SMWYA is already generating income as the group operates through selling various native foods they have produced after their skills development training last December 19-21, 2025.
These women and youth groups are among the organized beneficiaries of the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP), a project that supports the Normalization efforts in the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF): Abubakar, Badre, Bilal, Busrah Somiorang, Rajamuda, and Omar.
BCTP aims to increase the access to socio-economic services and basic infrastructure of the said camps, transforming them into peaceful, productive, and resilient communities.
The project is implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (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 funding support 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).
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Social enterprise initiatives in Bangsamoro communities, a pathway to economic resiliency
Written by BDA Communications
JANUARY 27, 2025. For Ato Ambatawan, a community leader in Barangay Datalpandan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur, the knowledge gained from the social enterprise training is a “pathway that educates us about better livelihood strategies towards economic resiliency”.
His organization is among the participating- groups to the mushroom production training conducted as one initiative related to social enterprise promotion in Bangsamoro communities.
“This training is indeed good and practical because the materials needed are easily available. We learn not only the technical process but also the wisdom and useful tips to manage, operate and sustain it”, Ambatawan said.
The group of Ambatawan along with other two people’s organizations completed a 3-day training on mushroom production identified as potential social enterprise activity based on the available resources in their respective villages.
In the training conducted, participants learned that local materials which are usually disposed can be still useful for economic and environmental benefits like corncobs, sawdust and rice straws.
“In our village, it takes us one week to burn down corncobs that occupies so much space in our farm land. Now, we learned its benefits and potentials to produce mushroom that we can consume or sell”, another group stated.
In Lanao del Sur, a group of women from Barangay Lilod in Balindong municipality has started producing handicraft materials made of water hyacinth that is abundant in their village located along the Lake Lanao.
“Kayupo (water hyacinth) has been a problem because it grows and increases rapidly that causes damage to our houses. Now, we discovered that we can make handicrafts from it like handbags, slippers, and more. We can make money from our problem before”, Rakima Kamaos of Brgy. Lilod women group stated.
According to the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.), the initiative towards social enterprise remains part of the continuing assistance to community groups in the Bangsamoro.
“These groups are already operating with their respective livelihood activities, and the purpose for social enterprise is for them to be able to expand their services by producing items not only for economic gains but also helps in environmental protection”, BDA conveyed.
At present, BDA is on constant monitoring while in the process of procurement for the needed tools and equipment that would help these groups pursue their social enterprise activities.
This initiative on social enterprise development in Bangsamoro communities works for Output 5.5. Self-help and social enterprise interventions are widely promoted in the BARMM of the SUBATRA-ECSO project.
SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition, is funded by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.
A Tale of Hope and Transformation: How BCTP Brings Hope to Camp Community
Written by BDA Communications
Asma Usman, also known as Babo Taya, 55 years old was one of the thousands of women affected by the Buliok Complex conflict, a war that happened in 2003 in barangay Buliok, Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur and its adjacent areas including Barangay Dungguan, Datu Montawal –where Babo Taya resides.
Babo Taya recalls the chaos of that tragic day when gunshots and aerial firing startled her, her family, and the whole village. The conflict forced them to leave their place and move to a neighboring area, ensuing traumatic experiences for the villagers.
At that time, Babo Taya together with her now colleagues in Dungguan Women and Youth Business Association (DWYBA) tried different ways to earn money, to help their husbands and families. The arrival of the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP) in their community brings hope and transformation.
"Being part of the recipients of the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP) has changed our lives," Babo Taya said.
"Before BCTP, we were fish vendors, farmers, even weavers of coconut-leaf roofs—anything to help our husbands support our families. The work was sometimes hard, and the income was insufficient." Babo Taya added.
On November 23, 2024, DWYBA received a multi-purpose business center equipped with significant tools and equipment for bread and pastry production. In addition to the facility, the association successfully completed the skills training on bread and pastry from December 16 to 18 2024. This hands-on training taught them how to make various types of bread and pastries.
"Now, we have this beautiful business center, a place to sell our bread and pastries and to connect with other women and the youth. It's more than just a business; it's a community." She further stated.
The association is optimistic that this project will provide them a steady source of income that will help to stabilize the financial status of its members and the community. Their business is currently earning with customers from their community and adjacent barangays. The group also dreams of opening additional bakery branches in other locations.
Furthermore, members of DWYBA were among the 680 households that participated in the homebased gardening (HBG) activities and received gardening tools and inputs. This initiative helped the members secure their own foods and also generates income.
Moreover, Brgy. Dungguan, situated within Camp Rajamuda, is one of the 12 barangay recipients of the BCTP.
Meanwhile, the barangay has also received a solar dryer and warehouse through the Kadingelan Agriculture Cooperative (KAC). The project equipped with farm machineries was turnover last November 23, 2024.
Alvin K. Montawal, 31 years old and president of the cooperative stated, “With these interventions, the members of the group and the community now have additional drying and storage facilities.”
“Previously, most farmers dried their agricultural products along the sides of the road, which may cause risk, including vehicle accidents”, said Montawal.
“The facilities have also started generating income,” he added.
Members of KAC participated in various trainings including the training on operation and maintenance for the warehouse and solar dryer held on November 13, 2024 followed by the training on machinery operation and maintenance conducted on January 7, 2025.
“We are grateful to BDA, CFSI, World Bank, and the Donor Countries for their support to our community”, Montawal added.
BCTP is implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) in partnership with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI), implemented in the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF): Abubakar as Siddique, Badre, Bilal, Busrah Somiorang, Omar ibin al-Khattab and Rajamuda.
It is one of the projects funded by the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF) with funding support from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom, administered by the World Bank.
The BCTP was 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).
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Community groups learn mushroom production from rice straws, corn cobs and sawdust towards social enterprise
Written by BDA Communications
January 6, 2025. The potential of mushroom as one alternative source for economic development has enlightened the community groups in the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte.
This was through the training conducted on mushroom production in December 2024 at separate venues in both provinces.
A women group named Sigay nu mga Babay facilitated the activity for the people’s organizations in Maguindanao del Sur, while the Ikram Agriculture Cooperative provided the inputs for the local groups in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato.
Both trainers have established a good track record as local organization by which mushroom production is one of their activities in sustaining their groups that contributes to the community as well.
“We produce mushrooms out of the raw materials like rice straws, corn cobs and sawdust. We sell the fresh mushroom consumed as vegetable (but technically classified as a fungus) and we also make mushroom crackers”, the trainer groups told.
During the training, resource persons discussed about the idea of social enterprise as one relevant role of one organization towards sustainability and being able to expand operations to benefit others.
They lectured about mushroom production using raw materials that are commonly available in communities such as rice straws, corn cobs and sawdust.
Actual process of production for each raw material was demonstrated during the training where the participants directly learned the methods, which they performed right away at the activity.
Marryann Katua of Talibadok IP Maguindanaon People’s Organization is hopeful of the possibility of mushroom production in their village.
“There are lot of corn cobs in our place, almost a hectare, which we burn only. Now we learned that we can make use of them to produce mushroom for another venture that is useful for our group and for our entire community”, Maryann stated.
The group from Brgy. Tuayan, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur shared the optimism for this added learning, which they believe is beneficial for everyone.
“Alhamdulillah (praise to Allah), for this continuing support and guidance to our groups. These raw materials are easily available since most of us are farmers”, the Tuayan group said.
Inputs on proper sanitation practices were relevant part of the training to ensure successful production of mushroom.
Mushroom contains health benefits good for immune system, brain, cancer prevention, weight management and others.
According to Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.), this initiative on social enterprise development in Bangsamoro communities works for Output 5.5. Self-help and social enterprise interventions are widely promoted in the BARMM of the SUBATRA-ECSO project.
SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition, is funded by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.
Training on social enterprise for various people’s organizations across BARMM has been completed earlier through the manual developed by the project together with the Bangsamoro CSOs and in collaboration with the Cooperative and Social Enterprise Authority (CSEA-BARMM).
The BDA Inc. is the local implementing partner of the project in collaboration with Bangsamoro CSOs.
MILF CAMP ABUBAKAR EMERGES FROM BATTLEFIELD TO LAND OF PEACE AND PROGRESS
Written by BDA Communications
CAMP ABUBAKAR/ December 2024. Cultivating corn is a primary source of income to many families in a community located in Camp Abubakar, one of the major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which was once a battlefield in the past years. Particularly in Brgy. Tugaig, Barira, Maguindanao del Norte, Abubakar Buliok leads the farmers’ cooperative organized in line with the on-going decommissioning of MILF combatants.
Through the PROACTIVE, a program that supports the decommissioning combatants, the cooperative has been a recipient of farm machinery that they operate to help ease the agricultural processes in their community.
As a former combatant, Abubakar has witnessed the past and present life of Tugaig. And for him, there is no more direction but to look forward to possibilities of better life for their community once isolated and left behind due to situations in the past.
He is the president of their cooperative who has received 1 unit of farm tractor intended to support their livelihood activities.
Provided in January 2023, the operation of the farm equipment has been successful and sustainable with the unity and cooperation of every member of the group, as well as the barangay and the whole community.
With the farm tractor that they used to prepare lands, load of work has become lesser and so as with the time consumed.
“Before, we need one week to plow a farm field, now with this equipment, we can complete the work for just half-a-day”, Abubakar told.
According to him, the rental fee for the farm tractor is Php2, 700 per one hectare of land.
From their income, the cooperative was able to acquire 1-unit of corn sheller that provides the farmers easier ways to process corn crops.
One woman, who is mother of four, a resident of same village shared her story of war in the past, wherein she lost three of her children due to poor health condition and lack of nutrition while in the jungle where they flee during those times. Her husband was away joining the battle.
She described the difference of life during those times and the situation at present, wherein there is peace and development.
“Life is very different now. This place was isolated, no roads, no services. Now, development projects are coming”, she stated.
Tugaig has received various assistance such as the farm tractor for the cooperative with capacity building, and livelihood support to women group (vegetable production) and to men sector (fish condo).
Children in Madrasah (Islamic school) were joyful of the classrooms provided by the project. Farmers likewise benefit from the warehouse and solar dryer constructed through the project.
PROACTIVE: Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion, Violence Prevention and Economic Empowerment is funded by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
In a visit on October 2024, EU Delegation to the Philippines stated that “We were here in past, we are here today, and we will be here in the coming days”.
With the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) as the local implementing partner, the project has reached sixteen barangays across the six major camps of the MILF, identified in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
Bangsamoro CSOs enhance competence on project management in support to Bangsamoro Transition
Written by BDA Communications
December 29, 2024. Bangsamoro civil society organizations (CSOs) who participated in this five-day training from December 25-30, 2024 were Taga Youth Concern Association of Basilan, Kabalikat CIVICOM of Sulu, Ittihadun Nisa Foundation, Inc., Kapagawida Development Services Association, Inc., Raja Mamalo Descendants of Southern Philippines and the League of Bangsamoro Organizations (Ranaw Chapter).
The first training conducted was related to open data and data management that highlighted the significance of transparency in project management.
It also emphasized the relevant use of data for accurate and credible project development. Problem identified which a project should address shall be based on data.
For credible data source, data management is important which was stressed also during the training in order to have an organized data that will be easily accessible as knowledge and information source.
Partner CSOs likewise appreciated inputs on basics proposal writing that would be beneficial as they plan for development projects based on their mandates as organization.
Communication in project management is also among the learning sessions organized for Bangsamoro CSOs.
It specifically presented the use of radio as one platform to communicate project information, progress, impact and results.
The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) reported about the Radyo, Suporta sa Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA), the official radio program for the SUBATRA-ECSO project. It presented the segments of the on-air program, the guest resource persons, best practices and challenges.
This session informed the Bangsamoro CSOs of the available airtime where they can discuss their respective programs on- air as one segment of Radyo SUBATRA.
Towards this, participating CSOs outlined their work plan for radio that reflects their schedule to participate on-air.
This initiative designed for Bangsamoro CSOs specifically works for Output 5.4 CSO competence in evidence-based project development and implementation in conflict-affected areas, including capacity to scale up projects, is strengthened, of the project SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition.
SUBATRA-ECSO is funded by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.
The BDA Inc. is the local implementing partner of the project in collaboration with Bangsamoro CSOs.
A long-held dream, realized through the project that supports camps transformation
Written by BDA Communications
Teduray people were among the indigenous tribe in the Bangsamoro region living in the remote mountains, with significant populations residing in the camps of Badre and Omar. Over the years, they have been deeply affected by the region's past conflicts, which have affected their livelihoods and communities.
Erlinda Esteban, a 39-year-old mother of two from Barangay Kenebeka in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, is a proud member of the Kenebeka Teduray Farmers Association (KTFA), organized under the project that supports camps transformation and development called Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP).
Through BCTP, Erlinda and her group found the support they had long dreamed of. Despite their physical isolation and the challenges that comes with it, the Teduray people have always nurtured a vision for a project tailored to their specific needs and aspirations as an indigenous community. The project has made this dream a reality, bringing much-needed development and empowerment to a people long overlooked in the broader development efforts in the camp communities.
"Sikap at tyaga ", terms she mentioned referring to the projects shared with them by BCTP such as fruit bearing trees and portable solar dryers that they identified during the rapid need assessment.
"Kasi nga mula sa land preparation, ita-transplant pa ang mga puno sa lupa, maghihintay ka ng ilang buwan o taon bago ito magbubunga at ma-harvest. Of course, kailangan mo ding diligan at linisan palagi ang mga ilalim nito." Erlinda said.
"Pero parte yon ng proseso sa pagkamit ng ating mga pangarap, maging patient, huwag tayong susuko, gagawin natin ang makakaya para sa ating mga pangarap, iyon ay ang ikakaunlad ng ating komunidad.” She added.
Erlinda and her colleagues from the KTFA are optimistic that all their efforts will yield success.
“Hindi maipipinta ang aming kasiyahan sa oportunidad na naibigay sa amin na mga katutubo, kasi nga first time na mayroong proyektong nakalaan talaga para sa amin.” Erlida futher stated.
She also shared their experiences in participating in trainings conducted through BCTP.
"Isang oras po ang nilalakad namin mula sa aming tahanan patungo sa venue ng mga aktibidad. Mas matagal pa po ang nilalakad ng aking mga kasamahan. Pero, dahil nga dream come true, hindi po yun hadlang para sa amin. Gusto naming matuto at patunayan na deserve namin ang proyektong ito”. She added.
For now, there are four IP communities in the Bangsamoro that have been allocated projects through BCTP such as this one in Brgy. Kenebeka, another is at Brgy. Datalpandan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur still within Camp Badre; Brgy. Limpongo, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan and Brgy. Saniag, Ampatuan which are both located in the province of Maguindanao del Sur within Camp Omar.
To date, KFTA received a total of 950 fruit-bearing tree seedlings, 20 portable solar dryers, 20 members received homebased gardening tools and inputs.
IP communities are optimistic that the BCTP will bring a sustained peace, build productive and resilient communities in the camps, they considered home.
BCTP is implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) in partnership with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI), implemented in the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF): Abubakar as Siddique, Badre, Bilal, Busrah Somiorang, Omar ibin al-Khattab and Rajamuda.
It is one of the projects funded by the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF) with funding support from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom, administered by the World Bank.
The BCTP was 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).
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“There is Hope”- What the BCTP Brings in the Camp Communities
Written by BDA Communications
12 December 2024- Situated in the remote area of the Bangsamoro region, Barangay Ragayan holds stories of resilience and hope for the Maranao people who have endured the scars of past conflicts.
Jamela Omar, 24 years old, the president of the Ragayan Salimbago Ko Masa Association, embodies this spirit. For her, the arrival of the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP) in 2023 marked a turning point.
"There is hope," Jamela expressed, her voice filled with emotion during the turnover of the multipurpose business center last December 4, 2024. She reflects on her community’s previous efforts of approaching various organizations to probe on development projects which has all ended in vain. However, this recent turnover has further strengthen their hopes for progress.
The multipurpose center, solar dryer, and warehouse were the first ever projects given to their community and will stand as symbols of a brighter future.
"I believe that these projects will help our community prosper," Jamela shared, wiping away tears of gratitude.
The BCTP, launched in July 2023, is a beacon of hope for the communities in the camps, focusing on income stabilization, socio-economic services and basic infrastructure disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation.
Support to income stabilization
Ragayan Salimbago Ko Masa Association, Jamela’s group, underwent orientation on homebased gardening (HBG) last August 9, 2024 and have received tools and inputs as starting kit. They were among the 680 households in the camps that benefited in this intervention.
The group is set to undergo skills development training on bread and pastry in the coming days. The newly formed association believed that entering into business through selling breads will help them earn their own income so they can help their families in their daily necessities.
Support to socio-economic services and basic infrastructure
The turnover of the multipurpose center to this group marked the beginning of transformative journey for the people of Brgy. Ragayan.
This infrastructure project provides not only a place for the group to conduct business and store goods but also serve as a gathering space for the women and youth of Brgy. Ragayan where they can build strong friendships, foster camaraderie, and support one another through setting up cultural and social activities that involves the whole community.
“Beyond business, this center will be a hub for empowerment, where women can connect, collaborate, and grow together as a community”, shared Jamela and her group.
Capacity Building Activities
For BCTP, capacity development to its beneficiaries are significant in achieving the objectives of the project. Recent trainings included project operations and maintenance amongst others.
BCTP is implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) in partnership with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI), implemented in the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF): Abubakar as Siddique, Badre, Bilal, Busrah Somiorang, Omar ibin al-Khattab and Rajamuda. It is one of the projects funded by the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF) with funding support from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom, administered by the World Bank.
The BCTP was 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).
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Children’s month in MILF camp bring joy and hopes to flood- affected families
Written by BDA Communications
November 20, 2024. During the massive flood in July 2024 due to the southwest monsoon and intertropical convergence zone that hit the Mindanao, Barangay Inug-ug in Pikit, North Cotabato was among the 22 villages in the municipality affected with 5-meter water level engulfing the homes, properties including animals and livelihood of the residents.
The vulnerable groups, for instance the children were mostly affected, where there were reported cases of common illnesses such as fever, cough, diarrhea and skin rashes. Education was also disturbed with the school buildings having submerged to flood.
In this month of November, when the children’s month is celebrated nationwide in the Philippines, a blessing has come for the kids in Brgy. Inug-ug.
Through the project SUBATRA-ECSO, there were 405 children, ages 4-12 years old (16% non- Muslim) who received education kits (bag-pack, plastic envelope, notebook, paper, pencil and pen, water bottle, eraser, crayons, etc.). Each kid was also provided with 10kgs of rice and a grocery pack (noodles, biscuit, and choco drink).
The project has also brought for the children a free meal that added to the joyous feeling of the beneficiaries.
Kids have enjoyed the funny games prepared in the event with prizes for those who championed.
Partners joined this celebration for the children with messages for the entire community for the welfare of the next generation.
Brief lectures on disaster management, health and sanitation, nutrition and among others were imparted during the day with partners from Barangay Local Government Unit of Inug-ug, rural health worker, public school teachers, DRRM personnel, local peacekeeping force, others.
Representative from the Office of Ali O. Salik, member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) delivered the message of support of the official before the public in that event.
SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition is funded by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.
The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) is the local implementing partner of the project in collaboration with Bangsamoro CSOs.
STRENGTH IN DISABILITY- PWD YOUTH IN CAMP ABUBAKAR PURSUES EDUCATION DESPITE DISADVANTAGES
Written by BDA Communications
SEPTEMBER 2024. In the remote village of Tugaig, Barira, Maguindanao del Norte, Bangsamoro Region lives a young man who embodies determination despite life’s tests.
Jamil Magandatao, 19, pursues education with his widowed mother. He is a Grade 12 Senior High School graduating in year 2025.
“I pursue my education because I want to learn more. For me, education is very important” he said with a simple smile.
Jamil is supported by his mother working as harvester of corn. He also gets aid from his older sister who has her own family.
During the distribution of food packs through the PROACTIVE, Jamil and his mother were among the beneficiaries who received food items and education kits.
“I see this activity as systematic, fostering unity in the community. The project beneficiaries received assistance and people were able to voice out their needs to the different offices present today” he expresses passionately.
PROACTIVE: Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion, Violence Prevention and Economic Empowerment is an initiative that supports the transformation and development of communities in the MILF camps as informed by the Normalization Annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
His mother told that Jamil was 16 years old when they observed his condition, which accordingly is a polio.
But this is not stopping him to seek growth and be educated.
His determination and strength manifest a living proof of hope for his community. Just like Brgy. Tugaig, which was once a battlefield in the past, the adversaries of life becomes the source of inspiration for him to look forward to life with possibilities.
Jamil is a regular beneficiary of BARMM- MSSD’s program that provides assistance to vulnerable groups.
Through this kind of program, Jamil sees hope for inclusion and improved public services for the disadvantaged groups and individuals like him.
PROACTIVE as a program has ended in October 2024. It is funded by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) as local implementing partner.
Transition in Bangsamoro Communities- peaceful and inclusive, CSO reports
Written by BDA Communications
December 2, 2024. The transition period in the Bangsamoro Region, an autonomous region in Southern Philippines has begun in January 2019. This period is the time allotted to this newly established region to establish its local governance system that is responsive to the distinct culture, way of life and belief of its people.
Five years since then, significant progress has been achieved. In communities ravaged by the conflict in the past, access to basic services has improved with the assistance of various partners. This is specifically by experience through the project SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition funded by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.
“SUBATRA-ECSO is among the development initiatives that contributes to the smooth and peaceful transition in Bangsamoro”, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) reports.
BDA Inc. is local non- government organization operating in Bangsamoro Region and is reaching communities within and beyond the region.
Through the SUBATRA-ECSO, BDA Inc. is engaging thirty communities across BARMM who have felt the transition and development in their lives and communities.
In Basilan, change has become more visible when BARMM was established.
“Our village has slowly began to transform”, Nasira Lijal told. She is from Brgy. Tuburan, Hadji Muhamad Ajul, Basilan.
“Schools were established, giving children access to quality education, and health facilities were finally developed, providing essential services that had long been missing”, she added.
The development brought by BARMM did not just improve infrastructure; it also brought a renewed sense of hope to the people of Brgy. Tuburan.
In the island province of Tawi- Tawi, the people in Pasiagan, Bongao testified that it was their first time to receive food packs and education kits for the vulnerable groups in their village through the SUBATRA-ECSO Project.
A Badjao village in the island are organized to undergo livelihood training with provision of tools and equipment as start-up capital along with other capacity building support for operation, management and sustainability.
In Sulu, the people’s organizations are beyond grateful that the support for them remains even after the exclusion of the province from BARMM, pursuant to the rulings issued by the Philippine Supreme Court September 2024.
Community groups in Maguindanao have heighten trust to the possibility of development in their lives.
The indigenous people in the region feel the inclusion and compassion from the government through the CSOs and donors bringing to them development assistance.
From the Special Geographical Area (SGA-BARMM), production of banana chips in various flavors has become part of the lives of women group where they generate income for their families.
Assistance for people’s organizations in the MILF camp communities is also true with the SUBATRA-ECSO project. There are twelve POs provided with livelihood support such as skills training with complete set of tools and equipment.
Operating since 2021, the project SUBATRA-ECSO has already served 12, 107 individuals across the thirty villages that are within and outside the Bangsamoro territory.
For the BDA Inc. as local implementing partner of the project, support to communities is crucial in this period of transition in the Bangsamoro.
“The process of transition is a process of building the governance of Bangsamoro, and it is significant that people at the grassroots level are involved. This is through this development project like the SUBATRA-ECSO that organizes and mobilizes the community groups, help them plan, manage, operate and sustain their chosen local projects”, BDA Inc. stated.
Various training conducted were related to social protection like basic human rights, integrated risk and resilience management. Provision of basic services have benefited the vulnerable groups through series of community assemblies with the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and BARMM Ministries, Offices and Agencies. This, as well, was a form of information dissemination about BARMM’s programs and services, more so with the radio program and the social media usage. Livelihood support to POs and collaboration with CSOs are integral components of the project. (BDA Communication, 2024)
Camp Abubakar children joyful of Madrasah classroom from EU, UNDP
Written by BDA Communications
October 31, 2024. Three hundred- thirty pupils of Madrasah in Camp Abubakar (Calagan, Tugaig, Barira, Maguindanao del Norte) are joyful of the classroom constructed through the support of European Union and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The said 2-classroom Madrasah building worth P3.2M was formally turned over today October 31, 2024 at Brgy. Tugaig, led by the new EU Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Massimo Santoro, together with his delegation and other partners in peace.
Ambassador Santoro said in a statement: “My visit here today is my first mission visit outside of Manila. And I think what is here today is a clear commitment of the European Union in supporting and sustaining sustainable peace and inclusive development in the BARMM.”
Madrasah An-nama Al-Islamiah was established in 2014 and has been sustained with the unified dedication of parents, teachers, local leaders and community members for the education of their children beneficial in this world and the hereafter.
“For the past years, we have been lacking with facility like classrooms. At present, we only have six rooms for the 330 pupils from Kinder to Grade 10. We cater multi-grade in one classroom, while the other classes are conducted outside, like in the Madrasah stage and open-type rooms”, Ustadz Khadir Udangan said. He is a mudeer in Madrasah An-nama.
Aleem Abdulghafur Abdulhamid of Directorate General for Madaris Education of Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (DGME-MBHTE) thanked donors for this project and informed about the program of the ministry for the Madrasah education in the Bangsamoro Region.
“We invite this Madrasah to apply for this support and we also would like to call for help from our donor partners today, because there are many other Madrasah that needs assistance”, Aleem Abdulhamid conveyed.
The construction of 2-classroom Madrasah building is implemented through the PROACTIVE: Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion, Violence Prevention and Economic Empowerment- a program that supports the transformation and development in the six major camps of the MILF identified in the Normalization Annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between GPH and MILF in 2014.
For Camp Abubakar- a center of war in the past years, other projects constructed are water system, hygiene facility, solar dryer with warehouse, school library along with the provision of farm tractors, livelihood assistance (fish condo, demo vegetable farm) , others.
Partners in peace and development who attended this milestone were the co-chairs of the Joint Task Force on Camps Transformation (GPH was LtGen. Danilo Pamonag, for MILF was MP Ali O. Salik represented by Mohaimen Usman); JTFCT Camp Abubakar Chairman Abdulkudos Balitok, UNDP Philippines Winston Camarinas, Bangsamoro Development Agency Rhadzni Taalim, , Mindanao State University- Maguindanao, Philippine Marines, Municipal Local Government Unit of Barira, Barangay LGU of Tugaig and Nabalawag, people’s organizations, cooperatives, Asatidz, pupils, parents and community members.
EU delegation and partners have seen the actual usage of these projects and dialogue to the beneficiaries like the farmers, teachers, children and community members.
Atty. Paola Pampaloni, EU deputy managing director for East Asia and Pacific expressed the continuing commitment of EU to peace and development in Mindanao.
“We were here in past, we are here today, and we will be here in the coming days”, she stated.
BDA, the development arm of the MILF is a local partner in implementing the said projects through the PROACTIVE. (BDA Communications Team)
