Gov't, MILF reaffirm commitment to Mindanao peace, dev’t

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday reaffirmed their commitment to support peace and development work in Mindanao through the World Bank- administered Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF).

The World Bank said the development arm of MILF and the main partner of the fund, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), has committed to pursue development efforts in the region under the trust fund in support of the peace process.

The MTF team turned over yes- terday a rice mill, solar dryer and warehouse to the 1,704 residents of Barangay Cabpangi in Cotabato City as part of the Bangsamoro Advance program. The initiative provides livelihood and infrastructure projects in 50 conflict-affected communities in the areas under the 25 MILF base camps.

The World Bank said the projects will help improve livelihood and access to basic services; build local capacity in project planning, implementation and management; and strengthen social cohesion among communities.

“These community projects highlight what we can achieve if we work together. It’s one of the many examples that we see every day resulting from the continued commitment of both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government of the Philippines to pursue peace and development in the Bangsamoro and Mindanao in general,” said Ustadz Mohammad Yacob, BDA executive director.

More than 650,000 people in 316 conflict- affected communities situated in 75 municipalities have benefited from the trust fund through the construction of new roads, classrooms, health clinics and community centers and improved access to electricity and water supply, said the World Bank.