Renewing our commitment to peace-building in Mindanao

Dear friends,

Greetings of peace!

This month marks the National Peace Consciousness Month. Established in 2004, some 20 years ago, Peace Month is an annual celebration of the Philippines’ enduring commitment to peace, harmony and solidarity. This year’s theme Kapayapaan: Responsibilidad ng Bawat Mamamayan – Peace: the responsibility of everyone – is a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting peace.

Australia is deeply committed to fostering peace in the Philippines. We have been a partner in peace-building efforts in Mindanao for over 20 years.

That is why, during his state visit this month, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new five-year P2.4-billion commitment to peace-building in conflict-affected Mindanao. This program will provide meaningful support to the formal peace process, help reduce conflict, prevent violent extremism and fund better socio-economic opportunities for communities.

During my time as Ambassador, I have learned of the strong peace-building qualities of the Philippines. I recall President Marcos’ speech at the 77thUnited Nations General Assembly last year when he spoke of the inclusive approach of the Philippines to foster peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following decades of conflict.

During his State of the Nation Address this year, President Marcos spoke of the great strides taken in the transition to peace and stability in the BARMM. He stressed that such progress was only possible with the cooperation of those involved in the process at local, regional and national levels.

This commitment to building peace is one that the Philippines and Australia share. As a strategic partner, we understand our responsibility to support efforts to protect peace and stability in the Philippines. By achieving peace in the Philippines, we help ensure that our region remains open, stable and prosperous so that all may benefit.

Our peace program in Mindanao supports the formal peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in line with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2014. Through our partnerships with OPAPRU, the BARMM and local organizations, we hope to create an environment where all people of Mindanao can enjoy the benefits of peace.

Of course, there is only so much you can learn about the Bangsamoro from Manila. That is why I have traveled to the BARMM to meet with officials, leaders and community members for whom peace offers so much; to listen to their stories and learn of their challenges.

My first trip to the BARMM was to Cotabato City in January of this year. It was there that I saw firsthand how Australia’s support for elements of the peace process such as Normalization (the process whereby MILF camps and combatants are transformed into peaceful communities and members of society) is making a positive difference. I visited the offices of the Independent Decommissioning Body, a mechanism created under the peace agreement which oversees the formal decommissioning of MILF combatants, their reintegration into civilian society and the control of weapons.

I also visited Camp Badre, one of the six acknowledged MILF camps being transformed into peaceful and productive communities as part of the Bangsamoro National Trust Fund. I was grateful for the opportunity to hand over the Skills Development Center to the BARMM Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education. The establishment of the center will help create economic opportunities for former combatants and community members. It also represents Australia’s holistic approach to education in Mindanao through our Education Pathways to Peace in Mindanao program.

Australia also provides education and development opportunities for the next generation of leaders. Our Australia Awards scholarships provide opportunities for students to undertake postgraduate studies in Australia, and our In-Country Scholarship Program for individuals in the Bangsamoro to develop their skills and knowledge in the Philippines.

Last month, I joined Australia’s Counter-Terrorism Ambassador Richard Feakes on a visit to Marawi City to see how Australian support has made a meaningful impact following the disaster that occurred. I’m proud that Australia was able to provide humanitarian relief to Marawi, including the construction of shelters for the displaced, the provision of relief items and economic and technical assistance to the recovery effort.

Our new peace-building program will continue our longstanding support and seek to build greater economic resilience in the BARMM, including opportunities to support small business and women-led enterprises.

Whether it is through the Normalization process, camp transformations, economic empowerment for women and vulnerable groups, our work will help improve the lives and livelihoods of the people of Mindanao.

We remain steadfast in our support to achieving lasting peace in Southern Philippines. Our two countries share many values and connections, and now a Strategic Partnership. Investing in peace-building is a great example of our strategic partnership in action and how Australia will continue to work with the Philippines to realize a more stable and prosperous future.

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HK Yu, PSM, is the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines. You can follow Ambassador Yu on Twitter: @AusAmbPH.