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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider OPAPRU, DFA cooperating to pour in more foreign aid to BARMM

OPAPRU, DFA cooperating to pour in more foreign aid to BARMM

Published Mar 23, 2025 02:30 am
Carlito galvez.jpg
OPAPRU Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. lauds the agency's international and private peace partners during the inaugural International and Private Partnerships Forum (IPPF) 2024 at the Manila Hotel on Nov. 14, 2024. (Photo by John Louie Abrina / MANILA BULLETIN)

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure that additional international aid and support will be delivered to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

OPAPRU Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. said the DFA has taken a more proactive role in the Bangsamoro peace process by ensuring that foreign aid is appropriately aligned with the needs of the Moro people and communities.

“The Bangsamoro peace process is not just a national concern but a global success story in the making. Our international partners have been vital in filling gaps in resources, expertise, and support,” he said on Sunday, March 23.

The peace adviser called on stakeholders to prioritize the people of BARMM as he emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing key issues affecting the region.

“At this stage, it is not about political interests or individual ambitions. It is about ensuring that the people of Bangsamoro truly experience the dividends of peace,” he added.

Last March 14, the OPAPRU held a closed-door briefing with the DFA at the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) in Camp Brig. Gen. Gonzalo H. Siongco in Brgy. Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao to discuss security concerns, the upcoming parliamentary elections in October, and coordination efforts among stakeholders.

DFA Office of Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Undersecretary Jesus S. Domingo underscored the department’s role in ensuring that international support remains transparent and accountable as BARMM transitions into full autonomy.

However, DFA Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Maria Agnes M. Cervantes noted a “communication gap” as she said some organizations engage directly with OPAPRU without the DFA’s oversight.

In response, OPAPRU Director Wendell P. Orbeso emphasized the need for a proactive rather than reactive approach to managing international engagements in the region.

"We are working closely with the DFA to define a structured policy on how international partners can collaborate with the Philippine government to support the Bangsamoro peace process," he explained.

Over the years, the OPAPRU said that international partners have played a crucial role in peace efforts in BARMM. 

It said countries like Türkiye, Norway, Brunei, and Malaysia have been instrumental in the success of peace mechanisms such as the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) and the International Monitoring Team (IMT). 

Meanwhile, nations such as Japan, Australia, the United States, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom have poured in substantial financial and technical support through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and World Food Programme (WFP), among others. 

International non-governmental organizations, including Nonviolent Peaceforce, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Conciliation Resources, Catholic Relief Services, and Kroc Institute, have also rolled out livelihood projects as well as conflict resolution, and grassroots peacebuilding programs.

The European Union has also implemented assistance grants which are aimed at supporting normalization projects in BARMM.

Galvez said that through the “historic” cooperation with the DFA, the OPAPRU has been more equipped to synchronize international assistance with the Bangsamoro’s long-term development goals.

Related Tags

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) OPAPRU BARMM Carlito Galvez Jr.
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