One thing unique about the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) is the integration of Values Transformation Training (VTT) as primary foundation or steps in implementing programs and projects. This is in line with the principle of the agency that development should start first at one’s self.

With such principle, it is indeed that BDA is reaching the objective of promoting values among its staff, beneficiaries and stakeholders.

What CD-CAAM beneficiaries say

Sheikh Ahmad Mala, president of Kirkir United Goat Farmers Association organized under the livestock sector of the Community Development in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao (CD-CAAM) project implemented by BDA reported that the VTT transforms them to set their selves as not just beneficiaries of the project but they are entrusted with the great responsibility.

He defined that such great responsibility is to properly implement this project according to its plan and that BDA-CenMin through the conduct of this VTT reminds us that if we fail to implement the project, we are not only accountable to BDA and Bangsamoro people but above all is to Allah, the Supreme Creator.

Mala expressed thanks to BDA.

Mala is joined by other members of his group be saying that “aside from the fact that the VTT contributes to personality development, it also serves as their direction in order to ensure that the project implementation will be on the right track”.

Meanwhile, Taha Mala, Barangay Chairman of Kirkir in Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao expressed his thanks to the BDA for the opportunity that their barangay was selected as final site for the project.

He expressed his commitment of support for the success of the project implementation.

Abdulnasser Akmad, Community Organizers Supervisor of the Project for BDA Central Mindanao region further reminded the participants of the importance of unity with wisdom towards justice and transparency in performing the great responsibility in the implementation of the project.

Engr. Abdulwahid Sendad, the project regional coordinator in this region highlighted the importance of VTT in personality development as essential factor in the success of the project.

From BDA Central Management Office (CMo) was Engr. Aida Silongan, CD-CAAM program management officer telling to participants of being fortunate by having been selected as final project site of the project from among the number of candidate-barangays in the municipality.

Reflection from the youth

In a VTT session on August 22- 23 & 30, 2015 at BDA CenMin Regional Management Office (RMO) in Cotabato City, first year student for the youth development program shed tears upon reflection as reported by Anuar Cabalu, the training facilitator.

“The participants were deeply touched of the values transformation contained in the training while reflecting the general values of the Muslim youth of today’s generation as the effect of the modernization,”Cabalu said.

Accordingly, some participants revealed that their values are about to be distorted if not already distorted because of the too much modernization which the younger generation thinks well than their values as Muslims.

“This is the challenge for YDP and that is why we are doing this kind of training with the aim of properly realigning the values of our students towards their personality development thus becoming true agents of holistic development ,”Akmad Agao, YDP regional secretary said.

Further, Alimodin Pinamaloy, YDP regional coordinator said, “the training conducted for our YDP students is closely related to the BDA slogan: building people will build the nation, and this is through personality development offered by VTT.”

“Because, no one can change us if we do not start from ourselves”, RC Pinamaloy ended.