News and Stories (155)
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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)
Women groups in Bangsamoro communities outline vision for project sustainability beyond the transition period
Written by BDA Communications
OCTOBER 13, 2024. By reaching out to one of the vulnerable yet potential sectors in the community, any organization both government and non- government would realize better the realities of people in remote areas, particularly during the transition period in the Bangsamoro Region, and their aspirations for the coming years.
In Basilan, Nasira M. Lijal, 50, leads their group, Sengag Women’s Organization, in Brgy. Tuburan, Mohamad Ajul, Basilan in visualizing their vision as they continue to operate their livelihood activity.
The organization is producing various products from banana, which is abundant in their locality.
Formed in 2021, the organization of Nasira has become functional that develop the capacity of women in their village into livelihood activities while generating income for their families.
While operating, this women group gradually learns more as days and months pass by. They are able to strengthen their bond and unity in the organization.
Now, they look forward to linking with the agriculture ministry of the Bangsamoro Government in the province of Basilan to get support on the occurring banana disease that challenged their productivity.
“We hope to report to them this incident and get technical assistance on how to resolve this problem because we cannot have the raw ingredients to be able to produce for our livelihood activity”, Nasira stated.
In Sulu, one women group is producing various items from coconut, one of the major crops in the community.
“Our vision is to be one main supplier of coconut products not only in the province but also in other places” Jemma Taji of Barangay Timbangan, Indanan, Sulu.
People’s organizations in Lanao del Sur believes that towards sustainability, they must employ innovative strategies like initiating linkages to other organizations, making online presence and finding ways to improve the packaging of their products.
Majority of the groups in this province are producing palapa (a spicy side-dish) made of locally- grown spice known as sakurab.
Community organizations in a camp community particularly Datalpandan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao- Camp Badre is convinced that they should work better to improve the process to produce quality vegetables.
In the Special Geographical Areas of BARMM, women groups aspire to make other products and to explore other marketing strategies to increase their sales.
In Tawi- Tawi, one group in Panglima Sugala have re-organized as one resolution to strengthen their operation and be able to resume with their production of native delicacies, after some challenges.
By outlining their vision and goals for the upcoming years, these people’s organizations are further guided to work hand in hand for the sustainability of their groups and the livelihood activities they are operating.
Assisted through the project SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition, these POs were organized as one important approach to sustain peacebuilding efforts in the region.
Allowing them to plan ahead is useful to condition their minds and actions of the near completion of the project and motivate them to remain working and operating even beyond the SUBATRA-ECSO and also the transition in the Bangsamoro.
These POs have also underwent related trainings on self-help for self- reliance and social enterprise development that encouraged them to expand their services in their respective communities.
Through the assistance they received, these groups were organized and capacitated on organizational and livelihood skills as one mechanism towards community empowerment and peacebuilding.
With the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.), the SUBATRA-ECSO has been significant for the POs and the communities served by the project.
SUBATRA-ECSO is funded by the European Union (EU) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
PARA SA’YO BANGSAMORO- CSO led assemblies, connect people to Bangsamoro Govt., support the Bangsamoro Transition
Written by BDA Communications
SEPTEMBER 11, 2024. From mainland to island provinces of the Bangsamoro Region, series of community assemblies were organized that helped connect the Bangsamoro Government to the people in various communities across the BARMM.
The recent of which was on August 25, 2024 at Brgy. Mataya, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte that convened the members of the community and the officials and representatives from the BTA and BARMM ministries, offices and agencies.
In Mataya, food packs were provided to 240 families who belong to most vulnerable sectors in the community, while the 260 school supplies kit were presented to the children in the barangay.
Abdullah Gayak of the BTA complemented those assistance given during the event. Other members of the parliament who supported the activity were Swaib Oranun and Ubaida Pacasem.
An elderly beneficiary was joyful of the gifts received from the activity saying that “Napakasaya ko sa regalong handog nyo ngayong araw” (I am very happy for this gift).
During the activity, the MSSD was able to distribute the assistance intended to selected PWD members in the barangay.
A volunteer teacher stated that people were glad to be able to talk to the Bangsamoro Government about their needs in the village. She said that it is very hard to many to go and talk to the government because of the distance and transportation cost.
Educators and school officials grabbed the chance to dialogue with the official from the MBHTE regarding their concerns.
Maguindanao Provincial Offices of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE), Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) and Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) likewise participated the assembly for information and education of their programs and services intended for the people.
Orphans in Sulu were thankful of the aid provided to them during the community assembly on May 20, 2024 at Brgy. Timbangan, Indanan, Sulu.
“Through this project and the BARMM, we now experience being a beneficiary of this educational support”, they stated.
Matarul Estino of the BTA complemented the food packs distributed during the activity.
From the BARMM through its provincial offices in Sulu were the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism (MTIT), Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC), MOST, MSSD, MOLE, MAFAR and BYC.
The convergence of the activity in Basilan with the Office Hatimil Hassan, member of the parliament of the BTA benefited hundreds of individuals in Brgy. Tuburan Proper, Muhamad Ajul municipality on May February 18, 2024.
Various medical groups and institutions joined hands in serving the immediate health needs of people in the village.
The people’s organization in the barangay who is a recipient of livelihood program received financial aid from MP Hatimil intended to support community groups who are organized and operating successfully by producing and selling local products for economic development.
Basilan Provincial Offices of MOST, MOLE, MBHTE, BHRC, and BYC.
In Tawi- Tawi, people in Brgy. Pasiagan, Bongao were delightful that for the first time, they received such kind of assistance from BARMM.
Over a hundred households received 50 kilos of rice each with other food items that helped secure their meals for number of days. This was through the responsive support of MP Eddie Alih through the TABANG Office in Tawi- Tawi.
Youth and students enjoyed the school supplies provided to them that they can use at school.
For this province, BARMM offices who supported were MBHTE (Tawi- Tawi Division), MOLE, MAFAR, BHRC, and BYC.
Fisher folks and farmer groups in Lanao del Sur flocked to the desk of MAFAR during the community assembly on December 25, 2024 at Brgy. Lilod, Balindong town.
BTA Members from Lanao province supported the activity such as Said Sheikh and Basit Abbas.
Lanao Sur Provincial Offices for MOST and MAFAR participated during the information session.
This series of community assembly with provision of services in Support to Bangsamoro Transition kicked off on December 1, 2023 at Brgy. Balakayon, SGA- BARMM.
BTA Members Ali Salik, Said Salendab and Kadil Sinulinding supported the activity that benefited 134 number of individuals.
Of this number, 96 underwent medical eye check-up through Dr. Sinulinding who is an ophthalmologist with a medical team managing the health assessment that day.
MBHTE and the Office of the Cabinet Secretariat of the OCM-BARMM supported this community gathering.
The series of community assembly with provision of services in support to Bangsamoro Transition is relevant to the project SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition.
It specifically work for the Outputs 4.5: Increasing the awareness about BARMM’s programs and services including the rights and obligation of its people.
The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) manages the implementation of the project in collaboration with partner CSOs in the BARMM.
SUBATRA-ECSO is funded by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.
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LOBSTER GROWING TO BENEFIT BADJAO VILLAGE IN SULU, BANGSAMORO REGION
Written by BDA Communications
August 27, 2024/ SULU-BARMM. In the distant sea village in the island province of Sulu in the Bangsamoro Region lives a community of Badjao who are known for their stilt houses or those built in the sea.
The people in the village is blessed by the abundance of resources from the sea such as seaweeds, a variety of fish, marine breeze, and among others.
Particular to the Sitio Kud Kalang in Brgy. Socuban, Omar, Sulu in the BARMM, is the development assistance that came to this community.
On August 7, 2024, the village received a lobster aquaculture facility through the project dubbed as "Building Resilient Livelihoods and Communities through Climate-Smart Aquaculture Value Chain in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu Archipelago”
Hundred young lobsters were also provided to the cooperative organized for this project who will manage the growing/ farming of those sea species.
With the technical guidance and support of MAFAR Sulu Provincial Office, the farming of these lobster is expected to be successful and be beneficial for the community as it will generate income for the families.
The cooperative also received four (4) units of fishing boat that are as well used for transportation from-to and to-from the village and the community port to reach the town center.
People in Sitio Kud Kalang are mostly fisher folks growing seaweeds for selling and fishing from the wealth of the sea.
Life in this village is simple and cultural. Access to education is poor due to distance. Health remains with traditional healing, however, the barangay local government unit provides support for pregnant women who are assisted to the nearest health facility during natal delivery. There is available energy service in the village. Potable water is accessed and affordable in a nearby facility.
During the turnover ceremony of the said facility, partners expressed support to the community such as Mayor Abdulbaki J. Ajibon of Omar, Sulu; Brgy. Chairman Romeo S. Asul; LTC Gerald John A. Saldoart (GSC) PA Commanding Officer 15CMOBn; Fardia J. Abduhasad, OIC Chief, Fisheries Division of MAFAR- Sulu; and the Vice- Chancellor of Mindanao State University (MSU Sulu).
This support on lobster aquaculture in Sulu is implemented under the program “Strengthening the implementation of regional and local peace and development agendas in Mindanao (SPADe).
The project is co-funded by the European Union and the German Ferderal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) implemented by German International Cooperation (GIZ).
With the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) as the local implementing partner, this project aims to promote inclusive socio-economic development and contribute to peacebuilding, food security, and environmental conservation through climate-resilient and sustainable livelihood interventions in aquaculture value chain in the Tawi-Tawi and Sulu Archipelago.(BDA Communications, 2024)
HOPES IN PALAPA: For economic recovery, culture preservation and inclusion to progress
Written by BDA Communications
August 12, 2024. Palapa is a local kind of side- dish known to the M’ranao (people of the lake in Lanao provinces, South of the Philippines).
This dish is made of herbs (named sakurab) found in the communities of M’ranao, produced into a delightful, spicy and tasty manner with that of organic aroma, which adds to its distinct features.
For the women group in Malimono- a remote and isolated village in Marawi City, there is hope in palapa.
According to the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), the women group in Malimono is organized in 2022 as part of the project that works to help improve basic- social services for the vulnerable groups in the Bangsamoro communities.
“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 Cooperacion Agency, we assisted them to become a people’s organization (PO) and since then, they underwent various trainings that gradually develop their capacities about organizational management”, BDA reported.
Together with other eighteen POs in the other villages of BARMM, these groups have completed different skills training based on the identified local enterprise for their group, e.g., palapa processing, coconut processing, vegetable production, banana processing, rice processing, others.
In August 2023, these groups showcased their finished products during the Product Expo organized by the project attended by donor partners, officials and representatives from the Bangsamoro Government.
After the Product Expo, significant results were achieved with some of those community groups being able to link with local government offices whose works support local enterprise development.
“The story of Brave Women People’s Organization of Malimono in Marawi City, their progress and gradual success happened later than those other groups who immediately got support after the Product Expo in August 2023”, BDA told.
Jalanesa Amerol, president of the PO shared that it was just early this year when they met with the Word Vision, whose one staff is a friend to a PO member.
World Vision (WV) is an international humanitarian aid and development organization who has project works in Marawi City, at present.
“We knew one of their staff who tried our product. So since then, the WV orders from them 7- 20 bottles of palapa every month”, Jalanesa said.
She added that the WV helps them promote their products, taking photos and videos of their produced palapa.
They also have a social media account for online selling of their palapa products, where they get orders from few customers like those from the city hall of Marawi City.
“The income is gradual and still little and from our sales, we buy other additional materials for our processing activities”, Jalanesa told.
The group has recently completed training on organizational management and policy formulation. This training will help strengthen their group by agreeing on policies for their operation and production activities.
“We remain supportive of them and keep pushing them to go on with this livelihood opportunity, explore other marketing options, and continue working together as an organization”, BDA stated.
“Our role is to assist them, not to be spoon- fed but be self- reliant. That is why we train them about self- help, social enterprise, organizational policies, management, marketing, book keeping, and others for the sustainability of their organization”, BDA added.
Further, BDA reported that more trainings are scheduled for these POs like product development in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism (MTIT- BARMM).
Livelihood support as one approach to community development and empowerment has been significant in developing the awareness, engagement, capacity and potentials of people at the grassroots level towards inclusive progress and peacebuilding.
While most of the products developed have its raw materials available in the locality, it is not only for economic recovery, but also helps in culture promotion and preservation like the palapa of the M’ranao in the famous Lake Lanao in Bangsamoro Region, South of the Philippines. (BDA Communications, 2024)
VALUES INTEGRATION IN PRODUCING MID-LEVEL WORKFORCE IN THE BANGSAMORO REGION
Written by BDA Communications
August 8, 2024/COTABATO CITY BARMM. In 2020, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) and the Technical Education and Skills Development of Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the integration of Values Transformation Training (VTT) to the Bangsamoro Scholarship Program (BSP) of the ministry.
This initiative is guided by the intention to assimilate values in the learning journey of the program beneficiaries and eventually apply those principles to their personal and career development.
BSP is a program that supports the goal of TESD- MBHTE on producing high- quality middle- level workforce in the Bangsamoro Region. Through BSP, various skills trainings are made available to Bangsamoro constituents as one relevant alternative to acquire education and pursue job/s.
These short- courses that come with a national certificate are cookery, carpentry, driving, automotive, computer system servicing, electrical installation and maintenance, others.
With the integration of VTT to the program, recipients learned about the significance of values for personality development and self- change that helps them become more responsible citizens, whether in their chosen field of specialization or as a regular member of the society.
VTT is a 3-day activity filled with fundamental lectures with workshops on faith-based values that guide the participants to understand and internalize their personal traits and weaknesses and be able to reflect for self- improvements. It reminds the participants that every act of a man is part of worship and therefore he/ she is expected to perform it on an excellent manner.
Completers of VTT demonstrate well of their appreciation of the training by having able to reflect on their acts, and were convinced for the need to improve themselves.
“There are so much learning from this training. We learned more about our values, our acts, and our faith, which will all make us be a better version of ourselves”, one participant remarked.
“The teachings on values reminded us of patience and faith. That everything, which happens in our lives is a test and we shall put our trust unto Allah and do our part”, another participant told.
Relationship to others is one important thing that the other VTT completer has gained from the training. According to him, the values taught in VTT enlightened them of ways to deal with other persons, even from other culture or faith, in a civil and compassionate manner.
As of July 2024, there are almost 5, 000 of BSP recipients who completed the VTT, based on the record of the BDA. In 2023, there were 11, 153 BSP completers who underwent VTT. While in 2022, there were 3, 394 and in year 2021, there 2, 860 who learned the VTT.
As official facilitator of the VTT, BDA has been persistently improving its strategies in managing the values training given the huge number of BSP beneficiaries who are participants to the VTT. These approaches are parallel to the institutional policies and considerations of the BDA as an organization. The agency has strengthen its pool of trainers and facilitators long been organized to perform such tasks on a wide- scale manner. Review and revision of modules were consistent to consider the context for the beneficiaries of the Bangsamoro Scholarship Program. (BDA Communication 2024)
ONLINE PORTAL TO BOOST COLLABORATION BETWEEN BARMM GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE BANGSAMORO
Written by BDA Communications
JULY 30, 2024. Piloted on July 17, 2024, this online digital platform aims to contribute to the objective of enhancing the engagement of Private Sector Organizations (PSO) to the economic and development initiatives in the Bangsamoro.
This technology provides an accessible registration system and for the mapping of projects of various CSOs in the Bangsamoro, showcasing their active participation in Bangsamoro Economic and Development Committee (BEDC) activities, thus promoting inclusivity and ownership on its milestones as one committee.
As it serves as communication platform between BARMM and PSO towards a stronger collaboration and unified actions, the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) groups are delighted of having an online system that will ease processes on renewal and updating of projects implemented.
“It will help give opportunities for other CSOs to join the BEDC, even from the distance, like our case in Sulu”, Tulung Lupa Sug (TLS) stated. TLS is a CSO coming from the island province of Sulu.
Still being continuously developed, with the help of third- party service provider, this BARMM- PSO Online Registration Platform, is expected to be officially turned over in September this year.
According to the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.), the creation of this online portal is in relevance to the project: Enhancing CSOs Capacities towards Inclusive Development Intervention in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA-ECSO), specifically 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.
“It is developed as one initiative that supports the BEDC (Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council), a body created in BARMM through the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), that aims to promote sustainable business growth and economic development in BARMM”, BDA informed.
BEDC is joined by various partners from the Private Sector Organizations (PSOs) in the Bangsamoro such as the academe, CSOs, business sector, others.
Through the online platform, there will be a boost the collaboration between BARMM and the PSO while helps promote paperless transaction and processes required in the registration and accreditation to the BEDC.
At present, there are 37 PSOs accredited in the system who will have multiple benefits such as increased voice and participation to economic and development opportunities in Bangsamoro, collaboration with BARMM Government, be a priority for potential donors’ support, and a gateway for capacity building or enhancement.
This milestone on strengthening CSO initiated actions is supported by the project SUBATRA-ECSO being funded by the European Union (EU) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).