The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Supporting the peace process in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region
UNOPS is working with the European Union and partners to contribute to a peaceful, cohesive, secure and inclusive development in the Philippines' autonomous region.
After decades of armed conflict, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was formed as part of a peace agreement between local groups and the government of the Philippines.
The 'Support to Bangsamoro Transition' (SUBATRA) Programme, funded by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), aims to build the capacity of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the Bangsamoro Government and civil society organizations – establishing an environment where democratic governance can flourish in the region.
UNOPS and other partners are implementing the SUBATRA Programme, with UNOPS providing support in overall project management – including logistics and coordination, procurement, technical assistance in information and communication technology as well as supporting infrastructure enhancement, among other initiatives.
As part of the SUBATRA Programme, UNOPS will build the new Indigenous People’s School of Living Traditions in Upi, Maguindanao del Norte.
Our goal is to celebrate Indigenous culture while also creating sustainable livelihoods for the communities.
“The programme is a testament to our commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous Peoples [...] ensuring that the unique identity and traditions of our Indigenous peoples are passed down to future generations,” said Director General, Engineer Mohajirin T. Ali, Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority.
The school will help preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Teduray tribe and other Indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro Region, serving as a hub for cultural activities, conflict resolution, skills training and community gatherings while promoting the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples.
UNOPS also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority, the government unit responsible for development planning, investment programming and coordination of all development initiatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
The MOU provides a framework for further cooperation and collaboration on sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, fund management, project management, sustainable procurement, advisory services and technical studies.
"This MOU marks a significant step forward in our collaborative efforts to support sustainable development and enhance the planning and development capacities in Bangsamoro. It also represents a significant recognition of UNOPS ongoing efforts in the region through SUBATRA," said Samina Kadwani, Director of UNOPS Multi-Country Office in South East Asia and the Pacific.
