The Bangsamoro Development Agency, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BDA-SulTaw) Region paid courtesy call with Sulu provincial local government office on November 15, 2013 at Sulu Provincial Governor’s Office in Jolo, Sulu. BDA Regional Manager, Donimar Ajiji together with some staff went to said office to present BDA and inform the provincial government of the programs being implemented by the agency in the province. Abdusakur Tan, Vice-Governor of the said province represents the province in absence of the Governor.

During the meeting, Manager Ajiji presented BDA as the development arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) based on the Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Development Aspect of the Government of the Philippines GPH-MILF Tripoli Agreement of 2001.

Manager Ajiji explained that BDA is mandated to determine, lead and manage relief, rehabilitation and development projects in the conflict-affected area in Mindanao.

Further, the Manager explained that BDA’s mandate is supported by the provisions under the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) of 2012 stating that all development programs to be implemented in the Bangsamoro shall be coordinated with BDA.

Manager Ajiji likewise informed the Vice Governor of the programs being implemented by BDA. He specifically mentioned of the program on Tahderiyyah in partnership with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). BDA is implementing the said program in six regions including the SulTaw Region. Manager Ajiji provided updates on the status of the said program. He also informed of the upcoming programs of BDA together with UNICEF. These are programs on Child Protection Component (CPC) and Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) that are to be implemented in 2014.

Recognizing the BDA and its programs, the Vice Governor expressed willingness to support the agency and the cooperation that the provincial government can provide to BDA in implementing its programs to the province.

BDA SulTaw Regional Manager Donimr Ajiji (3rd from left) and Vice Governor Abdusakur M. Tan (3rd from right) together with some staff after the courtesy meeting on November 15, 2013 at Sulu Provincial Capitol, Jolo Sulu.