GENSAN (02 OCTOBER 2024) – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) forged their partnership to promote science-and-technology innovations in the transformation of six previously acknowledged Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps into peaceful, productive and climate-resilient communities through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Wednesday, October 2 in General Santos City.

The partnership also seeks to empower MILF communities by equipping them with technology-driven solutions to advance sustainable livelihood opportunities, promote community well-being, and build resilience, which are key in fostering long-term peace and development in the Bangsamoro region.

The agreement is in line with objectives of the camps transformation program under the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) to ensure human security in the Bangsamoro.

The OPAPRU-DOST MOA is also expected to benefit former MILF combatants and their families living in target barangays hosted at the six acknowledged MILF camps, namely: Camp Abubakar as-siddique in Barira, Maguindanao; Camp Busrah Somiorang in Butig, Lanao del Sur; Camp Rajamuda in Pikit, Cotabato; Camp Badre in Guindulungan, Maguindanao; Camp Bilal in Munai, Lanao del Norte; and Camp Omar Ibn Al-Khattab in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao.

A framework for transforming former MILF camps into thriving, self-sufficient communities

According to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., his agency is committed to supporting OPAPRU in implementing these science-based socioeconomic projects in the MILF camps.

“The DOST has a program for geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) called community empowerment through Science and Technology or CEST. This flagship program has the following entry points: First, health and nutrition including water and sanitation. Two, basic education and literacy. Three, environmental management. Fourth, livelihood and economic enterprise development. And fifth, disaster-risk reduction and climate change which are the four pillars of the areas,” Solidum said in his message of commitment.

“So with this, we hope that through science and technology, we can promote peace and development. The goal of peace and security is development and the DOST is one with you, as our mission is to use science and technology [and] innovation to make sure all Filipinos will benefit from this science and technology for their social and economic development,” he added.

He also cited “four strategic outcomes which are very relevant to local governments and the national government: promotion of human well-being, creation of health, protection of wealth and sustainability.”

The DOST will provide technical expertise and implement technology-based projects, while the OPAPRU shall closely work with the GPH-MILF Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation (JTFCT) in managing and monitoring the project implementation.

Bridging divides through science and technology

“The power of technology, particularly in the area of peacebuilding, cannot be overemphasized. It has the potential to bridge divides, foster dialogue, and create new opportunities for economic growth and expansion. Moreover, it can help in healing the emotional wounds of the past, building bridges of trust, and empowering communities to achieve their full potential,” stressed Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity in his remarks.

“This partnership between OPAPRU and DOST, therefore, symbolizes our shared vision of a secure, prosperous, and progressive Bangsamoro. By leveraging DOST’s expertise in science and technology, we can implement innovative solutions that address the pressing challenges currently faced by MILF communities,” Galvez noted.

He explained that the agreement focuses on the utilization of technology to enhance agricultural practices within the communities by promoting sustainable farming methods, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving market access.

Galvez also explained how the partnership will uplift health conditions in in the former MILF camps as “technology will be the key in promoting the use of renewable energy, improving healthcare, and enhancing education, as well as in the areas of “healthcare, telemedicine and remote diagnostics [which] can improve people’s access to quality healthcare services, especially in remote areas.”

According to the peace adviser, maximizing the use of technology can empower MILF communities through education and skills development initiatives by providing access to digital learning resources, online courses, and vocational training.

Galvez stressed that equipping individuals with the essential skills “will help them succeed in this highly-competitive and rapidly changing world.”
He underscored that the Php 49 million joint OPAPRU-DOST project will maximize the use of science and technology as drivers of peace, development and progress in the Bangsamoro region. ###