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THE United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Philippines, with funding support from the government of Japan, launched on Wednesday, March 5, a $3 million initiative aimed at promoting human security and economic development in the Bangsamoro region.
The project, officially titled Promoting Human Security through the Community Economic Development and Livelihood Initiatives in Bangsamoro Region in the Philippines (Cedar), was unveiled by Dr. Selva Ramachandran, resident representative of UNDP Philippines, in a ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay and attended by key government and peace process stakeholders.
Dr. Ramachandran highlighted that the three-year initiative, set to run from April 2025 to March 2028, will be implemented in partnership with various peace mechanisms between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Other partners include the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (Opapru) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), as well as selected local government units in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and adjacent areas.
"The transition to full autonomy presents a crucial opportunity to institutionalize inclusive governance and deliver tangible peace dividends," Dr. Ramachandran said in his remarks.
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"This project aims to foster equitable participation, improve access to livelihood, education, health care, and infrastructure, and enhance resilience against climate and security threats."
The initiative will focus on three main objectives: strengthening local governance by supporting the institutionalization of inclusive governance structures that ensure representation of all sectors; enhancing human security through economic development by implementing community-based livelihood programs and delivering critical infrastructure in conflict-affected areas; and building capacity for peace and transformation by providing training and resources to local stakeholders for sustainable development and conflict prevention.
The project is set to benefit 12 communities, including four MILF communities, four MNLF communities, two non-Moro indigenous communities, and two Christian settler communities.
Key interventions will include community assessments, value chain support for local enterprises, quick-impact peace initiatives, and skills training for local leaders and civil society organizations.
During the event, Dr. Ramachandran, together with Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., formalized the partnership through a signing ceremony witnessed by officials from Opapru and the BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government.
The initiative is expected to accelerate peace dividends and economic recovery in conflict-affected communities in Mindanao, further strengthening the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process.
