Maguindanao del Norte, Philippines - The Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration, and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in BARMM (ASPIRE) Project officially launched its second pilot site in the Province of Maguindanao del Norte, marking a significant step towards a more peaceful and prosperous future for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

This expansion followed the ASPIRE Project’s successful implementation in the Province of Basilan, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines and funded by the Government of Japan.

The project conducted a ceremonial opening to highlight the project's commitment to addressing the socio-economic needs of communities affected by conflict and reducing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs). The event was held at the Gambar Peace and Islamic Development Center, Barangay Gambar, Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte and was attended by Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Embassy of Japan Minister Kenichi Matsuda, and Presidential Assistant for Bangsamoro Transformation David Diciano of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU). Also in attendance were members of the Joint Normalization Committee headed by Mr. Ariel Hernandez and Minister Akmad Brahim, MP Salik of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel, local government officials of Mother Kabuntalan and North Upi, representatives from the peace mechanisms of OPAPRU, BIAF–MILF Commanders, leaders and representatives from the communities.

Minister Kenichi Matsuda expressed his expectation for ASPIRE to have a positive impact on the new pilot site. “As a fervent supporter of the peace process in Mindanao, the Government of Japan actively wishes for a region wherein its citizens can continue to enjoy the dividends of peace. Emboldened by ASPIRE’s prior accomplishments in Basilan, we aim to apply the same modalities here in Maguindanao del Norte,” he said.

Dr. Selva Ramachandran emphasized the importance of the project in advancing peace and stability in Maguindanao del Norte. “We envision the ASPIRE Project as a successful reference model, which can be replicated across BARMM and hopefully throughout the nation,” he stated.

Governor Abdulraof Macacua shared his optimism for his constituents: “To the people of Maguindanao del Norte, this project is for us. It is for our children who dream of a safer future, the families who deserve to live without fear, and the communities that yearn for prosperity and progress.”

Mr. David Diciano, on behalf of OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Calvez, Jr., said: “The beauty of the ASPIRE Project is that it is not only addressing possible situations of conflict but importantly, the drivers of conflict at the community level.”

Minister Brahim, on behalf of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, declared: “As we approach the end of the transition period, it is crucial that we prioritize the decommissioning of former combatants and the systemic reduction of loose firearms. I cannot overemphasize the necessity of the ASPIRE Project in ensuring we maintain accountability with regards to SALWs.”

This initiative in Maguindanao del Norte is a testament to the collaborative efforts stemming from the recent Joint Normalization Committee meeting, where the need for targeted interventions in the province was reinforced. The ASPIRE project will closely integrate with the peace process laid out in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), contributing directly to the normalization and stability efforts in the region.

ASPIRE’s expansion to Maguindanao del Norte aims to replicate and enhance the positive outcomes achieved in its first pilot site. The project will focus on two (2) municipalities in the province: Mother Kabuntalan and North Upi. Immediately after the launch, a series of stakeholder consultations, community needs assessments, and socio-economic profiling will be conducted to identify the most appropriate interventions to ensure long-term sustainability. These initiatives aim to empower communities, promote economic opportunities, and contribute to a more secure and stable environment by adopting gradual small arms and light weapons control and management. 

Through the ASPIRE project, UNDP and the Government of Japan are working closely with the local authorities, community leaders, and international partners to promote peacebuilding and human security initiatives including the normalization aspect throughout BARMM aiming to ensure a safer and more prosperous future for the Bangsamoro people. #