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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Republic of Korea strengthens support for BARMM peace, health, and development projects

Republic of Korea strengthens support for BARMM peace, health, and development projects

Published Jun 2, 2026 03:28 pm
The Republic of Korea has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peacebuilding and inclusive development initiatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following the official visit of Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa to Cotabato City on June 1.
During his meeting with BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua, Lee underscored South Korea’s continued support for the Mindanao Peace Process and for efforts to strengthen governance, healthcare systems, and essential public services across the region.
Republic of Korea Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa visits Cotabato City and meets with BARMM officials to discuss ongoing cooperation on peacebuilding, healthcare transformation, and inclusive development initiatives in the Bangsamoro region.
Republic of Korea Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa visits Cotabato City and meets with BARMM officials to discuss ongoing cooperation on peacebuilding, healthcare transformation, and inclusive development initiatives in the Bangsamoro region.
The visit marked Lee’s first official trip to Cotabato City, the seat of the BARMM government, where both sides discussed ongoing cooperation in peacebuilding and socio-economic development initiatives.
Lee emphasized that the Korean government considers the Mindanao Peace Process a priority in its bilateral relations with the Philippines, noting that the issue has been highlighted in high-level discussions between the two countries.
Korea remains committed to supporting peace and development efforts in BARMM through humanitarian assistance, institutional capacity-building, and sustainable development programs, according to Lee.
The ambassador also cited Korea’s humanitarian assistance to the Philippines, including the provision of around 2,000 metric tons of rice aid in 2025, with 384 metric tons allocated specifically for BARMM communities.
Korea also continues to support climate resilience and sustainable development initiatives in the region through the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
As part of his itinerary, Lee visited project sites funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNICEF.
Among the flagship programs highlighted was the Building Resilience through Inclusive Governance and Healthcare Transformation in BARMM (BRIGHT-BARMM) project, a USD 13 million initiative jointly implemented by KOICA and IOM from 2025 to 2030.
The program is expected to directly benefit more than 400,000 individuals while indirectly supporting approximately 5.6 million residents through strengthened healthcare systems, improved maternal and adolescent health services, and enhanced preparedness for public health emergencies.
Lee also highlighted the Supporting Peace Building through Strengthening Essential Services for Vulnerable Children and Adolescents in BARMM (SPB-BARMM) project, a USD 5.95 million initiative jointly implemented by KOICA and UNICEF from 2023 to 2027.
The project aims to improve access to healthcare, nutrition, education, child protection, and youth engagement services for vulnerable children, adolescents, and women in conflict-affected, geographically isolated, and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in Maguindanao and Cotabato City.
According to Lee, both projects demonstrate the importance of integrating humanitarian assistance, development cooperation, and peacebuilding efforts to sustain long-term stability in the Bangsamoro region.
He also expressed appreciation for the BARMM government’s cooperation in implementing the projects and conveyed optimism for their continued success.
The Korean envoy likewise reiterated support for the smooth implementation of the Mindanao Peace Process, including ongoing decommissioning efforts and socio-economic development programs.
Lee also expressed hope that the upcoming BARMM parliamentary elections in September would be conducted in a free, fair, peaceful, and orderly manner, further strengthening democratic governance and preserving the gains of the peace process. 

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Korea Philippines BARMM support Mindanao Peace Process KOICA
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