MILF: JICA, BTC, MILF turnover Quick Impact Project to residents of Upi, Maguindanao

Posted to the MILF Website (Aug 26): JICA, BTC, MILF turnover Quick Impact Project to residents of Upi, Maguindanao

A two-classroom school building financed through the Quick Impact Project (QIP) under the Comprehensive Capacity Development Project for the Bangsamoro (CCDP-B) was formally turned-over to residents and school administration of Kibleg Elementary School, Barangay Kibleg, Upi, Maguindanao on Monday, August 24.

Dr Mohammad Yacob, Executive Director of Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) explained that the QIP’s for conflict affected-areas in Mindanao was initiated by JICA President Dr Akihiko Tanaka and MILF Chairman Alhadj Murad Ebrahim after the signing of Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in Malacańan, Palace in March 2014.

The BDA and other stakeholders have contributed in one way or the other to the successful implementation of the project.

Tanaka explained why JICA and MILF chose QIPs. He said “Both JICA and our MILF counterpart believe that QIP would be a great way for Bangsamoro communities to feel the peace dividends and for people to remain hopeful about the benefits of the peace process and continue to support it, they need to be assured that the CAB will bring improvements in their lives.” 

Tanaka said “The QIP is actually a small scale local project but implemented in a short period of time that can address urgent community needs.”

The QIP is implemented in 20 sites; in Maguindanao, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and del Norte, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Compostela Valley, and Davao Oriental. “These communities are chosen because they are among the most affected by conflict,” he pointed out.  

Quick impact project he said is just one element of their broader projects in the region. The construction of school and multipurpose buildings and solar dryers with ware houses in the conflict affected-communities started last March 2015.

In 2013 the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and JICA have started the CCDP-B. There are cooperation activities under the CCDP-B like assistance public consultation for drafting a Bangsamoro Basic Law, supporting the drafting of Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP), human resource development, capacity building seminars in Tokyo and other parts of Japan to acquire more learnings on political system and governance, and the implementation of QIPs.

Tanaka also recalled the breakdown of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) that induced frustrations of some MILF commanders which led to the 2008 war against government troops that displaced half-a-million people in Mindanao; and recently the January 25 Mamasapano incident, and the prolonged deliberations on the Bangsamor Basic Law (BBL) in the lower and upper houses of congress that may affect the 17-year peace negotiations.

However, he said, “The Japanese government and JICA remained steadfast in their commitment in supporting the peace process in Mindanao”.

Tanaka also reminded the parents and teachers on the importance of education. “We all know the importance of good education.  In addition to qualified and passionate teacher; studying in an environment that is conducive to learning is the key to a quality education. With these new classrooms, students in the community have access to basic education,” he said. 

He asked students in a Filipino language, “Masaya ba kayo sa bagong classroom?” (Are you happy with these new classrooms”) and the crowd said “Opo!” (Yes!). And he asked again, “Nag-aaral ba kayo ng mabuti?” (Are you studying hard?). The students replied “opo” means yes and Dr Tanaka said “very good.” 

Tanaka advised the pupils of Kibleg Elementary School to strive harder in their studies. He said “You’re all have a very bright future ahead of you, please study hard and listen to your teachers, your parents always tell you that education is one of the greatest things that they can give you. I fully agree with them, education is something that no one else can take away from you. Education will pave the way for your personal growth and help you achieve a brighter future.

“Let us all work together for better future and lasting peace in the Bangsamoro,” he appealed to his audience. 

Tanaka promised that JICA will remain true to its commitment of promoting peace and to further strengthen its support in Mindanao.  

The first visit of Tanaka in Mindanao was held in May 2012 and this is his first trip abroad as JICA new President.  The JICA President by then was fully committed to support the peace process and socio-economic development of Mindanao.

On the other hand, BTC Chairman Mohagher Iqbal was joined by his fellow Commissioners Ebrahim Ali and Melanio Ulama, a Teduray Timuay (Datu) and a native of Upi.

Iqbal thanked the JICA and the Japanese government especially JICA President’s commitment for attending and leading the turnover ceremony.

He appreciated the role of Japan through the International Monitoring Team and the International Contact Group’s active role in the government-MILF peace process.

“Japan have outstanding role in the GPH-MILF peace process…Japan has been journeying with us in terms of socio-economic development in the future Bangsamoro entity, and into the entire Mindanao. Japan is here to help our people,” Iqbal said.

Iqbal told the audience that BTC’s Socio-Economic Office has received information that the school building built in Kibleg is the best constructed building among the 20 projects all-over Mindanao.  

He congratulates the constructor (Angkat Const. and Supplies), the school principal and members of faculty, pupils and parents.

“Japan has been investing too much even without the peace process succeeding, even without seeing that peace process is really successful. Japan is already with us investing so much money for our people,” he added.  

He was emphasizing that Japan is investing even without expecting something. “Maybe if there is peace Mindanao, then natural that Japan will become our partner in developing our area in the Bangsamoro,” said Iqbal.

Talking about BBL, he said “We will not know what will happen to the Bangsamoro Law…there is hope that BBL will be delivered but there’s no assurance. We need to work hard at least we can make a difference so that BBL will be passed.”

Upi Mayor Ramon Piang Sr said in his closing remarks, “Thank you Japan for helping these small children. We believe that it is a manifestation that Japan through JICA trust the MILF because this quick impact project is a confidence building program of the MILF and people of Japan.”

“The people of Upi, Mr Chairman (Iqbal) and of course Mr President (Tanaka) are behind the MILF in its quest for peace in this part of Central Mindanao. We sympathize with the MILF and pray with them that government and the legislature of this country will be able to think faster and see the impact of peace in Mindanao,” he stressed.

Piang said that they have suffered from violence in the past and he doesn’t like to repeat this negative impact of war to his constituents especially the students.  

He also said that aside from this project, JICA and the Government of Japan gave them other infrastructure projects and capacity building programs which are beneficial to the growth of Upi.

Other highlights of the program were cutting of ribbon and unveiling of the stakeholders’ memorial plate with Japan and Philippine Flags, Logo of JICA and MILF, J-BIRD, BTC and BDA that says: “Quick Impact Project Initiative by MILF Chairman Alhadj Murad Ebrahim and JICA President Akihiko Tanaka under the Comprehensive Capacity Development Project for the Bangsamoro”.

It is expected that the president of JICA will also turn over other quick impact projects located in 20 sites in Mindanao.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/543-jica-btc-milf-turnover-quick-impact-project-to-residents-of-upi-maguindanao