The government of Japan and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Philippines have partnered to promote food security and economic empowerment in the Bangsamoro region's Special Geographic Area (SGA) in Zamboanga del Norte [a6ac831f]. The collaboration, titled 'Enhancing Food Security and Livelihood in Bangsamoro,' aims to provide food security and livelihood assistance to conflict-affected, marginalized, and underserved Bangsamoro communities within and outside the core territory of the Bangsamoro region. The project also aims to foster peacebuilding and sustainable development in communities affected by conflict [a6ac831f].
This initiative aligns with the broader goal of peace and development in Muslim Mindanao. The establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has been a significant step towards peace and development in the region. The BARMM is now fully operational and is preparing for the upcoming May 2025 elections. This election is seen as crucial for establishing legitimacy and accountability in the region [1c08acc8].
In addition to the efforts of the Japanese government and the UNDP, the current administration, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has prioritized infrastructure projects in southern Philippines, including the P5.1-billion Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project (MMIP) Stage II. This project aims to cover 9,528 hectares of agricultural land and benefit 4,043 farmers. President Marcos Jr. has emphasized that the MMIP II will support democracy and peace in conflict areas while improving agricultural productivity. The project is expected to uplift the lives of people in former war zones and enhance their agricultural production [f621a257].
The progress in Muslim Mindanao, including the initiatives by the Japanese government and the UNDP, highlights the shift from a war zone to a zone of progress and development. With the restoration of peace, the national and local governments can now focus on economic growth, food security, and improving the lives of the people in the region [f621a257] [a6ac831f].