Upi, Maguindanao del Norte - In a symbolic ceremony held at the Upi Municipal Gymnasium in Barangay Nuro, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Upi and other key stakeholders, recognized the voluntary efforts of former combatants and community members who took part in the disarmament efforts under the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in BARMM (ASPIRE) Project. 

The event acknowledged more than 100 individuals who registered or surrendered their personal small arms and light weapons (SALWs) under the ASPIRE initiative, a cornerstone of the normalization process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

With the generous support of the Government of Japan, the ASPIRE Project helps address the widespread presence of loose firearms, which fuels violent incidents and hinders local economic growth. 

Through sustained community engagement and awareness campaigns, the project has successfully registered 1,969 SALWs, of which 646 came from Maguindanao del Norte. Complementary initiatives from various stakeholders, including local government units and the security sector, further reinforced these efforts during the project’s pilot implementation in Basilan and Maguindanao del Norte. Together, these milestones mark a significant step toward strengthening peace and fostering sustainable development in the region.

UNDP’s ASPIRE Project Manager Mr. Sunao Hachiri commended the efforts demonstrated by various community and sectoral partners: “Today’s ceremony is more than a handover; it is a recognition of courage and commitment. This event is a public demonstration of our collective promise—that peace is rewarded, cooperation is valued, and together, we can build a safer, more resilient Upi, a more productive Maguindanao del Norte, and a more peaceful Bangsamoro.

Each community partner received the ASPIRE Standard Individual Package, comprising food packs, sacks of rice, and hygiene kits. This tangible socio-economic intervention reinforces the project's goal of integrating peacebuilding with human development.

Representatives from the LGU of Upi, Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA-BARMM), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) of Ganasi, religious and indigenous sectors, and settler communities, participated in the ceremony. 

Upi Mayor Ma. Rona Cristina Piang-Flores, Member of the Parliament Ramon Piang Sr., 57th Infantry Battalion LTC Aeron Gumabao, and 603rd Infantry Brigade BGen Michael Santos, were present during the ceremonial handover to the project beneficiaries.

In her closing message, Hon. Mayor Piang-Flores affirmed the ASPIRE Project’s promising results, and the LGU’s continued support: “To our partners in this initiative, especially the ASPIRE, UNDP, the People of Japan, maraming salamat po (Thank you very much). Your commitment to helping our constituents, especially those who need it most, inspires us to continue working harder for a more resilient and empowered Upi. Through your generosity and collaboration, we are able to extend hope and tangible support to many families.”

One of the recipients of the support, Ariel Panindig from Barangay Mirab, shared how the initiative has impacted his life: “I used to keep my firearm for protection, but I realized that peace starts with trust. Surrendering it was not easy, but I did it for my children—to give them a future free from fear. Through ASPIRE, I received not just aid, but hope. Now, I feel part of something bigger—a movement for peace.” 

The handover ceremony served as a public demonstration of the benefits of participation in the SALWs programme, aiming to inspire more individuals to engage in the peace process. By linking disarmament with direct support, the ASPIRE Project continues to build trust and foster a culture of peace and collective responsibility in BARMM.

About ASPIRE

UNDP Philippines implements the ASPIRE Project in support of the normalization track of the Bangsamoro peace process, with funding from the Government of Japan and in partnership with the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC). The project combines the management of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) with socio-economic interventions and social cohesion initiatives, fostering human security, resilience, and inclusive development in conflict-affected communities.

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Contact Information: Charlene Erica Balaan, Communications Analyst, charlene.balaan@undp.org