EU provides Php 312M grant to WFP to deliver peace dividends for conflict-hit families in Mindanao

In line with the peace framework agreement of the Philippine government with the Bangsamoro communities in Mindanao, the European Union (EU) provides EUR 5.9 Million or Php 312 Million to the United Nation World Food Programme (WFP) to support this campaign to bring peace at the same time provide livelihood recovery to 50, 000 families or 300, 000 persons displaced by the past conflict in Mindanao particularly in the central area.

In regards with the livelihood projects where the grant will be used, WFP Philippines Country Director Stephen Anderson mentioned that it depends to the needs of the communities where they will ensure technical support according to the requirements of each community. Which was seconded by Ambassador Guy Ledoux which it is important for them to cater on the needs of the communities which the grant targets. While according to Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) this will surely contribute to the peace framework that the governement and Bangsamoro community.

The agreement and the turn over of grant happened at the office of DSWD and witnessed by UN Resident Coordinator Liezel Carvalho, Member of Peace Panel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Mike Pasigan, Governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Mujiv Hataman, and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles.

This will be the first grant that EU awarded to WFP and DSWD under the peace framework, meanwhile since 2006 WFP is supporting the peace process and targeting areas in Central Mindanao particularly in the area of malnutrition, displacement and school feeding.