The German Embassy in the Philippines, together with around 70 implementing partner organizations, continue to support sustainable peace-building in Mindanao through several German-funded projects that employ an inclusive approach in various sectors.
In a press statement, German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel said Germany is convinced that a successful and inclusive peace process will increase prosperity and social cohesion not only in the Philippines, but also in this highly inter-connected region.
He also noted Germany aims to expand partnership with the Philippines, as the Indo-Pacific region is of growing relevance to his country’s political and economic spheres.
Working with the Philippine government and non-governmental organizations, Germany is currently providing more than two billion pesos (Php 2 billion) in direct support.
The country’s projects include building institutions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), reintegrating former combatants into society and empowering key stakeholders such as the youth, women and indigenous people.
One such project is the Youth for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence in Mindanao (YOUCAP). In partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), the project aims to empower the youth and keep them from being involved in armed conflict.
YOUCAP actively works with Sangguniang Kabataan (local youth government organizations) officials in four local governments in Regions X and XIII to develop conflict, gender and culturally-sensitive Local Youth Development Plans.
On women empowerment, the German Foreign Federal Office is working with Relief International on a new project called Women Engaged in Responsive Solutions to Conflicts and Violence in Mindanao (We-RESOLVE). The project which started on September 15 aims to increase the participation of Bangsamoro women in their own communities while providing them with livelihood opportunities.
The project conducts workshops to equip local government units, women-led civil society organizations, community members and other stakeholders with the skills to develop better gender and development plans. They are also implementing activities that promote peace, thereby supporting the creation of Peace Communities.
As part of peace-building efforts, Germany is also providing financial support for projects in key sectors such as land rights, disaster risk reduction, health, human rights, climate change, and livelihood.
Ambassador Reiffenstuel stressed while short-lived benefits are good, ensuring the welfare of BARMM residents for the long term is of utmost importance. He added that Germany and its partner organizations identify synergies between the national development goals and the projects, and build up on them to ensure their lasting effects.
