Another historic milestone in the Bangsamoro took place on November 5-6, 2014 at SMX Convention Center in Davao City during the Philippines Development Forum (PDF) on Bangsamoro as it represented the continued commitment between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine Government towards lasting peace and prosperity in the Bangsamoro.

The Forum was the platform among principal representatives from the MILF, government, development partners, and the private sector to discuss avenues of cooperation for the implementation of the Plan’s short- and medium-term programs, which will lead to the sustainable rehabilitation of the Bangsamoro Core Territories.

The BDP was an initiative of the MILF through the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA). The Plan will provide strategic directions that will strengthen institutions; promote equitable access to social services, jobs and livelihood opportunities; and create citizen security, justice, and rule of law.

After years of protracted conflict and deprivation of opportunities, President Benigno Aquino III said that through the BDP the “Mindanao we all aspire for is within reach. We can see that the region is on the cusp of a profound transformation, from being a land of promise to being a land of promises fulfilled.”

He further encouraged support for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which the Plan is a provision of, by stating that “we are duty bound to make our voices heard. Please talk to your representatives so that we can pass a bill that truly represents the interest of all and benefits all of the people.”

Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) also expressed her confidence on the BDP.

“We are proud of the BDP, not only because it is born of our common embrace of peace, but because it eventually will bring joy to every corner of our land, to every family that seeks to be liberated from fear and want, and to every child who dreams of a brighter and more vibrant future.”

Sec. Deles also expressed her gratitude to the MILF and the BDA for their service to the country in crafting a Plan that is of the Bangsamoro, by the Bangsamoro, and for the Bangsamoro.

Full government support for the Plan’s implementation was emphasized by Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio Abad, who confirmed an expenditure support budget for the execution of the Plan’s 7 programmatic areas from economy and livelihood; infrastructure; social services; environment and natural resources; culture and identity; governance; and security and normalization.

Lastly, Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) extended his commitmment towards the BDP.

“We are proud to have been part of this PDF which provided us the opportunity to discuss in concrete terms and ways by which we will build together the future of the Bangsamoro. As we proceed with the process of establishing and activating the Bangsamoro, may we continue to nurture the spirit of harmony and cooperation that has brought us to a new beginning for the Bangsamoro, for Mindanao, and for the Philippines.”

The Forum was also attended by representatives from the World Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the United Nations, the European Union, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).