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Friday, March 29, 2024

US extends another P595-m grant for Mindanao develoment

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The United States, through the US Agency for International Development, has extended a P595-million grant to the Mindanao Development Authority intended to bankroll projects that enhance governance, expand economic opportunities, provide infrastructure, and strengthen the foundation of peace in conflict-affected areas in the Southern Philippines.

The GRANT is covered by the extension of the Mindanao Peace and Development Assistance Agreement, the bilateral accord between the USAID and MinDa, which was signed on Nov. 13.

Acting USAID mission director Patrick Wesner and MinDA chairman Datu Abul Khayr Dangcal Alonto signed the extension of the agreement, which brings the total US government support to the partnership since 2007 to over P7 billion.

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The US Embassy in Manila said the extension funded opportunities for people affected by the Marawi siege to improve their economic conditions, and will strengthen community cohesion among the displaced population.

“Today, the US government reaffirms our commitment to walking alongside you and offering support as we relentlessly pursue our shared vision of prosperity and peace in Mindanao,” Acting USAID mission Director Wesner said.

At the ceremony, MinDA officials presented results from a U.S.-sponsored assessment on water, food, energy, and land resources in Mindanao.  

Insights gained from the study will guide a robust and evidence-based strategy for advancing resilience and economic growth in the region.

Through this agreement, USAID and MinDA have partnered to upgrade airport runways, water systems, bridges, and roadways, as well as build water systems, boat landings, bridges, market centers, and farm-to-market roads, improving infrastructure in 800 barangays over the past 11 years. 

USAID has also partnered with local governments and civil society organizations throughout Mindanao to promote local governance good practices, increase community cohesion, facilitate dialogue, and decrease community conflict.

As a result, according to Wesner, more than 170,000 residents benefit from civil society and local government use of social accountability tools.

Additionally, the partnership has provided job training to more than 28,000 former combatants to enable them to pursue productive livelihoods, and has improved the capacity of more than 630 rural banks to provide financial services for microenterprise clients, he said. 

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