SUMISIP and HAJI MUHAMMAD AJUL, BASILAN — As part of ongoing socio-economic interventions for conflict-affected communities, essential farming and livelihood equipment were handed over to residents in the Province of Basilan. This initiative is part of the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration, and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in BARMM (ASPIRE), a project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines with support from the Government of Japan.

Through the ASPIRE project, suitable interventions were identified as a result of rigorous socio-economic profiling and community needs assessments to help the communities pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities. Handover ceremonies of the livelihood support were held in the Municipalities of Sumisip and Haji Muhammad Ajul attended by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity, Minister Daisuke Nihei, Minister on Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan to the Philippines, Minister Akmad Brahim, Ministry on Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) BARMM, Mr. Edwine Carrié, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, and Basilan Governor Hajiman Hataman-Salliman, along with local government officials, stakeholders, and community members.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. praised the achievements of ASPIRE so far “We are pleased to note that a total of 4,902 individuals are currently enrolled under the national government’s small arms and light weapons (SALW) program. The gains that we have achieved under the aspire project have been made possible through the unwavering focus, dedication, and support of our stakeholders,” he stated.

Minister Akmad Brahim conveyed, “It is an opportune time that we not only aspire to make BARMM a land of promise, but we must make this a reality where dreams and fulfilled potentials are unlocked, and we give our people the chance to contribute to building a Bangsamoro that is empowered, cohesive, and progressive.”

Minister Daisuke Nihei reaffirmed the Government of Japan’s support. “Our concerted efforts in ushering regional peace remain ever vital. In the ongoing normalization process in the region, Japan remains a resolute and steadfast partner. We likewise support an environment conducive to stability, one where generations of BARMM’s citizens can thrive harmoniously with one another,” he said.

Mr. Edwine Carrié noted, “The handover ceremony underscores UNDP's dedication, with the generous support of the Government of Japan, to fostering peacebuilding and strengthening socio-economic resilience in Basilan. By reducing reliance on SALWs, the initiatives aim to empower communities to flourish sustainably, making the most of their existing resources.”

The ASPIRE project handed over a solar-powered ice block machine to the local government unit of Hadji Mohammad Ajul (HMA) to support the area's fishing industry by helping local fisherfolk extend the shelf life of their catch, add value to their products, and promote sustainable energy generation through solar technology.

The Pagtaayunan Kawman Buton ("United People of Buton"), a women-led organization in Barangay Buton, HMA, also received a mini-delivery van to support their production of coconut products such as virgin coconut oil and coco sugar. Additionally, the Candiis Farmers Association of Barangay Candiis, HMA, received a tractor with a disc plough to assist their ongoing farming activities, which include cultivating a variety of vegetables and root crops like cassava—the primary ingredient of the Yakan's local staple food called puto.

In the Municipality of Sumisip, a wheel loader was provided to support the town's initiative to reach last-mile communities through road construction. Three farmers' organizations in Sumisip — Barangay Etub Etub Lo-ok Fisher Folks Organization, Upper Cabengbeng Farmers Organization, and Sapah Bulak Small Coco Farmers Organization — received tractors with disc ploughs. This effort aims to help local farmers develop alternative farming methods, as they have long suffered from an infestation of coconut beetles which has significantly reduced coconut production in what was once the leading producer of coconut products.

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 the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) aiming to ensure a safer and more prosperous future for people in the Bangsamoro.