The ILO, in partnership with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), developed tools, methodologies, systems and strategies through a participatory action research under the Programme for Local Economic Development through Enhanced Governance (PLEDGE). The project included training on gender, values transformation, production and service skills, enterprise development, and supply chain operations at the community level.

Since its implementation, PLEDGE has reached 4,853 beneficiaries in 11 conflict-affected communities, while 1,178 people trained in local enterprise development. 42 registered businesses provided jobs to over1,000 people. It also promoted supply chains to develop enterprises and to promote job creation and employment.

The ILO also helped develop the capacity of BDA to work on long-term organizational and business relationships of People’s Organizations and their enterprise projects to create internal market system by strengthening forward and backward linkages at the community levels before the connect with external markets. As a result, 308 staff and officials of the BDA were trained in Local Enterprise Development, while 12 were certified trainers of the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB).

Community-based enterprise projects such as land preparation services in rice and corn production, food processing and catering, banana-based food processing, home décor and garment making, cassava and sweet potato processing, dress-making and goat fattening were piloted in Barangay Koronadal Proper in Polomolok Municipality, South Cotabato and and Barangay Mamaanun Proper in the municipality of Piagapo, Lanao Sur.

The Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF), a multi-donor grant facility established in 2005 funded the project. The MTF was created to consolidate international development assistance for socio-economic recovery of conflict-affected communities in Mindanao.

The MTF Steering Committee is chaired by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, the BDA and the World Bank (WB). Contributing donors are the European Union; Swedish International Development Agency; Australian Embassy Philippines; Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada; United States Agency for International Development; New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and the World Bank, which also serves as the Trust Fund Secretariat.

PLEDGE quarterly progress reports summarize initiatives and achievements based on project outcomes.

For further information please contact:

ILO Country Office for the Philippines (CO-Manila)
19^th Floor, Yuchengco Tower
RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue
1200 Makati City, Philippines
Tel: +632 8580 9900
Fax +632 8856 7597
Email

Note: During the Inception Phase, there was an endorsement and approval that programme’s title will be consistent with the BDA’s principle of enlightened governance and grassroots empowerment.