For the 10^th time, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) together with development partners in the implementation of Mindanao Trust Fund for Reconstruction and Development Program (MTF-RDP) held Implementation Support Mission (ISM) from September 22-26, 2014 at the sub-project sites in Central Mindanao and Southern Mindanao Regions.

This semi-annual mission was conducted for the purpose of reviewing the status of program implementation through site visits and community interactions.

Joining the mission were partners from the World Bank, the European Union (EU), Community and Family Services International (CFSI), Mindanao Land Foundation (Minland) and International Labour Organization (ILO).

The mission kicked off with a meeting on September 22, 2014 at EM Manor Hotel in Cotabato City. Some of the main highlights of the said meeting were presentations on the status of various MTFRDP components such as: Community-driven development (CDD) project, Program for Local Economic Development through Enlightened Governance and Grassroots Empowered (PLEDGE), Sajahatra Bangsamoro (SB) and the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP). Status of program financial management was also discussed during the meeting.

The team first set foot at Brgy. Kulambog in Sultan sa Barongis in Maguindanao on September 23, 2014. The barangay is a recipient of farm machineries during the Cycle 1 of the program and post-harvest facility on the 2^nd Cycle.

On the same day also, the team went to Brgy. Tonggol in General Salipada K. Pendatun (GSKP) in Maguindanao. The team was welcomed by traditional music and native delicacies prepared by the community. Brgy. Tonggol is a recipient of farm machineries during the 1^st Cycle while the sub-project for the Cycle 2 which is a box culvert with sluice gate is presently under construction. The project is expected to provide drainage and irrigation system for better farming for the community, and at the same time will prevent flooding in the agricultural land in the barangay.

The 3^rd day of the mission was allotted for the sites of three (3) components of MTF-RDP. In the morning, the team met with the beneficiaries of Sajahatra Bangsamoro in Brgy. Sumbakil in Polomolok South Cotabato. Just next to the barangay is a pilot site of PLEDGE in Brgy. Koronadal Proper. Participating the community interaction were members of the People’s Organizations in the barangay.

In the afternoon, the team moved to Durian Garden Hotel in Polomolok where community validation with regard to the formulation of BDP is carried out.

On the 4^th day of the mission, the team visited sites in Sarangani province. In Brgy. Ticulab in Maitum, the team had to cross river in going to the project site at Sitio Wata of the barangay. The barangay is a recipient of solar dryer with warehouse on the 1^st Cycle of the program and proposing provision of farm machineries for the Cycle 2.

In the afternoon, the team went to Brgy. Lumasal in Maasim Sarangani. The barangay is a recipient of 2-unit deep sea fishing vessel and proposing for mini gymnasium for the 2^nd Cycle.

The mission culminated with a wrap-up meeting on September 26, 2014 at Sun City Suites in General Santos City.

During the meeting, Matt Stephens, MTF Task Team Leader presented key findings and recommendations from the mission. The results were based on the interactions and discussions with communities.

Among the highlights of the presentation is the objective of the MTF program on defining its strategic directions for support to BDA during the transition period and beyond for Bangsamoro.

MTF is a multi-donor fund facility administered by the World Bank supported by various donors such as the European Union (EU), DFAT Australia (then AusAID), Canadian International Development Agency, New Zealand Aid for International Development, Sweden International Development Agency, United States Aid for International Development and the World Bank.

MTF has been supporting BDA since 2006 with the aim to assist socio-economic recovery in conflict affected areas in Mindanao.