COTABATO CITY (May 8, 2024) — The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) and the Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM) held a meeting at the MILG Regional Office, Bangsamoro Government Center, on May 7, 2024, to solidify their partnership for peace-building endeavors and to empower communities in the Bangsamoro region.
The gathering was presided over by MILG’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division (DRRMD) Chief Engr. Abdul Nazer K. Ugokan highlighted the concerted efforts of both organizations toward fostering sustainable peace and stability in the region.
During the discussions, TPBPM, led by its Founder and President Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, showcased its existing Peace and Protection Agreements (PPAs), emphasizing collaborative opportunities with MILG. The meeting also served as a platform for TPBPM to extend an invitation to MILG for its forthcoming launching activities in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, with a focus on collaborative efforts towards common objectives.
Recognizing the potential synergies between TPBPM’s initiatives and MILG’s Project TuGon, aimed at facilitating the reintegration of former members of local threat groups into society, the parties explored avenues for enhanced cooperation.
Moreover, MILG proposed the involvement of the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) to amplify the impact of their joint initiatives. The MILG and TPBPM also agreed to share data to identify eligible beneficiaries for TPBPM’s training and activities, with the overarching goal of nurturing peace advocates within communities.
TPBPM, reiterating its commitment to sustained collaboration, assured MILG of continued communication and coordination. The endorsement of this alliance by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim signifies a significant stride towards advancing peace, resilience, and community empowerment in the Bangsamoro region.
The partnership between MILG and TPBPM heralds a new chapter in the region’s pursuit of peace, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the complex challenges facing Bangsamoro communities. As both organizations forge ahead, their collective endeavor promises to bring about tangible positive changes, paving the way for a brighter future for all residents of the Bangsamoro region. (Sahara A. Saban, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
