WB considering ARMM infra, health projects
KORONADAL CITY — A senior World Bank (WB) official led a group composed of International Finance Corp. (IFC) and private sector representatives in a series of Mindanao meetings on Monday to explore investing in development projects in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
WB Vice-President for East Asia and the Pacific Axel van Trotsenburg said the bank will continue to support socioeconomic programs, especially in conflict-affected communities within the ARMM.
Mr. van Trotsenburg made the commitment during the meetings, including one with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chaired by Al Haj Murad Ebrahim at Camp Darapanan, the group’s headquarter in Maguindanao province.
The senior WB executive was joined by officials from the IFC, the bank’s private sector investment arm. They met with leaders of civil society groups in Cotabato City, as well as officials of Ayala Corp., Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), and First Agri Holdings Corp. (FAHC).
Mr. van Trotsenburg reiterated that the Bank and IFC are eager to work closely with the private sector to facilitate investments that will create new job opportunities for the conflict-affected population.
The trip was co-organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress, which last year launched the Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program in cooperation with the Mindanao Development Authority.
Mr. van Trotsenburg said the Bank can contribute in the areas of maternal health, education, and infrastructure.
These efforts, he said, are intended as measures for poverty alleviation to go alongside the peace process.
“The Bank continues to believe in the peace process for a region that was seriously affected by conflict. We look forward to working with all parties — the government, the MILF, the private sector, local communities and development partners — in transforming the ARMM into a region of prosperity and successful poverty reduction,” Mr. van Trotsenburg said in a statement.
In particular, he pointed out the priority for quick-impact programs that will address immediate needs as raised by Mr. Murad.
Mr. Murad, according to the WB statement, underscored the importance of private sector involvement in economic initiatives alongside the peace process.
The MILF signed a peace agreement with the government last year, which has become the foundation for the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) currently pending in Congress. Under the BBL, a new Bangsamoro entity will be established, replacing the ARMM.
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