MAKATI – Tuesday, 3 September 2013. The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) presented the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) Project to the international and local development community. With support from The Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF), this first Donors’ Forum was organized to gain support from the government and various agencies and partners in the formulation of a comprehensive development plan. The BDP is envisioned to be a blueprint for the reconstruction and development of the Bangsamoro communities.

The forum provided a platform for everyone to reflect on the challenges that development programs are facing in Mindanao. For years, various programs and projects were implemented by international and local agencies and organizations with the aim of reducing the adverse impact of conflict to the most disadvantaged sectors of society. The Philippine government and the development community are aiming for a more inclusive growth and development, especially in the Bangsamoro areas. Similarly, there is a growing consciousness not only from the BDA, but also from among the civil society organizations regarding their need for an accelerated human development as part of the peace dividends of the ongoing peace process between the Government of the Philippine (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Thus, the BDA is committed to pursuing a multi-stakeholder co-ownership of this Bangsamoro Development Plan Project.

The Program Head of the BDP Project, Engr. Windel Diangcalan, explains that given the gaps in development plans, there is a need for a comprehensive development plan which will provide short term to long-term vision and strategy in the recovery and development of the Bangsamoro areas. At this forum, the BDA presented its development framework. This framework is based on Sustainable Human Development (SHD) and Peacebuilding within the context of conflict affected communities in Mindanao.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative raised the issue of the role of BDA in implementing the BDP. BDA Chairman, Dr. Safrullah M. Dipatuan, emphasized that the BDA remains to be a principal institution in undertaking development programs as mandated in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). Also, the BDA as an institution has accumulated knowledge and expertise in development and humanitarian work in collaboration with development agencies since 2002.

Following the SHD and Peacebuilding frameworks, the BDP will focus on these thematic areas: Economy, Social, Politics, Religion, Culture, Environment and Natural Resources, Security and other cross-cutting themes such as Gender and Children. In addition, the participants in the forum recommended the inclusion of other important sub-themes, such as youth participation, climate change, adult literacy, nutrition among others.

The donor community commended BDA’s effort to the promotion of a more inclusive process in the formulation of BDP. BDA Chair Dipatuaan highlighted that they are extending an invitation to the leaderships of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and other organizations as stakeholders in this BDP.

At the end of the forum, the donor community urged the BDA to define areas of collaboration. They, also, expressed their willingness to share information and data, and lessons learned gained from their work in Mindanao. As a next step, the various donor agencies are keen to continue their dialogue with BDA regarding their participation in this BDP Project.

As an immediate result, BDA will meet with UN agencies, ADB and other partners who signified interest to be part in the formulation of the BDP.

In concluding the Donors’ Forum, BDA Chair Dipatuan remarked that, “We are at the beginning of an exciting new journey together. History is being made yet once again as we embark on the preparations of the very first Plan for the Bangsamoro. On my part and on the part of our team, I can assure you that we at BDA will do all that we can to ensure excellent teamwork and meaningful outcomes from this important project.”

Donor community actively engaged in the discussion to enhance the comprehensive Bangsamoro Development Plan which is set to be formulated before the year ends.

Photo taken during Donors’ Forum

Photo taken during Donors’ Forum

Photo taken during Donors’ Forum