MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--As the European Union (EU) continues to fund more efforts in the Bangsamoro region to benefit children and vulnerable sectors, it also ensures the success of its new projects by adopting a whole-of-society approach.
Recently, the EU and the World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. launched two projects called Promoting Efforts Addressing Conflict through Education in Mindanao (PEACE) Mindanao and Integrated Solid Waste Management-Circular Economy Adaptation for Alternative Plastic Waste Solutions, which are part of the key areas of bilateral EU-Philippines development cooperation that is focused on attaining a green and resilient economy, bringing more jobs, pushing for good governance, and developing a peaceful and just society until 2027.
The projects are also one of the most important things being done, along with teaching about peace, getting young people involved, creating a circular economy, and promoting sustainable development.
EU Delegation to the Philippines Political Officer Frederic Grillet stated that the EU has been a significant foreign development partner that supports peace processes and targets political settlement and socio-economic recovery of conflict-affected areas, and they make sure to maintain this aim by utilizing a comprehensive approach.
For the PEACE Mindanao Project, he underscored that they strive to address conflict eradication in Mindanao by promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and increasing social cohesion, particularly in the cities of Marawi and Cotabato.
Although World Vision Ireland acts as the main implementer, Grillet stressed the necessity of a collective effort where communities and stakeholders are brought together to contribute to activities for peace such as the peace forum in both Marawi and Cotabato City.
"This will take a whole-of-society approach where we work with peace stakeholders and target populations to strengthen the capacity of a progressive society with all government entities and civil society organizations for peace processes," he said.
Meanwhile, the environmental project to be implemented by World Vision Germany will fulfill one of the priorities of the EU, which is the topic of circular economy and plastic waste management.
Grillet mentioned that with the delegation’s €60 million funding for the area of green economy and plastic waste management, various parties shall also be involved in relevant programs such as establishing a national policy dialogue platform with the EU and Philippine representatives to exchange and practice economic solutions and develop a national strategy.
He further expressed its desire to work with selected municipalities, locally based civil society organizations, and businesses to implement specific actions linked to the circular economy, including job creation, training, and microfinance, especially for women and disadvantaged children.
Grillet added that they want to get the support of the private sector and financing institutions in developing innovative ways and strategies, and circular economy solutions to improve private-public partnerships.
He is positive that with the involvement of the aforementioned entities, their projects for the Bangsamoro region would attain success.
"The local economies, civil society organizations, and micro, small, and medium enterprises are the key actors that will drive the circular economy transitions and develop innovative and localized solutions to the plastic waste problem. We hope that this will serve as an example to other regions and countries," said Grillet. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
