EU vows P275-M grant for Bangsamoro peace process

MANILA, Philippines – The European Union (EU) on Wednesday afternoon vowed continued support to Mindanao and its peace process and is providing P275 million grant as contribution for its aid.

EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said the EU decided to boost its funding to support the peace and development in Mindanao.

The bloc also launched a new program in support of the peace process where the P275 million (5.5 million euros or $6 million) worth of grants is provided to allow for a smooth transition and create conditions for the establishment of the autonomous region of the Bangsamoro, through the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Jessen said the program is intended to contribute to peace building and conflict mitigation, support the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro and reinforce local institutions and political processes.

"I want to reaffirm the importance the EU attaches to giving life to the (peace process) and to the development of the long-term political, economic and social pillars that will bring the peace dividend to the country as a whole," Jessen told reporters in a press conference in Makati City on Wednesday.

“Inspired with this firm to resolve peace, the EU’s eagerness and readiness to support the calls for a negotiated political settlement in Mindanao remains,” he added.

Jessen said the P275 million aid is purely in a form of grants channeled through the Non-Violent Forces Non-Governmental Organization Foundation Suisse de Deminage, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, United Nations Development Program and Center for Humanitarian Dialogue.

Mindanao is expected to benefit from two local sectors identified in the EU development strategy for the Philippines from 2014 to 2020 which includes inclusive growth through access to job opportunities, sustainable energy and firm rule of law.

Jessen also lauded the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s efforts to uphold peace process in Mindanao. He is scheduled to visit Cotabato on December 11 to 12 for the first time to meet with peace stakeholders and express EU's continued support.

“The European Union is impressed by the fact the government’s and the MILF’s commitment to the peace process despite delay of the adoption of the Bangsamoro Basic Law has not changed,” Jessen said.

EU is one of the biggest foreign donors providing aid to Mindanao trough comprehensive approach supporting the political settlement and supporting longer term development.

Last week, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, expressed support to the peace process during their meeting with President Benigno Aquino III.

The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law has yet to pass Congress.