A group of European ambassadors visited Cotabato City this week to reiterate their support to the peace process and development in Mindanao.
The group was composed of Ambassadors Maria Christina Theresia Derckx (Netherlands), Franz Jessen (EU), Thomas Ossowski (Germany), Chargés d’Affaires Mihai Sion (Romania), Nigel Boud (United Kingdom), Deputy Ambassadors Fabio Schina (Italy), Xavier Leblanc (Belgium), Gabrielle Zobl-Kratschmann (Austria), Maria del Carmen Barcia-Bustelo (Spain), Laurent Legodec (France), Attachés Riccardo Dell’Aquila (Italy), Diego Sanchez (EU Delegation), Program Manager Edoardo Manfredini (EU Delegation). They met with leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, ARMM officials and other stakeholders.
They will also check the implementation of EU-funded projects in the area.
“Our visit to Cotabato City highlights the EU and its member states’ continuing support for the Mindanao peace process and development in the region. Our hopes remain high that the positive gains achieved in the peace process will be sustained despite some challenges, especially as the parties remained engaged and committed to continue their journey to peace,” the diplomats said.
The ambassadors said they will continue to support the efforts of the parties that recently have been reconfirmed in Kuala Lumpur.
“We are looking forward to supporting the agenda for peace of the next Administration as we carry on our collaborative efforts with all the concerned stakeholders for peace,” the EU said.
Over the years the European Union has adapted its funding programs to the changing needs of the Peace Process.
Last December 2015, the European Union Delegation to the Philippines has launched a new program in support of the peace process and is providing € 5.5million or equivalent to P275 million to allow for a smooth transition and to create conditions for the establishment of the autonomous region of the Bangsamoro and the election of its government.
The program contributes to peace building and conflict mitigation, support the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro and strengthen local institutions and political processes.
Mindanao is expected to benefit from two focal sectors identified in the EU development strategy for the Philippines (2014 to 2020) such as inclusive growth through access to sustainable energy and job creation, and strengthening the rule of law.
Since 1990, Mindanao has benefited from P9.5 billion in development assistance from the European Union.
The EU is the biggest contributor to the trust fund together with Sweden providing almost 70% of the total amount of the trust fund (€ 25. 6 million or P1.23 Billion). The fund is scheduled to run until the 30 June 2017.
The EU is also active in the Health sector with two relevant projects that aim at addressing Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health and Nutrition Needs of Indigenous Peoples and other disadvantaged communities in Mindanao and at Improving Availability of Reproductive Health Services in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
