The World Bank said Tuesday it is ready to intensify support for Mindanao after the government signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
“The signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and its implementation are critical to achieve long-lasting peace in the region, and we are committed to scale up our program and double our efforts in support of this promising opportunity,” Mara Warwick, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, said in a statement Tuesday.
World Bank vice president for East Asia and Pacific Victoria Kwakwa congratulated President Rodrigo Duterte and the Philippine government for the signing last week of the Bangsamoro Organic Law which aimed to give greater autonomy to the Moro people.
Kwakwa said this was a significant milestone towards achieving stability in the region. The Law creates new opportunities for sustainable peace in Mindanao.
“The World Bank has been a long-time partner in supporting peace and inclusive growth in Mindanao,” Kwakwa said.
“We welcome the news and look forward to continue working closely with the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in support of sustainable peace and development in Bangsamoro and the entire Mindanao region,” she said.
The World Bank and other development partners have been supporting the peace process between the government and the MILF through the ongoing Mindanao Trust Fund.
The MTF was created more than 12 years ago to help increase prospects for peace and development in Mindanao by improving social and economic recovery in conflict-affected communities.
The World Bank recalibrated its Country Partnership Strategy for the Philippines last year to deepen its focus on Mindanao.
The strategy supports government programs aimed at raising agricultural productivity and improving connectivity; boosting education, skills, and employability of the youth; and helping build resilient communities.
The World Bank has also been supporting Mindanao through community-driven development, social protection, education, infrastructure, and rural development projects and programs.