COTABATO CITY—The European Union (EU) will provide technical-vocational training to some 600 ex-combatants in Mindanao.
The effort is part of the EU’s greater plan to convert former rebel camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) into peaceful and productive locales.
“The decommissioned MILF will undergo training through the EU’s ‘Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion, Violence Prevention and Economic Empowerment,’ [or PROACTIVE],” said Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Bangsamoro Region’s Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE).
This unfolded after the ceremonial signing of an agreement between MBHTE and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to Iqbal, PROACTIVE aims to enhance local capacities in facilitating the transition and transformation of MILF’s six major declared camps into peaceful and productive communities.
Meanwhile, UNDP resident representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran said the $4.6-million project will run for two years. It aims to enable “social cohesion and community resilience,” as it aspires to increase the participation of women, youth and faith-based leaders in peacebuilding in their respective communities, while promoting a culture of peace, and conflict transformation.
Ramachandran added that vocational skill-development training and accreditation will also provide a richer environment for income sources for the 600 decommissioned combatants.
Iqbal lauded the bloc’s persistent support of the Bangsamoro and Mindanao peace process: “The participation and role of the EU are very crucial.”
Image credits: Michael Camsa/Bangsamoro Information Office