UNDP Continues Transformative Support in the BARMM Special Geographic Area through its partnership with the Government of Japan

Support in Pigkawayan

May 6, 2024

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines, with support from the Government of Japan, delivered several food and livelihood assistance to communities in the Pigcawayan cluster in 2023. This is part of the project, entitled Enhancing Food Security and Livelihood in Bangsamoro, of the Government of Japan and UNDP Philippines, which aims to contribute to the delivery of peace dividends particularly through improving access to food and livelihoods. The initiatives undertaken are part of the organization’s continuing commitment to foster sustainable development in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In 2022, UNDP Philippines provided complementary assistance to the subnational government’s Bangsamoro Integrated Rehabilitation and Development (BIRD) Program, launched by the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), which aims to bring integrated rural development in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the BARMM. One of the milestones achieved by UNDP in 2022, in support of this, was the provision of a solar-powered ice block making machine in Barangay Datu Mantil. The facility was installed adjacent to the newly constructed fish port. Overseen by the barangay officials and the Datu Mantil Makangguna Association, a local women’s association, the solar-powered ice block making machine continues to improve the livelihood of the community members.

Support to Pigcawayan Cluster saw a boost in 2023 through the Enhancing Food Security and Livelihood in Bangsamoro Project of the Government of Japan and UNDP Philippines. A fish truck and fifty ice boxes for the Datu Mantil Makangguna Association were provided to contribute to the expansion of their fish processing and ice-making activities. Additional transport machinery for the community is currently being acquired to complement earlier initiatives. Overall, these interventions align with UNDP’s strategy of fostering the food supply chain and ultimately enhancing the economic opportunities of the groups and communities it works with.

09 September 2023, Mr. Butch Camarinas, UNDP Head of Cotabato Field Office, turns over a new fish truck to the Datu Mantil Makangguna Association and the Datu Mantil Barangay Local Government Unit

Furthermore, UNDP installed another solar-powered ice block making machine in Barangay Datu Binasing last December 2023. This is set to serve the newly built public market once it opens. The ice making facility will be officially turned over by UNDP and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines to the barangay local government unit in early 2024.

While pursuing long-term solutions to rehabilitation and development are in its core commitment, UNDP also recognizes the importance of addressing immediate and urgent needs. As such, the Japan-UNDP project provided food assistance to the Datu Mantil Makangguna women’s association and their families in Barangay Datu Mantil, also in December 2023. These packs included essential items such as rice, canned goods, vitamins, milk, biscuits, and hygiene essentials, among other items, for the health and well-being of the entire family.

06 December 2023, Distribution of food assistance to women beneficiaries in the Pigcawayan Cluster at the Datu Mantil Elementary School Gymnasium.

To reach other vulnerable sectors within the Pigcawayan cluster, UNDP also provided food assistance to 150 widows of war from the 12 barangays, as aligned with the MILG BIRD program. Vegetable seeds for home gardening were provided so households can grow their own food and generate additional income through the sale of fresh produce, helping create a positive impact on the lives of those affected by conflict and poverty.

06 December 2023. UNDP’s Peace and Stabilization Programme Team undertaking a verificaton process for the distribution of food assistance to women beneficiaries, including widows of war, from the Pigcawayan cluster.

UNDP remains committed to its mission of fostering sustainable development, building resilience, and creating positive change in Bangsamoro communities. The collaborative efforts with the BARMM Government, the barangay local government units in the Pigcawayan Cluster, and the invaluable support of Japan, exemplify the organization’s dedication to transformative development in the Special Geographic Area and BARMM region.

06 December 2023, Distribution of food assistance to women beneficiaries from the Pigcawayan cluster at the Datu Binasing Covered Court

Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative emphasized that: "through interventions, such as the solar-powered ice block making machines, the provision of transport equipment, as well as essential food assistance, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also working towards sustainable development in the Pigcawayan Cluster and the wider Bangsamoro region. Our commitment remains steadfast in fostering resilience and positive change."

One of the steadfast partners from the community, Ms. Suad Mustapha, Vice President of the Datu Mantil Makangguna Association, shared that: “on behalf of the Datu Mantil Makangguna Association and the Barangay Local Government of Datu Mantil, I would like to express our gratitude to UNDP and the Japan Government for the continuing assistance extended to our community. The solar ice block machine [given by UNDP in 2022], the fish truck, and the food assistance provided to us [under the Japan-UNDP project] have benefited a lot of families. The fish truck has enabled our fishermen to sell their catch at much higher prices than before. The widows of war from our community are also particularly grateful for their inclusion in the food distribution program of UNDP.” [E}