MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)—Following the launch of the new projects of the European Union (EU) in the Philippines and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the region’s Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim conveyed his commitment to support all succeeding initiatives.

Named "Building Community Resilience and Delivery of Essential Services for Post-conflict Recovery in Lanao del Sur/Marawi," the project aims to provide services to 40 municipalities in Lanao del Sur province, and two towns each in Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon provinces through €4 million, or P245 million worth of funding.

Ebrahim expressed hope that this initiative would assist his constituents' concerns while also strengthening ties, mutual admiration, respect, and synergy among the EU, UNICEF, and Bangsamoro people.
"This project highlights the importance of socio-economic interventions that address issues such as poverty, peace and security, and post-conflict recovery… Know that the Bangsamoro government is in full support and committed to all your endeavors," he said. 

Ebrahim shared how his region was once inundated with decadal conflict as they fought for self-governance that is free from discrimination, bigotry, and injustices.

He stated that under these circumstances, the Bangsamoro homeland has been left behind in development compared to other regions in the country. However, the arrival of the EU and UNICEF allowed them to gain good allies and peacemakers who are beneficial for the normalization process.

Ebrahim conveyed that these international organizations have already implemented several programs backing the peace advocacy of the Bangsamoro government, which was greatly appreciated by the concerned citizenry, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families.

"For every child is also a Bangsamoro child, and every Bangsamoro child is the future of the Bangsamoro region; therefore, you are not only helping the Bangsamoro people of today but more so, the Bangsamoro region of tomorrow," he said.

As they gave importance to the enforced project, Ebrahim guaranteed its sustainability for the good of his people in the present and the future.

"In return, it will be our responsibility to maintain these initiatives and instill them in the hearts and minds of Bangsamoro communities so the next generation can appreciate and benefit from them... For the Bangsamoro people, understand that the Bangsamoro government will always put you first. When we are finished with the transition phase, we hope for stronger and more resilient Bangsamoro communities across the region," he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)