BDA, WB-ILO train 86 indigents on livelihood in SoCot

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato - More than 80 indigents in this municipality have graduated andbenefited from thePLEDGE pilot implementation of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA).Of the 82 beneficiaries, 66 were women, whocompleted the on-the-job skills training on enterprise development at Barangay Koronadal Proper, Polomolok, South Cotabato on August 18.Beneficiaries were grouped into four based on the local enterprises such as the catering services, banana processing, home decor and garments making and rice and corn production.Maria Fe B. Sulpico, President of Saver’s Care Group Association, said that they feel being part of the program even that they are not Muslims.She also manifested that indeed there is improved relationship between the Muslims and Christian in the barangay through the program.Sulpico’s group was under the home décor and garments making.They received dress making facilities such as sewing machine, threads and others and underwent skills training from the program.Accordingly, their production is on order basis. They produce curtains, school uniform, pillow case, pouch bag, coins purse and others by which they earn income.Morsid Macabangen of the Strongly United Koronadal Proper (SUKOR) group was related that through the program, they get busy and earn income. They learned many things from the skills training provided to them. Hisgroup is under catering services. They provide services to local occasions such as weddings which venue is at the training center also provided by BDA through other programs implemented in the previous years under Mindanao Trust Fund also (MTF).Banana processing group sell their products such as banana fries, banana cake and vinegar out of banana extract to local pasalubong centers in Polomolok.Rice and corn production group said that they earn more through the farm facilities (bao-bao and hauler) provided to them. Farming become easier, with lesser time, more production and more income.During the program, local government unit of BarangayKoronadal Proper and the Polomolok municipality expressed thanks and strong support to the program.Polomolok Vice Mayor Eliazar Jovero represented the mayor during the program.Dr.Saffrullah Dipatuan, BDA Chairman was happy of the good relationship between beneficiaries who are mixed in religion.He emphasized the importance of understanding and cooperation among diversed groups in the promotion of peace and development. He expressed hope of unity among the community, without discrimination and stereotyping.Matthew Stephens of the World Bank appreciated the output of the program seeing the local products of the people’s organization resulting to better income and better life to the people.Donors support to BDA is part of the continuing commitment to the peace process between the GPH and the MILF.PLEDGE is the economic and livelihood component of Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Program (MTFRDP) administered by the World Bank with support from various donors such as the European Union (EU), DFAT Australia (then AusAID), Canadian International Development Agency, New Zealand Aid for International Development, Sweden International Development Agency, United States Aid for International Development and the World Bank.International Labour Organization (ILO) is the trust fund recipient of the program.The program aims to contribute to confidence and peace building efforts through local economic development and sustainable livelihood creation in conflict affected areas in Mindanao.