EU expands support for Mindanao peace process

MANILA, Philippines - The European Union (EU) on Monday signed an agreement with the World Bank giving additional eight million euros (P467 million) for the development of conflict-affected communities in Mindanao.

EU head of delegation to the Philippines Guy Ledoux and WB Philippines country director Motoo Konishi signed the agreement, which formalized the expansion of EU’s contribution.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles and Bangsamoro Development Agency chair Dr. Saffrulah Dipatuan signed as witnesses in the ceremony held at the headquarters of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in Pasig City.

The additional funds will be downloaded to the Mindanao Trust Fund – Reconstruction and Development Program (MTF-RDP), a multi-donor facility that aims “to improve social and economic recovery in conflict-affected communities of Mindanao.”

EU Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs said the additional funds showed EU’s commitment for the Mindanao peace process.

Piebalgs said the additional assistance brings to 12 million euros EU’s  total contribution to the MTF.

He said Philippine economy progresses due to the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“The EU continues to support the Philippine government in the pursuit of inclusive peace and sustainable development in this important region of the country,” Piebalgs said.

Deles welcomed the support of EU and World Bank to the Philippines.

“We are thankful and look forward to a strengthened partnership that will make this administration’s vision of lasting peace for Mindanao a reality,” Deles said.

Deles said the additional funds would be used to support the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, a joint development program of the government and the MILF as well as the Bangsamoro Development Planning.