DOST's science-based peace initiative in former MILF camps gains Palace backing

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Philstar.com

February 11, 2026 | 10:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang, through the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP), has expressed strong support for the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)’s science-based peace initiative, underscoring the Palace’s policy direction of unity and the normalization of former conflict areas in Mindanao.

The initiative, implemented in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, strengthens peacebuilding efforts through the delivery of science and technology interventions in six previously acknowledged Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps. 

Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr., initially reaffirmed the full support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the government’s long-term support for the normalization program.

“On behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, allow me to reaffirm this administration’s full support for the continued implementation of the peace agreements and the normalization process. We remain committed to ensuring that the hard earned and deeply meaningful gains are protected, expanded and carried into the next generation,” Lagdameo said.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. led the turnover of technologies and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for the project titled “Empowering the Six Previously Acknowledged MILF Camps in Mindanao through the Provision of Science and Technology Interventions.” 

The project is being carried out in coordination with Member of Parliament Basit Abbas, chairman of Camp Bushra and representative of the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation, and with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity headed by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. 

Abbas said that the program was warmly received by beneficiaries, noting that the presence of DOST leadership and the project’s strong grassroots reach helped build trust and strengthen relationships within the communities.

The initiative covers Camp Bushra, Camp Bilal, Camp Badre, Camp Omar, Camp Abubakar and Camp Rajahmuda. Interventions were designed in close coordination with local leaders and community members to ensure cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and responsiveness to actual needs.

Key components include improvements in health, water supply, education, and livelihoods. DOST installed six solar-powered Level II water systems serving more than 300 households, deployed SAFEWATRS water treatment technologies, and conducted training on food safety, Halal compliance, and basic nutrition.

In education, six STARBOOKS Learning Hubs with Starlink connectivity were established, benefiting over 600 students and teachers. Livelihood technologies in food processing, dressmaking, weaving, abaca production, and aquaculture directly assisted more than 300 community members and contributed to local economic activity.

All facilities and technologies were designed with disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in mind, utilizing solar-powered and energy-efficient systems. Capacity-building activities were conducted from July to October 2025, with continued mentoring and enterprise strengthening planned for 2026 to ensure long-term sustainability. (Contributed story)