MILF, JICA sign pact for 3-year capacity dev't project

From GMA News (Jul 27): MILF, JICA sign pact for 3-year capacity dev't project

Bangsamoro folk may soon benefit from a three-year capacity development project between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The MILF said its representatives and those of the JICA signed the landmark agreement in Cotabato City earlier this week.
“This is indeed a landmark deal that the Bangsamoro can be proud of... illustrating at this early phase the real autonomy at work,” MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said.

Iqbal signed the project documents along with JICA chief representative Takahiro Sasaki, the MILF said in a news release.

MILF central committee secretariat chairman Muhammad Ameen and International Monitoring Team head Maj. Gen. Dato’ Fadzil Bin Mokhtar, as well as Marlon Deduma, Director of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), were the principal witnesses.

The project, which culminates in 2016, seeks institutional building for smooth transition, human resources development for the future Bangsamoro government officials, development planning, and improvement of service delivery.

JICA is to undertake the projects with the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) chaired by Iqbal.

“Let me therefore assure our partners in the JICA that despite our imperfections, the Bangsamoro and the BTC will see to it that, insha-Allah, we will not fail them. It is our sincerity, determination and willingness to learn that will make up for what we lack in this deal. We know that our partners in JICA, fully aware of these inadequacies, are always there to help us stand on our own feet. Besides, our people are full behind us in this endeavor,” Iqbal said.

Muhammad Ameen, the Secretary to MILF chairman Al Haj Murad, said this achievement "has been watered no less than by the holy blood of our martyrs.”

“It behooves upon us, therefore, to make every effort that we succeed not only in the peace talks but in the delivery of services to our people when the time comes. We must strive to harness our skills so that we can march together towards the realization of our vision for a developed Bangsamoro. To do this we must be strategic in our steps as well as partnerships,” Ameen said.

For his part, Sasaki said JICA is fully committed to technical cooperation with the government and MILF for the Bangsamoro.

“Japan is eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the remaining Annexes to the [Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro] and the signing of the government of the Philippines – MILF Comprehensive Peace Compact,” Sasaki said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/319437/news/regions/milf-jica-sign-pact-for-3-year-capacity-dev-t-project