Peace Links Program - I

Results achieved as of December 2014 include: (1) 500 000 people (51% women) in 214 conflict-affected communities across 75 municipalities in Mindanao have improved access to basic services and economic opportunities through more than 303 sub-projects in areas such as: infrastructure (agri-machineries electrification etc); health centers; skills for employment training; and income-generating activities. (2) The Mindanao Trust Fund has also significantly improved the capacity of 73 officers from the Bangsamoro Development Agency which is playing a lead role in the transition to the creation of the new Bangsamoro government that if passed by the Philippine Congress is expected to replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao; (3) increased effectiveness in planning implementing and monitoring development initiatives that have been selected by the communities based on needs and in an inclusive manner promoting the full participation and representation of women and various ethnic and religious groups; (4) led the preparation of the Bangsamoro Development Plan that identifies short-term needs in the transition period to a new Bangsamoro government and set out longer-term strategic directions for the development of the new Bangsamoro region. These results have contributed to creating more peaceful cooperation trust and greater social cohesion among ethnic and religious groups in the communities that have received assistance.