Various stakeholders mainly from donor countries and their institutions, United Nations agencies, and International Non-Government Organizations that support the BARMM convene on Nov. 26,, 2024, during the 4th Bangsamoro International Development Partners Forum. (Marhom Ibrahim/BIO)
DAVAO CITY—The 4th Bangsamoro International Development Partners’ Forum concluded here on Nov. 26, emphasizing economic growth and ensuring peace and stability across the autonomous region.
Over 160 participants, including representatives from Bangsamoro ministries, offices, agencies, and both Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Non-ODA partners gathered for coordination and dialogue between the Bangsamoro Government and its international development partners highlighting their pivotal role.
Director General Engr. Mohajirin Ali of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), the leading organizer of the forum, lauded the significant contributions of international partners in advancing community progress, economic opportunities, and sustainable peace initiatives critical to BARMM’s long-term stability.
“Our pursuit of an empowered, cohesive, and self-sustaining Bangsamoro remains steadfast. With strong partnerships and connections, we are confident we will achieve this goal in due time,” said Engr. Ali.
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim highlighted the importance of collaborative partnerships in BARMM’s transformative journey.
“We recognize that sustainable development requires cooperation among all stakeholders—governments, civil society, the private sector, and importantly, our international partners,” said Chief Minister Ebrahim.
He expressed deep gratitude to the national government, donor agencies, the United Nations system, and both international and local stakeholders for their support since the region’s inception.
Key Developments in BARMM’s Growth
Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama emphasized the approval of the Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board guidelines on ODA loans for BARMM, describing it as a significant milestone in securing resources for strengthening the region’s socio-economic foundations.
“In tandem with the development of the Bangsamoro International Development Assistance Handbook exemplifies our unwavering commitment to transparency and effective governance, ensuring that foreign-assisted programs are well-coordinated and impactful,” SM Maslamama said.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, PhD, expressed confidence in the collective efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous Bangsamoro.
“With hope and determination, let us sustain the momentum and continue our collaborative efforts to enable BARMM to achieve its vision of a united, self-governing, peaceful, and progressive region,” said Secretary Balisacan.
Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), through Undersecretary David Diciano, stressed the power of unity in achieving sustainable peace and development in the region.
“The path to peace, prosperity, and development in BARMM lies in the strong partnership between the national and Bangsamoro governments and international development partners,” he noted.
Commitments from International Partners
Dr. Marco Gemmer, Head of Cooperation for the European Union, reaffirmed the EU’s support for peace and development in BARMM and the wider Mindanao region.
“We ensure an enabling BARMM in Mindanao—upholding the rule of law, democracy, and proper management of public funds—so that all people can enjoy a better life,” said Dr. Gemmer.
The forum highlighted the presentations on BARMM updates during the transition; peace, and stability in the region; key achievements and milestones in the socio-economic development of the Bangsamoro region in collaboration with the development partners; and identified and leveraged collaborative opportunities to sustain and build upon the peace of dividends in the region.
Moreover, it also adopted the panel of discussions, open forum, and breakout session platforms to tackle three (3) thematic issues including sustaining peace and stability beyond 2025 Bangsamoro transition, strengthening resilience amid climate change, and sustaining progress in poverty reduction and economic growth in BARMM.
Currently, there are 14 donor countries and their institutions, 18 UN Agencies, and 23 International Non-Government Organizations that support the BARMM in achieving its development agenda.
The event was funded and co-funded by the European Union Support to the Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme and Cooperacion Española, respectively. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
