About 2,589 delegates from the 11 provincial committees of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), where Central Mindanao Region of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) is operating, attended the 1^st BDA Regional Convention for Development Catalysts held on June 20-21, 2014 at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat Maguindanao.

“The number of participants exceeded beyond expectation and it manifested that the activity is indeed successful”, according to Prof. Hashim Manticayan, Regional Manager of BDA Central Mindanao Region.

The 11 provincial committees include: Bandar, Kutawato, Daguma, Maguindanao, Buayan, Iranun, Kapalawan, Bukidnon, Damakling, North Cotabato, and Ligawasan.

Purpose of the convention

The 1^st Convention of Development Catalysts of BDA was agreed during the quarterly meeting of provincial catalysts of Central Mindanao on March 2014.

It aimed to provide updates and status of BDA towards enhancement of unity and brotherhood; identify role of BDA in the post-conflict scenario, especially the development catalysts, and identify future plans towards strong support to the establishment of Bangsamoro Government.

Provincial Accomplishment Reports

During the activity, Provincial Development Catalysts presented their respective accomplishments based on the eight program thrusts of the BDA: peacebuilding, economic development, social welfare, education, health, capacity building, environmental management, and youth development.

BDA Updates

BDA Central Management Office (CMO), represented by Ustadz Luqman Tandalong, Program Management Officer of the Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Program, shared highlights on the programs that are undertaken in partnership with different development partners both local and international.

Members of the BDA Board of Directors of BDA who graced the activity were: Taufiq Alagasi, Almansor Taug, Dr. Rizaldy Piang and Ustadz Abdulkadir Abdullah.

Impressions to BDA’s Program

Tessie Piang, President of the Pilar Tri-People’s Organization in Barangay Pilar, South Upi, Maguindanao shared that “Before BDA reached our portals, our lives were just the usual, incapable of contributing to the economy. BDA has transformed our living to become peaceful and productive.”

Pilar Tri-People’s Organization is created under Mindanao Trust Fund-Reconstruction and Development Program (MTF-RDP), one of the programs being implemented by BDA.

“BDA has not only touched us economically, rather it has moulded our minds to become better citizens. Our prejudices against Muslims faded away. Before, I was just an ordinary and plain housewife, but now I am working beyond my capacity at home, I am working and helping more people in our community”, she added.

Updates from MILF Line Agencies

Invited also in the convention were the different line agencies of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), such as: Social Welfare, Da’wah and Tarbiyyah.

The Social Welfare Committee (SWC) reported on their contributions in the implementation of BDA programs. SWC is composed of women members of the MILF.

The Da’wah Committee reported on the institutionalization of the Values Transformation Training (VTT) in Da’wah.

The Tarbiyyah Committee reported its key contribution in the implementation of Tahderiyyah Curriculum. Tarbiyyah is the education committee of the MILF.

Awarding of plaques and certificates

Special part of the convention is the awarding of plaques and certificates to individuals, provinces, municipalities and barrios, organization and agencies who showed remarkable contribution and performance in the implementation of BDA programs.

Asked of the success of the program, Manticayan said “it is all because of the commitment of every catalyst”. The two-day convention went well with no single report of any incident.

“It was a self-sustaining activity where everyone provided his or her food and shelter during the span of the activity”, Manticayan further said.

BDA is the development arm of the MILF established in accordance with the Humanitarian, Rehabilitation & Development Aspect of 2001 GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement on Peace.

It is mandated to lead, manage and determine relief, rehabilitation and development in the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.