UNFPA vows increased RH program in Bangsamoro

COTABATO CITY -- The United Nations Population Fund and Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) have signed a letter of understanding for UNFPA programs in the Bangsamoro.Dr.Saffrullah Dipatuan, BDA chair signed the document with Klaus Beck, UNFPA country representative along withDr. Danda Juanday of Bangsamoro Medical Soceity andand Ustadz Mahmod Sumilalao ofBangsamoro Leadership Management Institute (BLMI) during signing ceremonies held at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim was present.The agreement aims to increase the delivery of Reproductive Health programs in Bangsamoro communities to prevent neonatal and maternal deaths.Based on the 2010 census, ARMM has the highest poverty incidence and seen as one of the reasons for high neonatal and maternal deaths.Under the new program, UNFPA will provide training for RH team leaders followed by the launching of Ligtas Buntis 2016. The LOU refers to a program of Strengthening Capacities for Reproductive Health, (RH) Service and Advocacy in the Bangsamoro. It is the first time that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, thru theBDAis collaborating with UNFPA particularly on the issue of Reproductive Health.The MILF leadership appreciated the LOU signing and hoped that UNFPA andBDAcan work together along the relevance of one of the agreements in the peace process which is the Normalization Annex. As a component, health program is one of the priorities.In explaining the UNFPA's objectives for visiting Camp Darapanan, Mr. Beck said Our commitment to improve the lives of the people in Bangsamoro is an everlasting commitment despite or regardless of insecurities and uncertainties, new challenges that would be thrown on our way. Continuous commitment is our commitment .In response, Chairman Al Hajj Murad reiterated their acceptance of collaboration between MILF and UNFPA, working together for the development of Bangsamoro, and for attaining lasting peace in the area. He again expressed thanks and gratitude for the coming of Beck’s delegation and UNFPA’s assistance thru the development programs that were long been necessary.