BDA, MTF media briefing happens today
Over 20 media practitioners both local and national print, TV and radio convene today, May 25, 2015, 6:00PM at Glamour Resto, Cotabato City for a media briefing in preparation for the media visit on May 26, at South Upi in Maguindanao, a project site of Mindanao Trust Fund-Reconstruction and Development Program (MTF-RDP) implemented by Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA).
The event aims to provide media an opportunity to: (a) learn about the achievements of the MTF with international, national, and local stakeholders, (b) discuss the GPH-MILF-international donor partnership, and (c) interact with beneficiaries and local government officials at the project site.
During the media briefing, there will be an open forum that will allow discussions between media and officials from the World Bank, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), MTF, and the BDA regarding said subjects.
Motoo Konishi, World Bank country director, OPAPP assistant secretary Howard Cafugauan, MTF task team leader Matthew Stephens, BDA executive director Mohammad S. Yacob, and representative from DFAT Australia are coming for the media briefing as major respondents to the queries.
In a press release by the MTF dated May 14, 2015, the Mindanao Trust Fund is a multi-donor facility that pools international development funds to support socioeconomic recovery in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
Accordingly, the MTF has provided PhP1.3 billion in support for access to basic services (roads, water supply systems, sanitation facilities, etc.) and livelihood (post-harvest facilities, farming equipment and inputs, support for community enterprise development) to conflict-affected communities across Mindanao.
The MTF has also supported the peace process by facilitating cooperation between the national government, local government units and the MILF to improve the welfare of poor communities.
MTF-supported projects through the BDA have benefited nearly 500,000 people in 214 barangays in 75 municipalities across 12 provinces.
The program is currently on its fourth and final program partnership agreement (PPA) since its piloting in 2006.