M’ranao culture welcomes BDA and partners
Colorful setting, traditional music and the mass of community members of all ages and sectors welcomed the delegates of the 13th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) on July 20, 2016 at Brgy. Panalawan, Tagoloan, Lanao del Norte.
ISM is monitoring activity ISM is monitoring activity spearheaded by the World Bank as secretariat of the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF), a fund facility supporting the implementation of the Bangsamoro Assistance for Development and Community Empowerment (B-ADVANCE) by which the said barangay is among the recipients.
The program formally commenced with invocation lead by People’s Organization (PO) President Mohammad Isa Gamoranao. Engr. Alioden Sangcopan, BDA-Ranaw region staff introduced Mathew Stephen from the World Bank and other members of the ISM team who were Hashim Manticayan Team Leader from Bangsamoro Development Agency CMO, Dam Vertido Team Leader from MinLand, Alden Beta-a Team leader from ILO, Aldin Tuazon team leader from CRS, Aleem Anouas Serad MILF Project Board, Niel Sison team leader from CFSI, Halil L. Amerol Ll.b Team Leader RMO Ranaw.
Tagoloan Association of Barangay Chairman (ABC) President Ansari D. Casan and also the Barangay Chairman of Panalawan in his welcome remarks express gladness and deep gratitude to the visitors.
“We thank MTF, BDA, as well as the Tagoloan Base Command for recommending the barangay Panalawan to be the one recipient of this project”, Chairman Casan stated.
He added that they are indeed proud and fortunate of being chosen as community-beneficiary.
“On behalf of the barangay local government unit of Panalawan, I promise to support this project to make it successful”, Casan ended.
Halil L. Amerol, BDA Regional Manager for Ranaw Region explained to the community that the BM – ADVANCE is a result of the GPH – MILF peace process on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
“Thus, we should implement effectively and efficiently this project as it will reflect also what kind of community we are and the BDA”, Manager Amerol said.
Hajji Cosain presented the barangay profile of Panalawan. He narrated the past experience of the community during Martial Law and mentioned about various conflicts and violence committed in their community.
“We say that this momentous occasion is remarkable and unforgettable among the Panalawanian’s. Thank you very much and assalamo alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu”, he ended.
Sailanie Alauya, project operations officer of BDA-Ranaw wgave a brief overview of the program.
Meanwhile, Stephens greeted the community.
“The gathering for today is a result of the negotiation peace process of MILF – GPH on the higher level under the CAB; to look up the status of GPH-MILF on the negotiating table and the situation on the ground”, he stressed/
“In line to this, I really extend my millions of thanks to the people of Panalawan for their exceptional hospitality. Thank you very much”, Stephens ended.
After the short program, community interaction through focus group discussion followed which was the highlight of the ISM.
B-Advance with fifty (50) sites is conceptualized in support to confidence building measures of the GPH- MILF as provided in the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB). This was also in respond to the clamour from the communities especially on the implementation of basic services including livelihood opportunities.
The programs is supported by the MTF with various donors such as such as the European Union, the Swedish International Development Agency, the Australian Embassy Philippines, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada, the United States Agency for International Development, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the World Bank.