UN Philippines chief lauds gains of UN Peacebuilding Fund supported programme in the Bangsamoro

United Nations (UN) Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez delivered the following message (as prepared) at the Multi-stakeholder Policy Forum on the UN Peacebuilding Fund Joint Programme:

It is my great privilege to close this very important dialogue and session to determine the best practices from the critical contributions of this Peacebuilding Fund Joint Project over the past two years.

The United Nations has provided targeted support to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in the drive towards critical peace objectives during this momentous and delicate point in the history of the region. With the government managing the transition of the region, all whilst responding to COVID-19, it was critical that the international community and government authorities came together to support the vulnerable segments of society that were at risk of being left behind, particularly women, youth and non-Moro indigenous people. This Policy Forum was the culmination of the collective work of the vibrant Bangsamoro Civil Society, our dedicated UN implementing agencies, of our government representative and technical offices in the BARMM, and, of course, of our community partners. You have all been steadfastly driving the BARMM towards inclusion, moral governance and sustainable peace. For this I commend you all.

However, we come together at a critical time for the BARMM. A time where we are working together to repair the damages that have befallen the region over many decades of struggle. Over the past two years, the region has continued to suffer both large and small-scale displacement as a result of conflict and climate change. In 2021, we saw tens of thousands of community members displaced by active conflict in Maguindanao. More recently, we saw these same communities affected and displaced by the severe flooding from TS Paeng. In Marawi City, we still have over 17,000 families in a state of displacement as a result of the Marawi Siege. The cycle of conflict and displacement is one where understanding the drivers and the possibilities for durable solutions is key to sustainable peace and development. This understanding starts with events like these where we can build on the best practices of our collective work and develop common objectives for the future.

This project has made many fine achievements, with so much owed to all of your dedication and hard work.

This Joint Programme was part of a broader support and commitment from the UN system towards conflict transformation and peacebuilding. IOM, UNFPA and UN Women have been jointly implementing the STEP-BARMM joint project - which has not only been supporting the implementation of the peace agreement but also on building resilience of communities and groups affected by decades of conflict.

The STEP-BARMM project has supported 15 cooperatives from the Bangsamoro Islamic Women’s Auxiliary Brigade with sustainable livelihoods ranging from bakeries to scrap metal workshops.

The project also supported the BIWAB women as they raised awareness on Gender-based Violence and even became Para-Social Workers under the Ministry of Social Services and Development.

This project also worked hand-in-hand with the Bangsamoro Women’s Commission to operationalize and localize the Regional Action Plan on Women Peace and Security for LGUs, as well as with the Bangsamoro Youth Commision to develop a policy manual to shape future peacebuilding intiatives.

Another lasting achievement of your work and advocacy is the establishment of the Peace, Security, and Reconciliation Office under the Office of the Chief Minister. This is a fantastic demonstration of a sustainable commitment to peace and development.

Finally, but not least of all, the project has had committed community partners who have helped us strengthen community policing, responsive Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples community groups, and women conflict mediators in hotspots who were recently featured as examples of “superwomen peacebuilders” from the Philippines in international media covering the launch of the ASEAN Women, Peace and Security Regional Action Plan. Your continued work to mitigate conflict and protect our communities is an inspiration for all.

Through the UN Peacebuilding Fund, the UN agencies have truly come together with government, civil society and communities to leverage our collective strength to support the Bangsamoro in the pursuit of peace as demonstrated by these achievements.

While these results are uplifting, it is critical that we continue to work together towards peace and development. We need to intensify our efforts towards inclusion ahead of the 2025 exit agreement and the BARMM’s parliamentary elections.

Thank you very much for all your hard work and commitments to peace. I continue to be your biggest advocate and supporter.