Photo by Michael Camsa/BIO
COTABATO CITY–As one of their ways to support the peace process, the European Union (EU) turned over Tuesday, Jan. 17, farming machinery worth PhP3.2 million to Moonstar Coop and one-unit library building worth Php2 million to Camp Abubacar Assidique Elementary School in Barira, Maguindanao del Norte.
EU Ambassador Luc Véron said he wants to see “real changes” to the lives of camp communities and the realization of the development potential of the Bangsamoro region.
“I was privileged to speak to ex-combatants about the decommissioning process with hopes and aspirations of improved lives in the six recognized MILF camps. As we have demonstrated over the years the EU is a trusted, reliable, and mutual partner in supporting peace and development in Bangsamoro,” said Véron.
The Ambassador further shared, “I am happy that I am back to deliver some of the promises that we made during our visit in November 2021. The EU supported the peace process from the very beginning, we remain one of the biggest foreign international donors to provide support in Mindanao and the peace process involving MILF, MNLF, and the government of the Philippines.”
Meanwhile, Abdulhalim Manabilang Moonstar cooperative chairman said, “Alhamdulillah, we are very grateful because we were given farming equipment, may be this the beginning of our progress and development along with our families and our communities as decommissioned combatants”.
Alex Balitok, representing Abdulkudos Balitok JTFCT Chairman for Camp Abubakar, was also grateful to the EU and UNDP as these projects will help transform the communities in the MILF camps.
“We are very grateful to the European Union and UNDP because we were the first to be given farming equipment among six major camps. These are of big help to us as residents of Camp Abubakar and I wish they could be sustained.”
Present during the groundbreaking and turnover ceremonies were Dr. Selva Ramachandran, resident representative of UNDP; Ret. BGen Cesar Yano, co-chair Peace Implementing Panel-GPH; Exec. Director Cesar De Mesa co-chair, JTFCT-GPH; MP Engr. Bai Intan Ampatuan co-chair JTFCT-GPH; Rhadzni Taalim, Exec. Director Bangsamoro Development Agency; Cathelyn Hakim, Principal Abubacar As-Siddique ES; Col. Eric Macaambac, Cmdr. 1st Marine Brigade; Christoph Wagner, head of Cooperation EU delegation in the Philippines; and Kaer Marindig SB Secretary, among others. (Majid Nur/BIO)
