Development: Comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro
Implementations
Development – 2014
The Agreement on the General Framework on the Resumption of Peace Talks, the Agreement on Peace, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing, and the Annex on Normalization (all included in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro) stipulate that all parties prioritize socio-economic development and actively launch initiatives in pursuit of this objective.
The MILF created the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) in 2002 which launched development initiatives in the Bangsamoro region in accordance with the 2001 Agreement on Peace between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which was reaffirmed by the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. With support from the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF), the BDA implemented 53 projects between 2006 and 2009. In 2009, the BDA announced the launch of 36 additional development projects. In May 2011, the Bangsamoro Development Agency expanded its service to include the provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.[1] In 2014, the BDA implemented programs on peacebuilding, social welfare, economic development, education, health, environmental advocacy, and capacity building and strengthening.[2]
In 2013, the Bangsamoro Development Agency and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, with support from the Philippine government, began a comprehensive capacity development project in the Bangsamoro. In 2014, the Bansamoro Development Agency launched the Bangsamoro Development Plan, charged with implementing strategies and recommendations for socio-economic development with both a medium- and long-term vision.[3]
The Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program was developed in February 2013 as a joint MILF-GPH endeavor tasked with improving development in the Bangsamoro specifically with respect to health, education, and living conditions.[4]
[1] Philippines: Moro’s development arm to expand operation to Sulu, Tawi-Tawi,” BBC Worldwide Monitoring, May 24, 2011.
[2] Bangsamoro Development Agency Annual Report 2014, Bangsamoro Development Agency, 2014.
[3] Bangsamoro Development Agency Annual Report 2014, Bangsamoro Development Agency, 2014.
[4] “DA crafting socioeconomic program for Bangsamoro,” Business Mirror, March 27, 2014..
Development – 2015
In 2015, the Bangsamoro Development Agency continued to initiate and operate programs related to peacebuilding, health, social welfare, education, economic development, environmental management, youth development, and capacity building and strengthening. Implementation and expansion of the Bangsamoro Development Plan continued.[1] Operations of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program also continued in 2015.[2]
[1] BDA. 2015. BDA Accomplishments 2015.
[2] “Aquino vows more ‘Bangsamoro’ aid,” Manila Times, February 19, 2016.
Development – 2016
In 2016, the Bangsamoro Development Agency continued to initiate and operate programs in the region. Operations of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program also continued in 2016.[1] In June 2016, the Japan International Cooperation Agency completed a development plan for the Bangsamoro region called the Bangsamoro Development Plan 2, which outlines strategies for future development assistance and identifies a total of 81 proposed projects that may be funded by interested agencies.[2]
[1] “Aquino vows more ‘Bangsamoro’ aid,” Manila Times, February 19, 2016.
[2] “Japan agency completes development plan for Philippines’ Bangsamoro region,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, June 29, 2016.
Development – 2017
In 2017, the Bangsamoro Development Agency continued to operate, although limited information was available on the specific programs conducted throughout the year. No developments on the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program were observed in 2017.
Development – 2018
The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) continued to operate in 2018. In April 2018, the World Bank announced that the Mindanao Trust Fund for Reconstruction and Development would provide a 3.2 million USD development grant to the BDA, and that the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) would provide an additional 1 million Euro. According to the World Bank estimate, between 2006 and 2017, the Mindanao Trust Fund financed projects that had provided “clean water, better roads, and more post-harvest facilities and access to farming and fishing equipment” to nearly 650,000 people.[1] In addition, the BBL required the central government to provide a special development fund to the Bangsamoro government, in part for development.[2]
[1] “New funding for Mindanao Trust Fund to strengthen peace and development in southern Philippines,” The World Bank, April 10, 2018.
[2] “Republic Act No. 11054,” Article XIV, Section 2.
Development – 2019
The Bangsamoro Development Agency continued to operate in 2019. On November 30, 2019, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority passed a 66 billion peso budget for the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.[1] The national government also announced a 10-year block grant to the region.[2]
[1] “PhP 65.6-B budget for Bangsamoro 2020 approved; Education gets the biggest chunk,” December 1, 2019, Minda News.
[2] “Neda: Special fund to unlock potential of Bangsamoro Region,” Business Mirror, August 20, 2019.
Development – 2020
The Bangsamoro Development Agency continued to operate in 2020.
Development – 2021
The Bangsamoro Development Agency continued to operate in 2021.