Tri-people in Southern Mindanao commends MILF for inclusivity thru BDA project
Guided by the principle that change must begin first at one’s self, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) holds a regular program that serves as major foundation in developing its people including the program beneficiaries through the Values Transformation Training (VTT).
VTT envisioned to be a key component in transforming the attitudes and practices of the key actors and players in the community development, especially in areas affected by the conflict is integrated in all BDA programs like the Bangsamoro Assistance for Development and Community Empowerment (Bangsamoro ADVANCE).
Members of the People’s Organizations formed under the program that were from Brgy. Bago Polonuling, Tupi South Cotabato and Brgy. Burias, Glan Sarangani Province underwent VTT on August 14-16, 2016 and August 17-19.
Jamil Udda, training officer; Kathy A. Ulab, community organizer and Lydia Salisipan, human resource development officer of BDA Southern Mindanao Region facilitated the activity.
Barangay Captain Victor D. Siao of Burias expressed his thanks to BDA and its partner for all the support.
He said they were very fortunate because of BDA.
“Training can be a guide to all undertakings for better result of their project”, Capt. Siao said.
He added that BDA must implement the policy to maintain its sustainability because water is important to human being.
“Hoping that the project will last for a long time once the water system is already installed”, Siao ended.
PO member Rev. Ronilo Bagando, an Indigenous person said at first he was hesitant that they might be Islamized in joining the VTT, but later realized that he was wrong and was absolutely enlightened with regards to Islamic perspective.
“The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has a good intention for every Bangsamoro and that their objective is for the sake of all Filipinos”, Bagando stated.
Another PO member who was Amina was very thankful and blissful for having this kind of training.
They learned a lot especially the values in Islam and invited BDA Southmin Region to extend VTT to some communities of Barangay Burias.
Bangsamoro ADVANCE, with 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.
It is implemented in partnership with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) as trust fund recipient.
The program 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 who serves as a Trust Fund Administrator.