LocationsAustralia, UNDP launch new PHP 78 million peacebuilding program for BARMM
December 8, 2024
From left to right: Mr. Edward Abelardo (Office of MP Froilyn Mendoza), Undersecretary David B. Diciano (OPAPRU), Mr. Matthew Boyall (Second Secretary, Australian Embassy), Dr. Selva Ramachandran (UNDP), Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., MP Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba (Minister of the Interior and Local Government), Deputy Ambassador Dr. Moya Collett (Australian Embassy), Mr. Akmad Brahim (Co-Chair, Joint Normalization Committee), Mr. Alimudin Mala (Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society), Ms. Noraida Datumanong (Development Academy of the Bangsamoro), Ms. Amenah Natangcop (OPAPRU), Atty. Al-Rashid Balt (Director General, Ministry of Public Order and Safety)
Manila, Philippines – The Australian Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines have launched the new Programme on Stabilization, Peacebuilding and Resilience in the Bangsamoro (PROSPER-Bangsamoro).
PROSPER-Bangsamoro is a two-year program focused on improving governance and community resilience in the region. With a PHP 78 million support from the Australian Government, the program aims to foster inclusive governance by providing technical support to the local government; promoting inclusion and cohesion among communities by engaging women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and civil society; and assisting the normalization processes for former combatants and their communities, transforming Moro revolutionary groups into active social movements.
“Australia’s engagement in Mindanao is part of a long-term effort to support stability and economic development in the region,” said Dr. Moya Collett, Australian Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines.
“Through this program, we aim to make a meaningful difference for communities, the BARMM, and the Philippines as a whole, ensuring all voices are heard,” the Deputy Ambassador added.
Australia’s support through UNDP-implemented peacebuilding programs has led to significant outcomes in BARMM, including the adaptation of local and regional policies, enhanced political engagement among former MILF and MNLF leaders, establishment of key ministries in the BARMM, emergency warning and response systems, and strengthened civil service organizations and communities including women and youth.
“The ongoing partnership between Australia and UNDP Philippines has been instrumental in supporting a peaceful and resilient Bangsamoro,” said Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative. “Through various projects, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term peace and development.”
“Our goal is to enable communities to access peace dividends through socio-economic opportunities and to foster solidarity and reconciliation for sustainable development in the region,” concluded Dr. Ramachandran. [E]