Cotabato City—A full scale implementation of the peace initiatives and development efforts are expected to take effect after a comprehensive peace pact is signed between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the national government.

This was the pronouncement of the high ranking officials of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) during a luncheon meeting with the World Bank delegates who paid visit to Mindanao to assess the on-going implementation of the Mindanao Trust Fund-Reconstruction and Development Program (MTF-RDP) in some pilot areas in Mindanao.

“Political solution to the Mindanao problem is rather imperative- that’s the only way we can achieve peace which will eventually pave the way for the all-out delivery of development efforts to the war-ravaged Bangsamoro communities”, said BDA Chairman Dr. Abas A. Candao.

Dr. Candao emphasized that though they are mandated to deliver the socio-economic needs of their communities, BDA’s operation can only fully take off once a final peace settlement to the Bangsamoro struggle is reached.

He also added that BDA, as a development arm of the MILF, ensures that the development projects poured in the Bangsamoro-dominated areas would not undermine the MILF’s clamor for self-determination.

Moreover, the meeting also allowed the BDA to explain to the visitors about the past and current undertakings relative to MTF-RDP and other programs when the latter inquired about how BDA is working in terms of serving its communities.

Specifically, Dr. Candao reported that BDA has been working closely with the different stakeholders in Mindanao particularly the LGU and other government line agencies.

Meanwhile, EASSD Sector Director Christian Delvoie expressed concern over the plight of still many communities whose needs for development has been taken for granted or worse, neglected by the government. Delvoie asked BDA how they will reach out to these marginalized sectors of the society.

In response, BDA Executive Director Dr. Danda N. Juanday cited the fielding of the regional project management offices (RPMOs) as a big step towards alleviating if not totally eradicating the socio-economic burden of the communities.

“We are optimistic that with the resumption of the peace negotiation this month, we can also work tremendously and achieve positive results”, Juanday added.

He also stressed that BDA exert all efforts to ensure that they are prepared to take the lead once a full-blown implementation will take place.

MTF Mindanao Team Leader Mary Judd was also among the delegates together with World Bank consultant Mr. Roberto Tordecilla and Rural Development Unit Head-WB Ms. Carol Geron.

BDA-BOD Ustadz Abdulkadir Abdullah, Windel Diangcalan, Aida Silongan; BDA adviser Mr. Dan Dimakenal; Training Division Heads Prof. Abdul Lantong and Ms. Ruby Andong and some CPMO staff also joined for the luncheon meeting.