The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) led by its new chief advisor for Cotabato Project Office Mr. Naoyuki Ochiai, paid courtesy call to Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) on July 29, 2015 at BDA Central Management Office (CMO), Cotabato City.

The quick meeting primarily aimed to discuss BDA status when Bangsamoro government comes in; JICA’s proposal support to BDA and Bangsamoro people and; the establishment of provincial management office as coordinating agency.

Engr. Windel Diangcalan, BDA deputy executive director disclosed the mandates/directives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to BDA which shall continue to exist until the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

“Once the BTA is established, the BTA shall determine the status of the BDA”, Engr. Diangcalan said.

He further explained the possible scenarios that might be happened when the BTA is established.

“BDA will either remain on its status, will become non-government organization (NGO) or will become government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC).

Engr. Diangcalan also gave updates about BDA particularly about the on-going implementation of the extension phase of Community Development in Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao (CD-CAAM) that took-off in May 2015 with new site in Tawi-Tawi province.

He expressed thanks to JICA for the continuing support thru the said project extension .

In response, Mr. Ochiai said that upon the establishment of the Bangsamoro government, there will be no problem if the BDA will be absorbed by the envisioned Bangsamoro government.

Accordingly, JICA committed to extend its support to the MILF and its combatants by introducing the CD-CAAM model used in the implementation of the project.

“JICA will introduce the program into the camp areas or as many as possible”, Ochiai said.

Accordingly, CD-CAAM model that provides livelihood opportunities is the best offer that might be introduced for the camp’s development.

Community Development in Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao (CD-CAAM) is implemented by BDA with support from JICA and in partnership ICNET Ltd. as service provider.