Representatives from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) recently paid courtesy call to the Provincial Government of Sarangani on August 15, 2014 at the Governor’s Office in the Provincial Capitol in Alabel.

The activity is an initial step for the pilot implementation of Quick Impact Project (QIP), a joint undertaking of JICA, Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and BDA.

The team were composed of Mohalikin D. Piang Sarangani, Manager of BDA Southern Mindanao Region Board, Kasan M. Usop, Junior Program Officer of JICA-CPO Quick Impact Project, Fumio Tonai an Architect and Consultant from JICA, and Abdulwahab Hussain from the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostitlities (CCCH).

During the meeting, the team discussed about the project.

Usop said that out of 86 target communities initially identified all over Mindanao, only 20 QIPs are being considered for pilot implementation on which Barangay Burias in Glan, Sarangani is included.

Piang informed also the PLGU of the parallel courtesy call with the provincial, municipal and barangay political officers of Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the provinces of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.

Virgilio C. Tobias, Board Member in the province welcomed the guests in behalf of Sarangani Governor Steve Solon. He briefed the visitors, about the province’s engagement with other development partners.

Tobias said that the provincial government is very much willing to help in the project implementation and provide counterpart if required.

The team proceeded to Glan to meet the municipal mayor and interact with stakeholders from Barangay Burias for site validation.

The QIP is being implemented in 20 target sites as a prelude for the establishment of the proposed new Bangsamoro political entity.

To qualify for the QIP, the prospect community should meet the criteria which are accessibility, poverty, security, and experience in conflict.

Through a barangay assembly, the community members will select one from the menu of development projects: classroom, multi-purpose building or solar drier.

Tobias thanked the QIP implementers for considering Sarangani people as the beneficiaries.

In support to peace and development of Mindanao, Japan through JICA and other Japanese institutions have been implementing development interventions and providing scholarships for the Bangsamoro.