The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), conducted a two-day 1^st Strategic Planning Workshop for Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (ENRE) Sector of the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) on December 17-18, 2014 at Club Balai Isabel, Talisay, Batangas.

The 30 participants who attended the workshop are mainly composed of key staff of BDP and UNDP, with participation of BDA chairman Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan including some consultants.

The workshop aims at identifying programs and projects doable for ENRE sector, and result of which can be the basis for the formulation of a master plan on aforesaid ENRE.

The BDA, as mandated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership to continue its coordination and spearheading the development aspect of the peace process, started the initial implementation of the plan in preparation for the upcoming Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

It is well appreciated and acknowledged that the UNDP played a vital role by providing technical supports to the formulation of the BDP-ENRE sector.

Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan, BDA chair, said, in his opening message, “the Bangsamoro is endowed with rich natural resources and beautiful environment that we really need to conserve, preserve and utilize the same”.

Quoted from the Qur’an verse, he also said “consult those who know if you do not know”.

“These unending opportunities give us necessary means to focus our approach. We have to take the big challenges ahead of us”, he added.

In her message, Ms. Amelia Supetran, UNDP team leader on Energy and Environment, expressed her gratitude to the BDA for the opportunity given to them.

“We are very honored and privileged to support BDA in the formulation of the BDP, and we are looking for a clear picture on how we can extend our help”, she said.

Meanwhile, Engr. Windel P. Diangcalan, BDA program division head, in his closing message, recognized UNDP for its sustained and untiring support.

“We consider UNDP as a first mover with regard to the BDP implementation. Your help is a clear demonstration of your commitment to pursue peace and development in the Bangsamoro”, he said.

Lastly, Dr. Ayesha Abubakar, BDP advisory council and BDA senior advisor on planning and research, said in her closing message, “Congratulations to the BDP team, take ownership what comes out in this strategic workshop”.