MANILA, Philippines - Japan's role in the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) continues to grow, particularly in assistance to develop conflict-hit areas.
The MILF said Japan recently backed an interim study report and implementing guidelines for the Socio-Economic Reconstruction and Development of Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao (SERD-CAAM).
"Japanese officials stressed that Japan ODA for the Philippines has been steadily increasing. Accordingly, Japan is fully resolved to pursue economic and technical cooperation with the Philippines, committed to support the Mindanao peace process and the forging of comprehensive and lasting solution to the armed conflict in Mindanao," the MILF said in a statement on its website.
The MILF said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), MILF Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), tripartite body acting as Project Steering Committee (PSC), and the National Economic Development Agency (NEDA)-FO 12, serving as co-chair with the BDA of the Technical Working Group (TWG), had approved the interim report and implementing guidelines.
The approval of the two technical documents by OPAPP Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, BDA Chairman Dr. Abas Candao and JICA Study Team Leader Dr. Hani Abdul-Halim enhanced the implementation of impending approved projects being supported by JICA and Japanese Embassy in Manila.
It also primed up the realization of envisioned future cooperation with the Japanese government for the peace process in Mindanao, the MILF said.
SERDCAAM is a two-year project that focuses on needs in conflict-hit areas in Mindanao. It focuses on implementation of quick impact projects and on-the-spot assistance, and the formulation of Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP).
The MILF said the final report of the SERD-CAAM is due for completion and approval by December this year will primary serve as the window for future socio-economic development assistance for Mindanao by the Japanese government and other donor agencies.
More than 10 development projects like school buildings, multi-purpose building, women development center, water system, farm implements, public facilities renovation were implemented last year under the auspices of Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD).
During the SERD-CAAM PSC and TWG meetings in Manila last week, Japan Embassy officials announced the released of P8 million in relief assistance for communities affected by Typhoon "Frank" and for the massive flooding in Cotabato City and neighboring areas.
"Both the government and the MILF, especially the beneficiary-communities that had been ravaged and impoverished by the long-years of strife, conveyed endless gratitude and appreciation for the strong Japanese assistance for the quest for peace in Mindanao,"
the MILF said. - GMANews.TV