Community Development in the Camps (84)
28 ORGANIZATIONS IN THE MILF CAMPS STRENGTHEN CAPACITY ON FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND BASIC BOOKKEEPING
Written by BDA Communications
In March 2025, the BDA Inc. finance division team conducted the skills enhancement and coaching on financial management and basic bookkeeping for the 28 organizations across the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) namely- Abubakar, Badre, Bilal, Busrah Somiorang, Omar and Rajamda.
Ended in April 2025, the activity helped the participants enhanced their skills in the proper entry of financial transactions to the book of accounts such as the journal book, cash receipt and disbursement book, sales and purchase journal and general ledger.
These groups were consisted of 12 cooperatives (farmers and transitioning combatants), 12 local community groups (women and youth) and four (4) indigenous people’s (IPs) organizations, all organized and supported by the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP).
In Brgy. Pendulonan, Munai, Lanao del Norte within Camp Bilal, Bangsa Bae 2 Hope of New Generation Pendulonan Association bookkeeper, Sittie Asiyah H. Acmad expressed gratitude to BDA Inc. for the opportunity to further enhance their skills and knowledge on bookkeeping.
“Through these sessions and actual coaching, I learned how to properly record each transaction and I am now confident in carrying out my role as a bookkeeper,” said Acmad.
The same expression was extended by Meryam Manguda, Datalpandan Women and Youth Association (DWAYA) bookkeeper, during the sessions.
She stated, “We are grateful to BDA for the technical support and continued guidance to us. We hope that they will not get tired of guiding us until our association will be finally capacitated on financial management.”
BDA Inc. finance staff Rahima Datumanong reminded the organizations of the importance of proper bookkeeping within the organizations, “Bookkeeping is very essential. It will enable you to track financial transactions and maintain transparency,” said Datumanong.
“By maintaining the accurate and up-to-date financial records, cooperatives and organizations can achieve a long-term sustainability and success,” she added.
The BDA Inc. finance team is committed to guide the beneficiaries on their journey towards managing their business’ finances effectively.
Relative training on financial management and basic bookkeeping was conducted from September to October 2024 that introduced them to the basics of financial management and basic bookkeeping.
At present, the organizations are operational and engaging businesses. They are applying the skills and knowledge they learned from these sessions specifically on their daily financial transactions.
Moreover, the groups also underwent various capacity building activities such as organizational development and management, business planning and sub-project proposal preparation, training on operation and maintenance, selected members underwent experiential learnings, and amongst others.
BCTP has three (3) components: community development assistance (CDA) which includes the community infrastructure sub-projects (CISPs); capacity and institutional strengthening; and project administration and quality assurance. It also focuses on income stabilization, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR/CCA) and partnership with local and regional governments.
The project, with 12 sites, 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.
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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STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCY IN THE BANGSAMORO THROUGH ENHANCEMENT OF BDRRMP
Written by BDA Communications
May 14, 2025. Nine Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) in the Bangsamoro region participated in the Training Workshop on the Enhancement of Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (BDRRMP) conducted through the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP) in April 2025.
The training primarily aimed to enhance the BDRRMP of the nine barangay recipients of the BCTP, namely- Brgy. Saniag, Ampatuan; Brgy. Limpongo, Datu Hoffer; Brgy. Datalpandan, Guindulungan; Brgy. Dungguan, Datu Montawal all from the province of Maguindanao del Sur; Brgy. Kenebeka, Datu Odin Sinsuat; Brgy. Sapad, Matanog; and Brgy. Minabay, Buldon all from the province of Maguindanao del Norte; and Brgy. Sandab Madaya and Brgy. Ragayan, Butig from the province of Lanao del Sur.
In his message, BDA Inc. Exec. Dir. Rhadzni Taalim highlighted the importance of strengthening preparedness towards resilient communities.
“This training marks a significant step forward in strengthening our disaster risk reduction and management capabilities at the grassroots level, fostering a culture of preparedness towards a resilient communities.”
Representatives from the Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) who were part of the Local Review Board (LRB) also participated the activity.
BDA Inc. Environmental and Social Safeguard Officer (ESSO), Mohamad Yusseph Alalang shared the role of the LRB in the enhancement of BDRRMP, “composed of esteemed staff from the MLGUs, the Local Review Board is responsible for reviewing the drafted BDRRM plans before its final approval by the Sangguaning Bayan.”
Alalang stated, “During the trainings, the LRB from the 8 municipalities also underwent training of trainers TOT.”
Facilitated by the Ministry of Interior and Local Government Unit (MILG), the training was clustered into three. First cluster for the 4 municipalities from Maguindanao del Sur on April 10-12, 2025, second cluster for the 3 municipalities from the province of Maguindanao del Norte on April 14-16, 2025 and third cluster for the municipality of Butig from Lanao del Sur on April 22-24, 2025.
Led by the MILG regional office, the resource speakers discussed the Philippine disaster context, understanding the community-based disaster risk reduction and management (CBDRMM), the CDRRM process and the disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) thematic areas.
Further, BDA Inc. set a timeline for the submission of the approved BDRRM plans and committed to reproduce hardbound copies of the plans.
On the other hand, MILG Senior Programs Officer, Mr. Mauricio Civiles emphasized the importance of the BDRRM plan to the BLGUs, “BDRRM plan is very crucial for the BLGUs, it is the legal document of the barangay to implement mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response and rehabilitation as basis to allocate fund (5% Calamity Funds) to ensure safety of its constituents.”
Moreover, the participants were very grateful for the training.
Brgy. Datalpandan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur (Camp Badre)
“Marami po kaming natutunan sa training na ito. Nalaman naming na marami pa pala kaming dapat na idagdag sa aming BDRRM Plan,” said Nasrudin Ukay.
Brgy Limpongo, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur (Camp Omar)
“Alhamdulillah, nagpapasalamat kami sa BDA at sa mga facilitators mula sa MILG. Talagang marami kaming natutunan. In Shaa Allah, kung ano ang kulang sa BDRRM plan ng barangay Limpongo ay aming tututukan,” said Chairwoman Lina Unlaw, Brgy. Chairwoman of Brgy. Limpongo, Datu Hoffer.
Brgy. Dungguan, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur (Camp Rajamuda)
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa BDA Inc. dahil nagkaroon sila ng initiative, projects at activities sa aming barangay. Nagpapasalamat din kami sa mga facilitators from MILG para sa pag tuturo nila ng BDRRM Plan. Sana ay magamit natin ng wasto.
As soon as possible gawin na natin lahat para matapos natin agad ang BDRRM Plan natin para maipasa natin agad before ang deadline.”
Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) Datu Montawal
“Nagpapasalamat kami mula sa Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) Datu Montawal, dahil nakasama kami sa training na ito. Kailangan din po namin ito dahil pumupunta din kami sa ground,” said Fatima Diocolano from MSSD Datu Montawal.
Brgy. Minabay, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte (Camp Abubakar)
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa BDA at napabilang ang Brgy. Minabay sa training na ito. Na-enhance ang aming BDRRM plan at natuto pa kami.”
Butig, Lanao del Sur (Camp Busrah Somiorang)
“Napaka swerte natin na napabilang ang ating dalawang barangays (Brgy. Ragayan at Brgy. Sandab Madaya) sa training na ito at ma-enhance ang mga BDRRM Plans.
In behalf of our local executive, nagpapasalamat kami sa BCTP, sa inyong initiative,” said Maelak L. Unti, MDRRMO in Butig, Lanao del Sur.
Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur (Camp Omar)
“Sa pamamagitan ng training na ito ay natutunan natin kung ano ang mga ilalagay natin sa ating PPAs na based sa 4 thematic areas ng Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM),” said Noriam Matula, MDDRRMO in Datu Hoffer, Maguindnao del Sur.
Similar training was conducted on May 5-7, 2025 for the BLGUs in Brgy. Mamaanun, Balo-I and Brgy. Pendulonan, Munai both from the province of Lanao del Norte in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region X.
This intervention is relevant to the disaster risk reduction/climate change adaptation (DRR/CCA) under community development assistant component of BCTP.
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).
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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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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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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).
“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).
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.
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)
TRANSITIONING COMBATANTS JOIN HANDS ON BATTLING SOCIAL ISSUES IN THE CAMPS
Written by BDA Communications
October 14, 2024. Driven by the will to affect change and progress in the communities long been underserved due to conflict in the past years, transitioning combatants in various villages across the camp communities have united to battle pressing social issues in their localities.
These combatants organized through local social formation approach have been completing several community trainings that developed their awareness, sense of responsibility and accountability and their capacities to work hand-in-hand for community services and development. They have identified priority needs in their village, planned together and have performed appropriate activities in acting upon those gaps.
In Camp Bushra, the clean- up drive helped address the environmental, sanitation and health problem in an isolated Brgy. Nusa in Balindong, Lanao del Sur, which motivated the local government unit to adopt the similar action for the welfare of the entire community.
In Camp Bilal, the transitioning combatants decided to do vegetable production as alternative agricultural crops potential for livelihood source and even for daily consumption.
An all-men group in Camp Rajamuda, opted to develop their capacities on rice delicacies making, in which the product be sold for income generation of the group.
In Camp Omar, the farmers were united for a flood-control project by planting bamboos and constructing community dikes that would help mitigate the overflowing water affecting their farm.
The group of combatants in Camp Badre, agreed to plant trees that symbolized the community resilience and social cohesion.
Meanwhile, for other relevant social issues, the initiative was employed through engaging with the Bangsamoro Government, by facilitating dialogue between the community members and the officials and representatives from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA): MP Abdullah E. Gayak, MP Ali O. Salik, MP Akmad I. Abas, MP Mohammad Kelie U. Antao, MP Tawakal B. Midtimbang, MP Suharto S. Esmael, MP Froilyn T. Mendoza, MP Basit Abbas and MP Marjanie Macasalong.
Also from various ministries and offices in the BARMM such as the Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan (TABANG) of the Office of the Chief Minister, Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).
In Camp Bilal, which communities are outside the territory of the Bangsamoro, other partners were from the Office for Other Bangsamoro Communities (OOBC) and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development of Munai, Lanao del Norte.
There were provisions of food packs, health kits and education supplies to during those community gatherings.
In the delivery of these services to the camp communities, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) partnered with the Joint Taks Force for Camps Transformation (JTFCT), Task Force on Decommissioned Combatants and Their Communities (TFDCC), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the local government units where the activities were conducted
BDA reported that the employment of those undertakings in the camps is specifically relevant to the local social formation component of PROACTIVE: Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion, Violence Prevention and Economic (PROACTIVE), funded by European Union (EU) together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
PROACTIVE supports the camps transformation and development across the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) identified in the Normalization Annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) namely Camp Abubakar, Camp Badre, Camp Bilal, Camp Bushra, Camp Rajamauda and Camp Omar.
ENGAGING BARMM FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN THE CAMPS, aids towards social cohesion and resilience for transitioning combatants and their communities
Written by BDA Communications
September 27, 2024. The recent gatherings in the selected villages in the camps that unified the joint efforts of the Bangsamoro Government and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the non- government organization, donor partners together with other stakeholders benefited hundreds of transitioning combatants, their families and their communities in the camps.
Dubbed as Engaging BARMM for Community Services in the Camps, these local meetings brought together officials and representatives from the BARMM and the community members to a dialogue where they talked about key programs and services of the Bangsamoro Government available for the people, with the corresponding requirements.
According to the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.), the idea for this initiative is based on the needs identified in the communities during their local social formation activities in the past months.
“There are organized groups in the camps who are assisted to determine pressing issues in their villages and come up with a practical solution. This community assemblies are among those that were decided to help resolve such issues by engaging the BARMM, believed to have programs and services that may respond to those community problems like education, health and nutrition, environmental management, others”, BDA stated.
During the community gatherings, each BTA office of BARMM ministry, office and agency have designated desk where people approached and talked to them directly.
Ministry of Health (MOH) particularly educated people about common diseases like dengue fever, leptospirosis and monkey fox, while informing the people, too, regarding the health services they provide. MOH also distributed health and dental kits.
Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) presented about their available programs intended for the vulnerable and marginalized groups in the community.
Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) talked about their services for the communities in BARMM.
TABANG- BARMM (Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan) brought with them food packs (rice and groceries) together with information about the other services of the office for the people of Bangsamoro.
Officials and representatives from the members of the parliament likewise spoke to the people that enlightened participants of the opportunities and requirements related to programs and services of each office.
They are from the Office of MP Abdullah E. Gayak, MP Ali O. Salik, MP Akmad I. Abas, MP Mohammad Kelie U. Antao, MP Tawakal B. Midtimbang, MP Suharto S. Esmael, MP Froilyn T. Mendoza, MP Basit Abbas and MP Marjanie Macasalong.
In Camp Bilal, where the areas covered are outside the territory of the BARMM, the BDA has linked with the Office for Other Bangsamoro Communities (OOBC-BARMM) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD Munai, Lanao del Norte).
Relevant offices from BARMM (MOH, MOST and TABANG) remained their support even to these communities like Brgy. Panggao and Tamparan in the said municipality.
Members of the parliament Abdullah Macapaar and Said Shiek graced the activity in the said villages in Camp Bilal.
The Joint Task Force on Camps Transformation (JTFCT), the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU are crucial partners in this activity.
Engaging BARMM for Community Services in the Camps organized for social cohesion and community resilience is relevant to PROACTIVE: Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion, Violence Prevention and Economic (PROACTIVE), funded by European Union (EU) together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
PROACTIVE supports the camps transformation and development across the six major camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) identified in the Normalization Annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) namely Camp Abubakar, Camp Badre, Camp Bilal, Camp Bushra, Camp Rajamauda and Camp Omar.
This initiative not only touched the lives of many but also reinforced the importance of government, non-government and community collaboration
For BDA, these initiatives will serve as foundation for ongoing engagement and support, ensuring that the voices of the most vulnerable sectors continue to be heard and acted upon.
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INFRA PROJECTS IN THE CAMPS BRING HOPES TO THE FUTURE OF PEACE AND PROGRESS
Written by BDA Communications
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.
Monitoring & Evaluation in Project Management: Seeing the impact of development aid in the camps through PDM
Written by BDA Communications
JULY 9, 2024. In the field of humanitarian aid and development, allocation of resources and assistance marks a critical phase in efforts to uplift communities affected by various challenges. The provision of aid is often a lifeline for vulnerable populations. However, ensuring that this assistance reaches its intended recipients effectively and efficiently is just as crucial as the initial act of distribution itself.
For the on-going project related to the development and transformation of camp communities (areas that belong or affected by armed conflict in Mindanao), an initiative called as Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM) was carried out through methodical evaluations to determine the effectiveness of the aid distributed to the recipients of the project.
The PDM helped fill in gaps or difficulties, by collecting inputs from the beneficiaries. This monitoring activity enabled the team discover if agreed procedures in project implementation and management at the community level are followed properly to achieve its several benefits.
Through the PROACTIVE: Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion Violence Prevention and Economic Empowerment, various development assistance were already distributed to the community- groups in the six major acknowledged camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) namely, Camp Abubakar, Camp Badre, Camp Bilal, Camp Bushra, Camp Omar and Camp Rajamuda.
There were nineteen (19) units of farm machineries, which are already operating to ease agricultural processes in the camps. Its operation, significant to farm activities produces income for the cooperatives organized through the PROACTIVE.
Three infrastructure projects were completed and turned over to the People’ Organizations (POs) who are formed to manage its operations: tribal hall in Camp Omar (Brgy. Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao); solar dryer with warehouse & school library in Camp Abubakar (Brgy. Tugaig Barira, Maguindanao).
In seeing the impact of the development and transformation in the camps, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) along with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) visited the community- recipients of the said projects, met and talked to the people for updates and progress of its operations.
As a result of the activity, the beneficiary cooperatives and POs reported the positive impact of the projects in their lives.
Accordingly, the farm inputs already generates more income relevant to their groups. In fact, some of the cooperatives were able purchase additional machinery such as corn sheller that supports to their income generation and other agri activities, as well.
It was also noted that in operating in managing those projects, cooperatives were gradually applying the knowledge and skills they gained from various capacity building activities provided to them by the PROACTIVE.
For the project team, it is good to know that the beneficiaries are thriving as one group, and one community driven by the shared aspiration towards transformation and development.
They are the people in the communities, who experienced conflict in the past, now emerge as a center of progress, capacity building, community development and peace.
The PDM, relevant to PROACTIVE was conducted from June 13- 23, 2024 in the six major camps of the MILF.
PROACTIVE aims to contribute in enhancing local capacities to facilitate transition and transformation of the six (6) acknowledged camps of the MILF into peaceful and productive communities.
It is being funded by the European Union (EU) and the UNDP Philippines, implemented in collaboration with the BDA.
Battlefield communities emerge as grounds for peace and development in Bangsamoro Region
Written by BDA Communications
May 2024/ COTABATO CITY-BARMM. It was in 2018, we were traversing a rough road in a remote village in Maguindanao of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with a woman of war and struggle, who was recalling those hard times during the battle in the past years.
She joined our trip to an uphill community, to meet the indigenous people (IP) in the area, that day.
On our way, this woman who is a wife to a field commander of the armed forces of the MILF, was telling us stories during the times of war. She would compare the tough road then, to the present condition as we were passing by. She would point us to some spots, which are memorable to them e.g., where they get water and food, or stood for a while to hide or rest from running due to war.
“There were no vehicles then. We walked through this land. I have vegetable gardens there. I was very serious about planting. I loved it, those days”, she told giggling.
“And those banana plants”, she added, were very important those days. My husband would really tell his men to plant and plant banana, because according to him, in times of war, we never know what happens. So when we run and hide, and get hungry, we can eat through the bananas, it’s a survival.”
When we finally arrived, we met women in the village. It was in Brgy. Datalpandan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao, a community located in Camp Badre- one of the six major camps of the MILF as identified in the Normalization Annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
We talked with IP women who descended from their uphill community of the barangay. Accordingly, they walked hours from their home to reach the center of the village, where we met.
The IP sector in the camp has received a farm facility through a project implemented that year (2021). According to them, the corn sheller given to them is indeed a big help.
“We process our corn products manually at home, almost everyone in the family work together. It took us days or a week before we can finish”, they stated.
(IN PHOTO: An IP woman from Camp Badre posed with a farm machinery provided to them in 2020, significant to ease their farm processes in the upper hill village of Brgy. Datalpandan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao).
Based on data of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.), selected communities in the six major camps of the MILF including the Brgy. Datalpandan have been receiving development projects such as warehouse with solar dryer, water system, road projects, community learning centers, solar panel, agri-trading and production facilities, health facilities, road projects, tribal hall for the IPs, including support on various capacity building activities.
There was also the implementation of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and livelihood support to organized groups in those communities.
From 2021 (last quarter) to present, the project in support to Bangsamoro Transition covers areas in the camps to sustain the milestones on transformation and development. It is funded by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation Agency (AECID).
There were 342 completers to ALS who are now formed as people’s organizations to undergo skills training towards social enterprise development.
Early in 2022, another program was launched related to camps development with fund source from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and EU. In the camps are cooperatives, people’s organizations and local social formation groups who are being supported by the program. Various infrastructure projects will also be constructed through this program.
Mid of the same year, the project on camps transformation kicked off carrying various services for the camps people.
All these development interventions, already implemented and still being worked out are all beneficial to the community beneficiaries, helpful in improving the life conditions of the people in those remote areas.
(IN PHOTO: Women, widows, elderlies were among the completers of ALS in the camps that gave them the chance to get education through the program. A chance that was once elusive due to conflict in the past years.)
In Camp Rajamuda, among the ALS completer in August 2022 was a widow who was very happy completing her basic education through the program. She is solely providing for her eight children and being able to study was a big accomplishment for her.
Also in this camp is a high hope for the farmers who will be receiving warehouse with solar dryer.
"With this project, our farming process will be easier”, the farmers expressed.
In Camp Omar, the organized PO is thankful for the continuing aid, through the skills training to help them establish local business.
The tribal hall being constructed at present gives joy to the IP community in this camp.
“There will be more benefits from this tribal hall. We can use this during community gatherings, local occasions, meetings, cultural activities, others”, the IP group said.
In Camp Bilal, a hopeful mother named Racma Baluwa, 30, recall that “I was a child then. We were evacuees. We heard the bombings and saw the explosions. Now, I join this cooperative hoping that it will bring income for my growing family.”
A youth in the same camp, was happy for being able to continue her studies through the ALS.
In Camp Bushra, a hanging bridge has connected the isolated community in Brgy. Butig, Lanao del Sur through the project implemented in 2021.
In Camp Abubakar, the experience of war becomes the strength of the people to be united and welcome the development coming in to their community.
“It feels good that those we thought impossible are happening now. Life was hard, in the past years. We were very far. There was no stable peace and order. Frequently, there were threats, doubts, and fears. Now, we live with peace”, a woman stated.
One BIAF member shared that their village in the camp was once isolated, with only one or two houses to be found. But, now more people are coming, building their homes, for good.
Data shows that 2018-2019 camps project benefited 51, 410 people with an overall total cost of Php 57M. From 2020-2021 there were 3,471 people served by the project that spent about Php 27M. In 2021, through the Camps of Learning Project (CLP), there were 480 learners of ALS and beneficiaries of skills trainings for livelihood support. In August 2023, there were 342 ALS completers in the camps. And there are 24 cooperatives, 26 people’s organizations and 24 local social formation groups established in relevance to the on-going camps project.
The Normalization Annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front states about the need for development assistance in the communities that were once centers of battlefields in the past years. These interventions shall be significant to help them transition from conflict to peaceful and progressive communities.
The BDA Inc., as development agency of the MILF, now operating as non-government organization has been a partner towards this mission as the quest for long-lasting peace and development goes on.
(IN PHOTO: Students in MILF Camp Abubakar As- Siddique now enjoy better access to learning through the library project implemented through the PROACTIVE in April 2024.)
SELF-CHANGE TOWARDS COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION
Written by BDA Communications
“Maganda itong Values Transformation Training (VTT) kasi ang tunay na pagbabago ay magsisimula sa sarili natin mismo”, said Nasip Mascara, 53 years old, member of the cooperative from Brgy. Mamaanun, Baloi, Lanao del Norte (Camp Bilal).
Members of cooperatives and people’s organizations in the camp communities underwent Values Transformation Training (VTT).
The VTT was simultaneously organized from March 6, 2024 in the 12 communities within the six (6) previously acknowledged camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
This training aims to revitalize the values of the beneficiaries and develop internal obligation within themselves to become more responsible as the projects will be entrusted to their organizations.
VTT is part of the capacity building for the beneficiaries under the Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project (BCTP).
BCTP is supporting the Normalization efforts in the camps that aims to improve access to socio-economic services and basic infrastructure in the six (6) previously acknowledged MILF camps.
It is implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) in partnership with Community and Family Services International (CFSI).
BCTP is one of the projects funded by the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF) administered by the World Bank.
