Ustadz Mohammad Taha Abdulgapor. BOD Member of BDA, shared some important insights before the conclusion of the Community Visioning workshop held at Phela Grande Hotel in General Santos City on March 1-3, 2014

A Moro Woman Leader shares her impression to the Community Visioning workshop which is part of the BDP formulation undertaken by the Bangsamoro Development Agency. The activity was held at Phela Grande Hotel in General Santos City on March 1-3, 2014.

Aida Seddiic, President of Muslim Women Organization of General Santos City, presents the workshop output on what the Moro constituents of Sugoda Buayan want for a Bangsamoro Community in this generation during the Community Visioning workshop held at Phela Grande Hotel in General Santos City on March 1-3, 2014.

The Bangsamoro Development Plan focal persons discusses some issues affecting the Moro people during the Community Visioning workshop held at Phela Grande Hotel in General Santos City on March 1-3, 2014.

Stakeholders from the provinces of Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and the city of General Santos share concerns and current issues affecting the Bangsamoro people in the region and draw out recommendations on what they envisage for the Bangsamoro communities during the Community Visioning Exercises on March 1-3, 2014 at Phela Grande Hotel in General Santos City.

BDA Southern Mindanao Regional Management Office and the Bangsamoro Development Plan Team of the BDA facilitated the activity

More than thirty participants comprised of representatives from NGOs, CSOs, farmers, fisher folks, social welfare, women, local MILF political committee, youth, academe, local government units, business, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Indigenous Peoples and other sectors joined the consultation.

Community Visioning is part of the process of formulating the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP).

The participants noted discrimination towards the Muslims, less employment opportunities given to Muslims both by private establishments and public offices, political dynasty, poverty and human rights violation as the serious problems faced by the Moro people.

They agreed that addressing those issues and concerns needs cooperation and collaboration among the Moro people themselves with the help of concerned institutions.

Peaceful, progressive, with united people, where there is implementation of Shariah law and with transparency and accountability in governance is what the participants dream for the Bangsamoro.

For Bangsamoro communities outside the core territory, they hope there will be more development efforts. Maasim Vice-Mayor Uttoh Salem Cutan, a prominent MNLF leader, shares hopes that the BDA will continue bringing development outside the Bangsamoro political entity.

Mohalikin D. Piang, BDA-SouthMin Regional Manager, narrated the experience of BDA which started from scratch in 2001 but now has attracted support from international development institutions because of its perseverance work for development in conflict affected communities.

He added that BDA will continue to exist even if the GPH-MILF peace process shall not be realized considering the established and ongoing partnerships with the international institutions.

Ustadz Mohammad Taha Abdulgafur, member of BDA Board of Directors, urged the participants to support the peace process and the establishment of Bangsamoro government.

The BDP, being formulated employing participation of various stakeholders, will reflect the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people, where no one will be left behind.

Administered by the World Bank, the Mindanao Trust Fund provides financial support for the BDP formulation.

The BDP Team is tasked to fast track the plan formulation. It has focal persons in thematic areas like social, culture, and governance. The BDP will be submitted to the GPH and MILF peace panels.