Iqbal cites JICA's unrelenting support to peace process

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 26): Iqbal cites JICA's unrelenting support to peace process

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) chair Mohagher Iqbal lauds the Japanese Government’s continuous support to the peace process in Mindanao.

During the August 24 turnover of the Php 2 million two-classroom school building in Kibleg, Upi, Maguindanao through the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), Iqbal noted the unrelenting support of the Japanese Government to peace and development efforts in Mindanao.

The school building, fully painted complete with comfort room, lavatory, ceiling fans, table, chairs and blackboard is one of JICA’s ongoing 20 Quick Impact Projects in various sites in Mindanao that include multi-purpose halls, schools and warehouse with solar dryers.

“This is the best constructed two-classroom school building so far,” Iqbal said.

Iqbal said, Japan is not only a member of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) that oversees the adherence and compliance to the existing ceasefire agreement but also an active member of the International Contact Group (ICG) that has been steadfast in its peace and development efforts in Mindanao “investing in the peace process without expecting something in return”.

Iqbal acknowledged Japan’s active involvement in the socio-economic development not only for the future of the Bangsamoro entity but for the entire Mindanao.

“Japan has been investing so much even without the peace process succeeding. Japan is already with us investing so much money for our people,” Iqbal said.

In so far as the progress of the deliberation of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress, Iqbal  said, the MILF remains optimistic that the proposed law will be passed.

“To be frank with you, we do not know what will happen to the Bangsamoro Basic Law. In the case of the MILF, looking at the present situation, evaluating all aspects of the investment, it is the conclusion of the MILF that there is hope that the BBL will be delivered but there is no assurance”, Iqbal said.

Amid the challenges facing the BBL in Congress, he urged the people in the community to maintain existing harmonious relationship and cooperation for united and peaceful environment.

“Whether there is BBL or no BBL, or the BBL is delayed, I appeal to everybody, to all and sundry to maintain good neighborliness and good cooperation between and among the good people of this village because peace will start from every one of us and will start from this village for that matter,” Iqbal said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1661440558092/iqbal-cites-jica-s-unrelenting-support-to-peace-process