The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) forged a partnership to promote science and technology innovations aimed at transforming six previously acknowledged Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps into peaceful, productive, and climate-resilient communities.
According to OPAPRU, this initiative was made possible through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) earlier this week in General Santos City.
The partnership also seeks to empower MILF communities by equipping them with technology-driven solutions that advance sustainable livelihood opportunities, promote community well-being, and build resilience; key elements in fostering long-term peace and development in the Bangsamoro region.
This agreement aligns with the objectives of the camps transformation program under the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which aims to ensure human security in the Bangsamoro.
The OPAPRU-DOST MOA is expected to benefit former MILF combatants and their families residing in target barangays located within the six acknowledged MILF camps: Camp Abubakar as-Siddique in Barira, Maguindanao; Camp Busrah Somiorang in Butig, Lanao del Sur; Camp Rajamuda in Pikit, Cotabato; Camp Badre in Guindulungan, Maguindanao; Camp Bilal in Munai, Lanao del Norte; and Camp Omar Ibn Al-Khattab in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. stated that the agency is committed to supporting OPAPRU in implementing science-based socioeconomic projects within the MILF camps.
“The DOST has a program for geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) called Community Empowerment through Science and Technology or CEST. This flagship program has the following entry points: First, health and nutrition including water and sanitation; second, basic education and literacy; third, environmental management; fourth, livelihood and economic enterprise development; and fifth, disaster-risk reduction and climate change,” Solidum said in his message of commitment.
“The power of technology, particularly in the area of peace building, cannot be overemphasized. It has the potential to bridge divides, foster dialogue, and create new opportunities for economic growth and expansion. Moreover, it can help heal the emotional wounds of the past, build bridges of trust, and empower communities to achieve their full potential,” emphasized Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity.
“By leveraging DOST’s expertise in science and technology, we can implement innovative solutions that address the pressing challenges currently faced by MILF communities,” Galvez added.
