MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)—A total of 600 decommissioned MILF combatants are set to undergo technical-vocational training under the European Union's (EU) Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion, Violence Prevention, and Economic Empowerment (PROACTIVE), following the ceremonial signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) and UNDP in Cotabato City, January 16.

The project’s objective includes enhancing local capacities to facilitate the transition and transformation of the six (6) major declared camps of the MILF into peaceful and productive communities.

UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran said the EU's generous support to the Philippines, amounting to US$4.6 million, will contribute to "creating an enabling environment for sustainable employment and enterprise development, delivering initial peace dividends, and promoting confidence-building through improved access to basic communal services and facilities."

Ramachandran said the two-year project will facilitate social cohesion and strengthen community resilience through enhancing the capacities and participation of local stakeholders, including women, youth, and faith-based leaders in peacebuilding, promoting a culture of peace, and transforming conflict.

"The UNDP and MBHTE's partnership primarily involves vocational skill development training and accreditation to pursue itself and richer environment for an income source for the 600 decommissioned combatants," he added.

Meanwhile, MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal said the government's engagement with the EU has been "very productive."

"We hope this partnership will continue until the exit agreement is signed between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. In terms of governance and peace, we journey together between the EU and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao," said Iqbal, who also chairs the MILF Peace Implementing Panel.

Iqbal, who is also a member of Parliament, said the international community, especially the EU, has been a reliable partner in Mindanao's search for peace.

"The participation and role of the EU are crucial, and one of the highlights of this engagement is the decommissioning of combatants of the MILF. We are very happy one of the interventions of the EU is the skills training for the decommissioned MILF combatants," he said.

Present during the ceremonial signing were EU Ambassador Luc Véron; Christoph Wagner, head of the EU delegation; MP Ali Salik, co-chair of JTFCT-MILF; MP Engr. Aida Silongan, co-chair of Task Force DCC-MILF, and Sakura Moretto, programme manager EU delegation, among others. (BIO/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)