Fisherfolks in in Brgy. Pisaan, Dinas, Zamboanga Del Sur have much to expect on livelihood support as the Program for Local Economic Development through Enlightened Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE) implemented by Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) recently conducted entry activity in the barangay.

A barangay wide orientation conducted on March 9, 2015 at the said barangay, community expressed hope that the community enterprise to be extended to them are in line with fishing since majority of them are fisherfolks.

During the activity, the community were oriented and informed of the BDA as development arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the PLEDGE as its pilot program on local economic development.

Rhadzni Taalim, member of the BDA board of directors gave emphasis on the inclusive approach of BDA and the program in its operation.

“At BDA, we ensure that all sectors, Muslims and non-Muslims, indigenous people are reached by our programs,” Taalim said.

He also stressed that the success of the project depends mostly on the support of the community. Their utmost commitment to participate in every project’s endeavor is the key to local economic development, as this is the target entry point of PLEDGE.

An open forum was also significant part of the activity.

Most of questions raised were on the nature of assistance to be extended by the project. These were explained by PLEDGE Planning Officer Fairodz Pangunotan.

Accordingly, the intervention of the project will depend on the kind and nature of source of income and/or main activities in the community. Sample activities in Polomolok, where the program was piloted, were discussed to further enlighten the community regarding PLEDGE.

There were 127 total number of participants during the activity including the barangay local government unit (BLGU).

PLEDGE is the economic and livelihood component of Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF) administered by the World Bank with support from various donors such as the European Union (EU), DFAT Australia (then AusAID), Canadian International Development Agency, New Zealand Aid for International Development, Sweden International Development Agency, United States Aid for International Development (USAID).

International Labour Organization (ILO) is the trust fund recipient of the program.

The program aims to contribute to confidence and peace building efforts through local economic development and sustainable livelihood creation in conflict affected areas in Mindanao.