The formulation of the Bangsamoro Development Plan is indeed running as the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) and Philkoei International, Inc. (PKII), a local firm hired by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), continued the conduct of its focus group discussions (FGDs) with key development stakeholders at Sulu, Tawi Tawi and Basilan on November 19-21, 2013. The BDA Regional Management Offices at Zamboanga-Basilan (ZamBas) and Sulu-Tawi Tawi (SulTaw) supported the JICA local consultants, together a representative from BDA Core Planning Team.

On November 19, 2013, JICA local consultants split into two teams to carry on the FGD simultaneously in Jolo, Sulu and Bongao, Tawi Tawi. FGD in Isabela City, Basilan was held on November 21, 2013.

In Jolo, Mr. Donimar Ajiji, Regional Manager of BDA Regional Management Office in SulTaw, welcomed the both the JICA local consultants and participants from different line agencies in Sulu. He was joined by Ms. Sitti Rina A. Halun, an officer of BDA SulTaw.

In Basilan, Regional Manager Tony Sakkalahul led in providing assistance to the team in conducting the FGD.

The BDA was tasked by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Central Committee to conduct needs assessment in Bangsamoro immediately, and to expedite the completion of the formulation of the Bangsamoro Development Plan.

The first Project Steering Committee, headed by the BDA, was held on August 4, 2013 at The World Bank conference room in Manila. The first Donors Forum was held on September 3, 2013 at AIM Conference Center Manila, Makati City.

JICA and the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF), administered by the World Bank immediately expressed their commitment to support the formulation the Bangsamoro Development Plan. It was JICA who hit the ground first. They conducted the initial round of FGDs at Marawi City on October 3, 2013 and in Cotabato City on October 7, 2013. The BDA Regional Management Offices of Ranaw, headed by Mr. Mohammad Aragasi, and Central Mindanao, headed by Prof. Hashim Manticayan, led the groundwork for the conduct of FGDs at their respective regions.

An initial needs assessment report from JICA local consultants, after reviewing the available literatures and secondary data, and initial round of FGDs at Marawi and Cotabato cities, was already reviewed by the Core Planning Team and BDA Board of Directors. The review findings and the results of the second round of FGDs at Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi will be expected to generate substantial output to move forward with this development planning process, which is expected to come up with draft Transitional Development Plan by the end of March 2014.

Bangsamoro Development Plan aims to provide a short and medium-term vision and strategy for the recovery and development of the Bangsamoro. It has two phases covering the period, 2014-2019.

Phase 1 (Transitional Development Plan) will layout directions for existing and planned interventions of the government and development partners in the Bangsamoro areas beginning 2014 to the end of 2015. Phase I will identify strategic areas for quick impact interventions.

Phase II (Medium Term Plan) will focus on strategic interventions and investments that will promote inclusive growth to ensure security, stability and job creation in line with the Sustainable Human Development (SHD) and Peace Building Framework in the Bangsamoro area and adjoining regions of Mindanao. Phase II will give special attention to setting in place sound governance systems and institutional building that will respond effectively to the SHD and Peace Building needs of the people in the Bangsamoro areas. It will also set the long term strategic direction of the new Bangsamoro government especially by identifying further potential areas for economic investments, private sector promotion and regional cooperation.

The Core Planning Team will be conducting series of consultation and community visioning exercises at the different areas in the conflict affected areas of Mindanao starting December 2013 until February 2014.