World Bank, PH-based group sign grant to support ex-Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters' livelihoods

From CNN Philippines (Jul 8, 2023): World Bank, PH-based group sign grant to support ex-Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters' livelihoods (By CNN Philippines Staff)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8) — The World Bank and the Philippine-based Community Family Services International (CFSI) have inked a $4-million grant deal (around ₱222 million) for a project intended to boost sustainable livelihoods and community participation of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants.

In a statement on Friday, financial institution said around 39,200 people in six rural communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will benefit from the project.

The Bangsamoro Camps Transformation Project is financed under the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund, a World Bank-administered fund established in 2021 which oversees assistance from development partners for the decommissioning of MILF combatants in BARMM.

According to the Washington-based lender, the project aims to increase incomes from agriculture through capacity building and skills development for cooperatives and women's groups, infrastructure improvements, and construction of community facilities.

"The long-term goal is to contribute to income stabilization and food security of households in these communities through improved basic infrastructure, enhanced livelihood diversification, and climate-smart agriculture," said Ndiamé Diop, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand.

"This project provides an important entry point for strengthening collaboration across different levels of government and stakeholders such as communities, local government units, regional ministries, and other contributors to the peace process" said World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist Ditte Marie Fallesen, the task team leader for the project.

"Climate and disaster risks present significant challenges in the camp communities and will require a multi-stakeholder approach to build community resilience," Fallesen added.

The Bangsamoro Development Agency, the development arm of the MILF, will lead the initiative at the community level.

The project was approved by the MILF and the Philippine government's Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on June 6.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/business/2023/7/8/world-bank-cfsi-grant-to-support-ex-milf-fighters-livelihoods.html