The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) on Tuesday officially launched the formulation of the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP), a strategic initiative aimed to develop the Bangsamoro community starting this year.

BDA announced on its website that the development plan will identify necessary investments and programs to promote inclusive growth, and help generate jobs in the Bangsamoro, the new political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Dr. Saffrullah M. Dipatuan, Chairman of the BDA Board of Directors, said the main objectives of the Bangsamoro plan is to help in rehabilitation, recovery and development of the Bangsamoro.

Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said the BDP will reflect the goals of the Bangsamoro people and different sectors in Mindanao to “become the anchor and sanctuary of our aspirations of shared prosperity and shared security – not only in the Philippines, but in Asia and across the globe,” she said.

BDA, a development agency established in accordance with the Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Development Aspects of Government-MILF Tripoli Agreement in June 22, 2001, said the plan is a six-year development target with two phases covering 2014 to 2019.

The first phase-the Transitional Development Plan will lay the direction for existing and immediate programs starting this year until 2016 to ensure the smooth transition of the Bangsamoro, while the Medium Term Development Plan, which will cover 2016 to 2019, will focus on strategic interventions and investments that promote inclusive growth to ensure security, stability and job creation, BDA said.

The BDP formulation process is funded by a grant from the Mindanao Trust Fund and administered by the World Bank.
The first draft of the development plan is expected to be submitted by the end of March 2014 for review, and targeted to be completed by the end of May, BDA said in another statement. (Ron B. Lopez)

(Original Post: https://www.mb.com.ph/formulation-of-bangsamoro-development-plan-starts)