In line with the government’s commitment to fast track socio-economic development in Mindanao, the DSWD will implement cash-for work (CFW) and livelihood program geared towards uplifting the lives of the Bangsamoro people.

This developed following the historic visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao recently for the launching of the ‘Sajahatra Bangsamoro’ Program.

‘Sajahatra Bangsamoro’ or ‘Peace Bangsamoro’ in Arabi-Melayu-Bahasa, is a government socio-economic peace initiative that aims to uplift the health, education and livelihood of Bangsamoro communities.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman who joined President Aquino during the launching of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program, said that “the long wait is over for development and progress in Mindanao. Our Muslim brothers can now have access to basic social services and will eventually become government’s partners in nation-building.”

Secretary Soliman said that more than 11,000 family members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will benefit from the DSWD’s cash-for-work program. They will receive cash based on the prevailing regional wage rate in exchange for doing community projects.

The Sajahatra Bangsamoro will be implemented in MILF communities for 18 months while awaiting for the signing of final peace agreement.

In a related development, Mohagher Iqbal, chief negotiator for the MILF said that they support the implementation of government’s programs and projects, especially the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program that “helps thousands of our brothers and sisters in the whole Mindanao Region.” He appealed that the government should closely monitor the program to prevent politicians from taking advantage of the beneficiaries to advance their political cause.

The Pantawid Pamilya program provides direct education and health subsidies to families who comply with certain conditions, including regular school attendance for children and regular health center visits for mothers and children.

Moreover, the DSWD recently released P5 million worth of livelihood assistance to the Municipality of Midsayap, North Cotabato.  The P5 million is the DSWD’s counterpart to the P5 million allocated by Congressman Jesus Sacdalan to initially benefit 500 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Alamada, Pikit, Aleosan, and Pigcawayan in North Cotabato.

Secretary Soliman said that Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries will also organize into cooperative to avail of the sustainable livelihood projects such as managing sari-sari stores and fertilizer production. ###