EU pledges funds for Mindanao conflict areas

COTABATO CITY—Impressed by the government’s implementation of the foreign-assisted Early Recovery and Rehabilitation Program in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, the European Union has pledged to infuse an additional 4 million euros (P241 million) as program extension support starting January next year.

“Well and good, and we hope to see the same momentum of cooperation in place onward to 2012,” said EU program officer Carol Manigo.

Manigo, accompanied by United Nations Development Program and Mindanao Development Authority representatives, visited Maguindanao on Wednesday and Thursday.

She announced the program extension support for the rehabilitation of school buildings, core shelters, and roads after inspecting resettlement sites in Kabuntalan and Datu Saudi towns.

Manigo said aside from Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur would also benefit from the additional funds.

Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said ongoing and future projects would be properly implemented because safety measures were in place.

He did not say what these safety measures were but added it would ensure that funds intended for the project would be disbursed and used as specified.

Meanwhile, the United Nation’s World Food Program (WFP) said it was assisting volunteers involved in the construction of school buildings and other infrastructure in Maguindanao.

The WFP said among the areas it is assisting is Sultan sa Barongis town, where civilians take part in rehabilitating at least 12 health stations.

“Self-help is at work here, with so many volunteers willing to give their services for free knowing the importance of health to their community,” Dr. Tahir Sulaik, Maguindanao health chief, said. Charlie C. Señase, Inquirer Mindanao