Photo: Office of the Special Assistant to the President
MANILA(March 17) — The Philippine government is seeking stronger international engagement from the United Nations to help advance normalization and development programs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), officials said following recent meetings in New York.
A delegation led by Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr. held discussions with peace experts from the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations and officials from several UN agencies during the working visit of Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
The talks focused on expanding technical cooperation, partnerships, and resource support for programs tied to the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the landmark peace pact between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that laid the groundwork for autonomous governance in the Bangsamoro region.
According to the Office of the Special Assistant to the President, the discussions explored potential entry points for deeper collaboration with the UN system and member states in support of peace-building initiatives and socio-economic development in the region.
Lagdameo said the administration of Marcos is strengthening coordination among national government agencies and international partners to support commitments under the Bangsamoro peace agreement.
Part of the effort includes accelerating the socio-economic component of the normalization track, particularly programs under the government’s Camps Transformation Plan.
Earlier this month, the Office of the Special Assistant to the President convened a coordination meeting in Malacañang to review the status of government interventions in former camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as part of the broader normalization program.
The meeting aimed to consolidate baseline data on socio-economic assistance already delivered in these areas and identify remaining targets for implementation between 2026 and 2028.
The Camps Transformation Plan focuses on development programs in six recognized MILF camps, combining infrastructure projects, livelihood assistance, and community services intended to improve living conditions and support the reintegration of former combatants into civilian life.
Government officials said stronger coordination across agencies, along with sustained international partnerships, will be critical in accelerating development programs in the Bangsamoro region as the Philippines works to fulfill key commitments under the peace agreement.
