Key program staff of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) under the Program for Local Economic Development through Enlightened Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE) convened for the consultation meeting on October 13-16, 2015 at Estosan Garden Hotel, Cotabato City.

Accordingly, the meeting aims to achieve common goals through verbal interactions such as sharing of information or reaching agreement.

Fairodz Pangunotan-Taalim, PLEDGE planning officer said that the meeting specifically discussed updates on Community Based Enterprise (CBE) implementation; wage employment; peripheral enterprise of anchor firms; and enhancing viability of informal business operators.

She further stated that this meeting is important for the monitoring of project implementation throughout the region to consolidate deliverables and numerous activities.

In the meeting were staff from BDA Central Management Office (CMO), Community Enterprise Development Officers (CEDOs) from BDA six regions and consultants from International Labour Organization (ILO), the trust fund recipient of the program.

PLEDGE is the economic and livelihood component of Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Program (MTFRDP) administered by the World Bank with support from 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.

The program aims to contribute to confidence and peace building efforts through local economic development and sustainable livelihood creation in conflict affected areas in Mindanao.