THE UNITED NATIONS Development Programme (UNDP) and the Japanese government on Wednesday has initiated a $3 million (454 million yen) project aimed at supporting the economic development of communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The Project for Promoting Human Security through the Community Economic Development and Livelihood Initiatives in Bangsamoro Region in the Philippines (CEDAR) is a three-year program that would focus on 12 communities that have been affected by conflict in the region.

“Project CEDAR aims to contribute to an enabling environment for sustainable area-based development in the conflict-affected and vulnerable communities, promote human security through community economic development and live youth initiative, and enhance local capacities to implement community transformation of the process,” UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran said during the signing ceremony.

The CEDAR project will run from April 1 to March 31, 2028 and funded by the Japanese Government.

“This project’s duration of three years will allow for more sustained engagements and a wider window for relevant supports.” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said.

The project will target 12 communities in BARMM and surrounding areas, particularly in Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) areas.

The UN agency did not disclose specific locations; however, it is targeting to reach four MILF communities outside six acknowledged camps, four MNLF communities, two non-Moro Indigenous Peoples communities, and two Christian settler communities. — Adrian H. Halili

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