Malaysia delegates vow support for BDA, BDP

COTABATO
CITY – Optimism remained high about the envisioned Bangsamoro
government after delegates from the Malaysian government expressed commitment
and support to Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) for the implementation of
the quick gains projects articulated in the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP).
The envisioned
Bangsamoro government is the final result of the government peace process with
the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with the full backing of international
communities.
Engr.
Windel Diangcalan, BDA program division head, said the Malaysian delegates
visited the BDA Central Management Office in Cotabato City Monday and met with BDA
executive director Mohamad S. Yacob to express its support to the envisioned
new political entity.
In
the meeting, Diangcalan presented the BDP highlights, explaining that the
formulation of the comprehensive BDP started way back in 2002 during the
establishment of BDA, attempted in 2005 and produced Joint Needs Assessment
with the World Bank and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace
Process (OPAPP).
It
attempted again on 2007 and came up a socio-economic development plan with
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Diangcalan
said only this time that the same will be realized through the backing of
national government and various development partners.
Since
then, the BDA buckled down to work in response to the clamor from the Bangsamoro
people. The
delivery of basic services and projects that will address the sources of
dissatisfaction in the Bangsamoro communities are happening now,” he said.Diangcalan
said the Malaysian delegates were optimistic in extending its assistance to the
BDA for the attainment of just, honorable, lasting peace and sustainable
development in the Bangsamoro.
The
delegation was led by Datuk Hasanah Abd Hamid, Director General of Prime
Minister Department in Malaysia.
Executive
director Yacob was truly overwhelmed for the genuine effort and commitment
offered by the delegates, saying the Mindanao peace process have gone a long
way.
He
said the Bangsamoro leaders will never fail the confidence extended by the
international community.