BARMM development initiatives figure in talks between Palace team, UN peace experts

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MANILA, Philippines — Engagements in New York involving the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP) highlighted continued international support for the implementation of the Bangsamoro peace process and related development initiatives.

A delegation led by Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Anton Lagdameo Jr. held a courtesy call and briefing with peace experts of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations along with officials of various UN agencies in New York.

The discussion formed part of efforts to strengthen international partnerships supporting the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which serves as the framework for long-term peace and development in BARMM.

During the meeting, Lagdameo and UN agencies officials discussed opportunities to mobilize international technical assistance, partnerships, and resource support to help accelerate key components of the Bangsamoro peace process. The meeting also aimed to identify practical entry points for deeper engagement with the UN system and member states in support of peacebuilding initiatives.

The engagements were coordinated by the OSAP, which coordinates key initiatives related to the peace agenda of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Lagdameo leads efforts to strengthen coordination among national government agencies and international partners to support the implementation of programs tied to the Bangsamoro peace process.

Alongside the international engagements, the OSAP has been convening national government agencies to advance the socio-economic component of the normalization program, including initiatives under the Camps Transformation Plan.

A coordination meeting held on March 5 in Malacañang reviewed the status of government interventions in former camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as part of the broader normalization program under the peace agreement.

Lagdameo said the meeting sought to consolidate baseline data on socio-economic interventions already delivered in these areas and identify remaining targets for implementation between 2026 and 2028.

The Camps Transformation Plan forms part of the normalization program’s socio-economic component, which focuses not only on assistance to decommissioned combatants and their families but also on development initiatives in communities located within six previously acknowledged MILF camps.

The program includes infrastructure projects and community development initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and supporting the reintegration of former combatants into civilian life.

Government officials said stronger coordination among agencies remains essential to accelerate the implementation of development programs in the Bangsamoro region as the national government works to fulfill key commitments under the peace agreement in the coming years. (Contributed story)