News and Stories (148)
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.
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).
COMMUNITY GROUPS IN BANGSAMORO REGION TAKE ACTIVE ROLE IN PEACEBUILDING, TRANSITION PERIOD
Written by BDA Communications
JULY 23, 2024. In Mindanao, Philippines, particularly in Bangsamoro Region, community organizations take crucial role in advancing peace in the land. Their participation is fundamental in building and sustaining peace more inclusively and just.
Paksa Mukatil, 56, from the island province of Tawi- Tawi, chiefs the women organization in Brgy. Pasiagan in the town of Bongao. They produce native delicacies that not only generate income for the group, but as well, helps promote the unique identity and culture of Tawi-Tawi.
Through the project that supports the transition in the Bangsamoro, Paksa reported that women have become more united in learning and working together.
For the project that supports the camps transformation and development, various groups are also being formed, as partners for implementation.
Bapa Thoks, 58, who was witness of war in the past is now a peace keeper in their village at Brgy. Datalpandan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur. He helps promotes peace with his role as caretaker of the farm machinery provided to them by the programs that supports the camps.
Also in the camps, women like Osoleyah (Camp Bushra), and Racma (Camp Bilal) advance in community roles by performing significant tasks in their respective organizations.
Osoleyah, 35, leads the women cooperative in Lanao del Sur, who is earning income from operating a farm tractor. Racma, 30, is passionate about working in their organization in Lanao del Norte.
At present, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.), a non- government organization working to support the peace process in Mindanao, partners with 51 people’s organizations (POs), 48 cooperatives, 24 local social formation (LSF) groups, and 12 local community groups in communities situated within and outside the Bangsamoro Region.
All these are organized through the various projects being implemented by the BDA since 2021, with the trust and confidence of donor partners.
These community-based organizations underwent various trainings that helped build and develop their capacities in order to be skillful in managing their groups and the projects entrusted to them like livelihood, small-scale infrastructure projects, tools and equipment, farm facilities, others.
According BDA, organizing and mobilizing people at the community level is a crucial step in peacebuilding as it helps build the trust and confidence.
“This is important for the acceptance and ownership of the community that leads towards their support and participation to related undertakings on community development”, BDA stated.
In forming the POs, BDA is guided by the community – driven development (CDD) approach long been adopted as significant strategy in project implementation.
With the CDD, community members from various sectors like, women, religious leaders, traditional leaders, indigenous people, person with disabilities, youth, elderlies, transitioning combatants, and others are organized into one group with a structure and functions well- explained to them.
BDA educate them of their roles and responsibilities to achieve the success of the project.
The role of the POs starts by joining into different trainings. They are responsible for taking charge of the sub-project handed over to them for instance, for livelihood activities, the PO initiate how the group can regularly and continuously produce their products for selling and income generation.
Also for infrastructure projects, POs take the role of managing the operation of a solar dryer facility for such to be beneficial to the farmers in the village. POs have sets of rules and policies for the proper utilization of the facility in a fair and efficient manner.
POs are key partners in organizing, strengthening and sustaining community groups to help them be empowered and be active in initiating community works towards their progress.
They learn about communication and coordination with stakeholders like the local government units (LGUs) to access information and basic services, links and networks to outside groups by which they are able to expand and advance.
By mobilizing the community as partners in peacebuilding, they become agents of change and development who learn that governance is a process and that acquisition of government services requires corresponding obligations of the people.
With this, there is a bridging of gaps to break the barriers towards harmony, understanding and unified actions, that eventually leads to peace.
“The people in those underserved communities are the mostly affected by any distraction of peace. They have been isolated, with less access to information and basic services, therefore they must be educated and reached out. They are our partners to peace and development”, BDA stated.
BDA supports the peace in Mindanao through delivery of relief, rehabilitation and development assistance in the conflict- affected areas within and outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS TOWARDS PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY IN SUPPORT TO BANGSAMORO TRANSITION
Written by BDA Communications
July 19, 2024/ COTABATO CITY. While the project encourages self- reliance to people’s organizations (PO) who are formed at the community level, it is also important that there is continuous guidance and supervision. This act is undertaken through constant monitoring, both actual and distant utilizing relevant tools and multi-media platforms.
Further, the project team likewise initiated supplemental training to strengthen the capacity of the PO- a community-based organization created to help manage the project at the grassroots level.
Twenty- four POs were recently undergoing training on organizational management, and policy formulation. This activity has started on July 15, 2024 and is expected to be completed by September this year. Participants are clustered based on their location to manage the learning process and for practical consideration of time.
In the said training, participants are learning relevant skills to strengthen their organizations through constant communication and by crafting and implementation of organizational policies.
According to them, the activity guided them of practical, strategic and contextualized ways to pursue with their organizations and get the most of the investments provided to them such as numerous trainings along with the complete set of tools and equipment for their livelihood activities.
These inputs were found significant based on the findings from the recent monitoring that many of the POs failed to see and practice the importance of conducting organizational meetings where they get talks and updates in planning together the management, operation and sustainability of their groups and their respective enterprises.
Related inputs on production, packaging, marketing and profit- sharing were also taught to the participants. Resource persons likewise refreshed the knowledge of the participants with topics on the roles and responsibilities, membership and organizational structure.
Under the project, these POs were organized and provided with specific skills trainings tailored to their chosen enterprises based on the available raw materials in their localities.
By learning the skills, these POs were able to yield various products that they sell, from which they generate income helpful for their families, like banana chips, native delicacies, coconut oil, palapa (local spicy side dish), bread, rice products, others.
Operating their respective local business, these POs who are mainly composed of women discovered their potentials to become more productive for their families and communities.
However, they need further support and so the said training on strengthening their capacities were carried out.
This initiative to extend further support to the POs is relevant to the on-going implementation of the project SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition.
Approaching its final year as a project, SUBABATRA-ECSO works for the Component 4 of the entire SUBATRA Programme, which is the is the Justice and Society Project- The capacity of civil society to contribute to a peaceful transition to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is enhanced.
In 2023, the project has benefited 4, 860 individuals across the 24 communities within and outside the Bangsamoro Region, with various development assistance on basic social services and protection, livelihood, capacity buildings, among others.
Launched in 2021, the SUBATRA-ECSO is a project funded by the European Union European Union in the Philippines and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation AECID Philippines.
The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) is managing the implementation of the project together with partner civil society organizations (CSOs) in the BARMM. (BDA Communications 2024)
Crossing islands, crossing barriers: support to Sama village and Badjao communities in Tawi-Tawi, Bangsamoro Region
Written by BDA Communications
JULY 10, 2024. We were informed of the cultural sensitivity of the community. We were warned of the difficulty of reaching the distance. We listened and understood.
Driven by the trust of partners and the pledge to help the underserved communities, we went on to the mission in the island province of Tawi- Tawi in Bangsamoro Region.
One in the list is the provision of support to Sama village in Brgy. Buan, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi. This is through the project called "Building Resilient Livelihoods and Communities through Climate-Smart Aquaculture Value Chain in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu Archipelago” under the SPADe Project.
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).
It 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
This intervention comes with the assistance for the seaweed farmers in the said village. Beneficiaries recently completed training on seaweed culture that taught them practical and modern methods of growing the sea produce while considering the environment and climate change.
Partners from the MAFAR Tawi- Tawi Provincial Office and MSU Tawi- Tawi presented and discussed the lectures to the participants.
Prior to this, seaweed inputs and seedlings together with boat engines were delivered to the beneficiary- cooperative that brought much joy and higher hopes to the community.
At present, the bidding process is on-going for the construction of seaweed solar dryer with warehouse at Brgy. Buan.
Meanwhile, also in Tawi-Tawi, is the assistance for the Sama- Badjao community in Bongao, the capital of the province.
Significant activities has been achieved for the Sama- Badjao beginning in January 2024. The recent of which was the re-activation of the people’s organization in the village and the identification of community-based livelihood support.
This specific development aid for the Sama-Badjao is being carried out through the project SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition.
SUBATRA-ECSO is a project funded by the European Union European Union in the Philippines and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation AECID Philippines.
Indeed, distance may be one crucial factor that hinders the delivery of basic social services to people. This reality and the risks it bring to the project team serves as inspiration to go beyond the barriers and bring in the development and assistance needed.
Cultural hurdles is also true, especially for those isolated communities where information and education were less available.
However, these certainties must not prevent the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) to fulfill its mandate for relief, rehabilitation and development services within and outside BARMM.
Beyond limits, BDA is committed to reach more communities, near, far, and to touch lives of more people from various sectors.
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Support to communities, fundamental in building and sustaining peace
Written by BDA Communications
JULY 10, 2024/COTABATO CITY-BARMM. Peacebuilding is a shared responsibility. It must involve all sectors, from the grassroots level up to the top leaders.
This article highlights the significance of bringing development assistance to the remote communities as one action towards peacebuilding, through inclusive and transparent approaches.
For instance, an island community that has received assistance from the Bangsamoro Government, for the first time; a village that was once a hideout and a refuge during the war in the past, a women group by the lake in Lanao, the hopes in rehabilitating a village in Basilan, transformation in camp communities, and all other tales all over the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
In Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, an elderly religious leader witnessed the struggle and life of people in the village, thus he hopes for a continuing assistance towards community progress.
Fatima Baluno of Brgy. Balakacayon in Pigcawayan, SGA-BARMM is glad that from a jungle, their village has significantly developed with the coming of different aids.
“It was hardly accessible, it was once a forest. Now it has transformed into a developed community”, she stated.
Meanwhile, women group in a village along Lake Lanao sees hope that in joining community development initiatives, they will become more productive for their families.
In Basilan, while leaders target for rehabilitation of the area, women join hands in organizing and strengthening their group through livelihood activities where they generate income.
These people, whom we spoke are engaged in the various activities conducted in relevance to the on-going project that supports the Bangsamoro Transition.
The project, dubbed as SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition, works for the Component 4: Justice and Society Project- The capacity of civil society to contribute to a peaceful transition to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is enhanced.
SUBATRA-ECSO covers 24 villages within and outside the Bangsamoro Region, where there are People’s Organizations (POs) formed to help manage the project at the community level.
These POs were being provided with various trainings that build their capacities to be able to help facilitate project activities in the ground.
These community organizations now operates their respective local enterprises using the knowledge and skills taught to them during project trainings with the set of tools and equipment provided to them through the SUBATRA-ECSO.
Support to communities with these approach has been crucial in building peace at the grassroots level. For the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) implementing the SUBATRA-ECSO, bringing the project to the communities means communicating peace and development.
It helps send the messages that these communities, despite the distance, are not forgotten.
Through the series of Community Assembly with Provision of Services in Support to Bangsamoro Transition, BDA, together with officials from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and the BARMM MOAs (ministries, offices and agencies) has brought the Bangsamoro Government closer to the people.
People were able to speak and relayed their concerns and needs to the BARMM while receiving basic aid such as food packs and educational kits.
Together with partner civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Bangsamoro, BDA has been touching the lives of many people across the region, and even beyond, for instance the camp communities.
Indigenous people (IP) communities are also counted in this development interventions, recognizing their needs and rights as one people.
Partner CSOs in delivering support to communities are the Raja Mamalo Descendants of Southern Philippines, Inc.; Kapagawida Development Services Association, Inc.;League of Bangsamoro Organizations (LBO); Ittihadun Nisa Foundation, Inc.; Kabalikat CIVICOM (Sulu), and Taga Youth Concerned Association (Basilan).
Launched in 2021, SUBATRA-ECSO is a project funded by the European Union European Union in the Philippines and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation AECID Philippines.
Eid’l Adha 2024: Compassion, sacrifice and obedience towards a progressive Bangsamoro
Written by BDA Communications
JUNE 21, 2024/ Bangsamoro Region. This blessed day has come again, where ‘takbeer al-mursal’ is heard around Muslim communities worldwide, where everyone wear their finest clothes and pray together in an open field or the masjid, where you smell and see bulk of animals such as cattle, goats, sheeps or lambs being transported, which meat will be shared among neighbors, families, relatives and friends.
It is the day called “Eid’l Adha” (Feast of Sacrifice), an annual religious holiday in Islam celebrated worldwide. It brings the story of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience and faith to Allah subhanahu wata’ala. It teaches and reminds the mankind about sacrifice where one able individual or family would will to share what is dear to them, for other people.
In Bangsamoro Region, in the Mindanao Island of the Philippines, it is a common practice for many urban families to go to their home provinces for a quick break from the city, pray together, visit and reunite with relatives, live with nature for a moment, savour and share various local dishes, and among others.
Qurban Program
On Eid’l Adha, millions of animals are sacrificed which meat are distributed to families, relatives, friends, neighbors and poor communities in spirit of generosity and faith.
Each year, individuals, families, and various organizations and foundations who can afford for animals to sacrifice perform Qurban. In Bangsamoro Region, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.), a non- government organization working to help disadvantaged communities has been implementing Qurban Program (sacrifice and distribution of meat on Eid) since 2014.
This program is supported by donor foundations from Turkey. For 2024, the Qurban Program is sponsored by Turkiye Dyanet Vakfi and Weltweiter Einsatz Für Arme (WEFA).
Distribution of meat benefited thousands of families in Bangsamoro communities from June 16- 18, 2024.
There were also hundreds of families who received zakat/ zekat (financial assistance) on June 19, 2024.
Finding the right one cattle
Cattle is a common type of animal permissible for sacrifice during Eid’l Adha along with sheeps, goats or lambs.
Based on the teachings, animals for slaughter for this religious occasion must meet the standards such as age, weight, health conditions, others.
For the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.), operating in Bangsamoro Region, who has been implementing Qurban Program since 2014, procurement of cows requires meticulous consideration, to follow the rulings. Donor partners check each cattle based on what is prescribed.
“There are significant considerations since cows here in our country is small in size compare to those cattle from the other country”, BDA reports.
Qurban beneficiaries
Significant part of the animal’s meat sacrificed shall be distributed to poor families. In Bangsamoro Region, beneficiaries are usually the operators of pedicab, bangkilo (local boat), farmers and fisher folks, families in rural communities, others.
1 kilogram of beef costs P380.00 and a pedicab driver earns P200-300.00 daily, so, it is definitely hard for a family with this income to procure a meat. Indeed, provision of free meat is beneficial for these families who can only consume meat during Eid or relevant occasions. This generosity brings joy and nutrition to less privileged families, while it carries the message of compassion, sacrifice and faith.
Eid’l Adha in Bangsamoro
In an article published at BARMM’s official website, Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim stated: “As we commemorate this day, let us emulate the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), especially in times when fate is not on our side”.
“It is through the sacrifices and obedience of the Bangsamoro people that we have progressed in our struggle for justice and equality,” the Chief Minister added.
(BDA Communication, 2024)
Values training continues for professionals, public servants, volunteers and communities in Bangsamoro Region
Written by BDA Communications
June 21, 2024/ Cotabato City- BARMM. Based on the data presented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) as of June 6, 2024, there were 1, 391 individuals who completed the Values Transformation Training (VTT) as integrated in the Bangsamoro Scholarship Program of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE-BARMM) through its Technical Education and Skills Development (TESD) Department.
There were 720 MILF decommissioned combatants who underwent VTT as part of the capacity building program intended for this group in relevance to the on-going decommissioning in the Bangsamoro as informed by the Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) of the GPH-MILF in 2014.
Sixty members of cooperatives supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST-BARMM) have been reported learning the VTT and its importance for their organization to become more meaningful and functional not only to their groups but also to their respective communities.
Meanwhile, values training for the employees and officials of the Bangsamoro Government is likewise happening at present, with the data still being consolidated.
VTT has also been identified as significant activity for the community groups organized for the program being implemented in the camp communities. In 2024, there were 59 who joined VTT and more are expected to the similar training in the next coming weeks.
For year 2023, as stated in the Annual Report of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.), the number of individuals who completed the VTT is 13, 095 with the breakdown as follows: 370 BARMM employees, 11, 153 Beneficiaries of the Bangsamoro Scholarship Program of MBHTE-TESD, 240 decommissioned combatants of the MILF, 200 youth combatants with the Bangsamoro Youth Commission, 725 cooperatives members supported by the MOST-BARMM and 380 beneficiaries of the project in camp communities.
BDA has been the official trainer and facilitator of the VTT in support to moral governance. This responsibility has been an honor for the agency with the values training as crucial approach and substantial inputs in building the working force of the Bangsamoro Government by teaching the Universal values for an individual to become more responsible with his duties, therefore delivers better services and relationship to the people.
VTT is a 3-day course that highlights values and its relevance to one’s personality development. The training comes with an interactive and reflective sessions that help the participant deeply understand his personality, strengths and weaknesses, and realize the connection to one’s faith as foundation and entirety of every person’s life.
Know more about VTT at https://bda.org.ph/index.php/projects/flagship-program/vtt and at www.bda.org.ph.
Through this project and the BARMM, we experience being a beneficiary, receiving assistance for our education
Written by BDA Communications
June 6, 2024/ SULU-BARMM. Jintan, 15, lost her mother when she was still young. Their father remarried and now with his new family.
Together with her younger sister, Jintan is currently under the guardianship of their aunt who supports their education and living at Brgy. Timbangan, Indanan, Sulu, Bangsamoro Region.
Jintan is in Grade 8 while her sister is in 6th grade of studies.
They are grateful to her Aunt’s family for the love and care they receive, as if they are not strangers.
Her aunt helps at the school canteen and sometimes sells assorted items in the neighborhood, while the husband is a laborer.
Jintan told that when the BARMM has come, they are automatically included whenever there is a program like provision of basic services.
“Through this project and the BARMM, we experience being a beneficiary, receiving assistance that is beneficial to our life and education”, she reported.
Jintan hopes for further support like scholarship to ensure continuation and completion of education with her sister and the other less privileged youth in the community.
Jintan and the other orphans and youth were the recipients of food packs and educational kit during the recent Community Assembly with Provision of Services in Timbangan.
Organized by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) together with partner CSO Kabalikat CIVICOM, this event was successfully conducted in support of the Bangsamoro Government and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).
From the BARMM through its provincial offices in Sulu Island were the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC), Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC), Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism (MTIT), Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE).
Office of Matarul Estino of the BTA through its official representative graced the assembly and complemented the food packs provided to the people.
There were 80 families who received food items and there were 100 youth offered with educational kits.
The beneficiaries who were pre-profiled belong to the vulnerable groups such as women, widows, orphans, youth, (PWDs) person with disabilities, indigenous people, transitioning combatants, elderlies and others.
Abdulrakman Ali, 40, a PWD is among the recipients of this assistance. He is grateful for the help. His parents are old already and it is his siblings who work for living for the family’s daily sustenance.
“This food pack is a big help for us. At least, our meals for one to two days is secured with this blessing”, Abdulrakman stated.
Meanwhile, Nurisa, 39, a mother of six shares their hard work in the family to suffice their needs with the daily income of P400.00 by her husband as a jeepney driver.
“We do our best for this amount to be enough for our family. We are able to send our children to school, with our eldest who is now in college level of education. We really wanted them to finish their studies”, she conveyed.
Another story we learned from Sulu is about Nurmirin, 37, a widow in the same village.
Selling local dishes at the community level while being a member of the village council is the source of income for Nurmirin to provide for her two children alone, since she lost her husband who was a tricycle driver.
Nurmirin holds a degree in education but was not fortunate to land a professional job. Despite this, she remains strong and hopeful.
“I am doing everything for my children to not feel the absence of their father. It is not easy to be a solo parent but this is my fate. I have to be strong”, she emotionally expressed.
As a mother, Nurmirin aspires for her children to complete their education, “for them to experience better life that I could not provide”.
Nurmirin is an active member of the People’s Organization formed in Timbangan who received training on coconut processing with provision of tools and equipment.
The group produced various food items from coconut that they sell to generate extra income for their families.
Timbangan, Indanan Sulu
Growing up in their village, Jintan is aware of the living condition of the people in Brgy. Timbangan.
“Here in Brgy. Timbangan, people are into farming (e.g., coconut), labor works, while others do part- time domestic jobs to some households in the village”, Jintan said.
Nurisa talked about the poor conditions of the village before BARMM.
“Now, we have better roads, solar street lights and accessible potable water source”, she stated.
On the other hand, Nurmirin spoke that “When the BARMM came, we see hope. Before, the poor get poorer. Now we gradually feel the services and we pray for more aid towards continuing change in our community”.
Through the collaboration of the civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Bangsamoro, support to communities has becoming extra relevant to the overall progress of the people and the society.
For the BDA reaching numerous villages within and outside BARMM, is crucial and significantly contributes to the current transition in the Bangsamoro, and to the peace and development in the region.
Through the project SUBATRA-ECSO: Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Interventions in BARMM in Support to Bangsamoro Transition, there were 24 communities who have benefited of various development assistance on basic social services and protection, livelihood, capacity buildings, among others.
Launched in 2021, the SUBATRA-ECSO is a project funded by the European Union European Union in the Philippines and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation AECID Philippines.(BDA Communications 2024)