DAVAO CITY – To economically empower and further develop the communities of the former combatants in the Bangsamoro Region together with partner agencies delivered 32 sets of coconut production materials to graduates of the School of Peace and Democracy Bangsamoro (SPDB) on January 23.
The project was realized after the office of the Chief Minister through the Peace, Security, and Reconciliation Office (OCM-PSRO) collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) to help the combatants and empower their communities.
Beneficiaries of the program include members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) from various parts of Moro and non-Moro communities, including Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Bukidnon, Sarangani Province, Davao City, and Davao Oriental.
The graduates completed the coconut production program under the Social Enterprise Course.
The PSRO in a statement said, for the program to succeed, they need to provide the resources needed in the communities for everything to follow as planned.
The turned-over electric coconut grater and other materials are the inputs identified in the beneficiaries’ developed social action plan, reinforcing their existing livelihoods.
Fatima Musa stated, one of the beneficiaries said “Sobrang saya ko po. Maraming niyog sa amin at willing po kaming matutunan gamitin iyan at kung paano man natin ito palalaguin ay nasa kamay natin.”
(I am so happy, we have plenty of coconuts and we are willing to learn using the equipment and how to use our knowledge to improve what we have in our hands.)
Since BARMM was established, five years ago, “We never received anything, not until today. I am so happy that we are still in the heart of BARMM, except that when we receive those (equipment) we will take care of it because that is the pride of the SPDB,” said Kasan Lipogay, Deputy Base Commander of 119 Base Command in Lanao del Sur, uttered with gratitude.
The PSRO is committed to sustaining peace and security among former combatants and promoting reconciliation amid conflicts. With report from Bai Omairah Yusop/BIO
