In order to provide the stakeholders with the latest accomplishments of Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) of development interventions in its areas of operation, regional management office (RMO) Southern Mindanao of the agency recently reported updates to the political committee (PolCom) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on March 18, 2015 at community learning center in Barangay Koronadal Proper in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

The activity, entitled convergence updates to MILF Political Committees and stakeholders on the status of BDA programs headed by regional manager Mohalikin D. Piang.

During the activity, BDA shared the agency’s services and operation experiences in project implementation to the PolCom which are comprised of chairpersons and officers from Koronadal, Ala, Sugoda Buayan and Biwang provincial committees. Representatives from other MILF line agencies like the Social Welfare Committee under the political set-up were also present.

For the Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Program (MTF-RDP), the regional institutional development officer Alimuddin Hadjinor shared the highlights of program accomplishments.

“There are nine barangays of Sarangani province which benefit from the MTFRDP. Most of the projects are post-harvest facilities, water system and fishing”, Hadjinor said.

Lydia Salisipan, regional coordinator and Moctar Sampulna, monitoring and evaluation officer of the Tahderriyah program also shared progress in their program implementation. “The program primarily targets to capacitate kindergarten teachers in Madaris and provide learning materials to upgrade the standard of pre-school education”, said Salisipan.

For Sajahatra Bangsamoro program which delivers health, education and livelihood projects Kathy Andatuan-Ulab, livelihood focal person, provided the updates.

Sajahatra is a joint undertaking between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation that provide target Bangsamoro communities with livelihood skills, livelihood opportunities, free PhilHealth services, and educational assistance to Muslim youth.

Rehoney Musa Utam, core trainor of the BDA-UNICEF child protection program related the UNICEF supported water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) and child protection programs.

Arvin Nait, community enterprise development officer, disclosed the latest undertakings of the Programme for Local Economic Development through Enhanced Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE).

PLEDGE aims to contribute to confidence and peace building efforts through local economic development and sustainable livelihood creation in conflict affected areas in Mindanao. The International Labor Organization is the trust fund recipient of the PLEDGE.

Piang underscored the significance of community support for the successful implementation of whatever programs or projects BDA brings to the beneficiaries.

The audience appreciated the initiative of BDA SouthMin and look forward that more programs will be delivered by the agency to benefit more communities.