H.E. Luc Véron, European Union in the Philippines Ambassador, Head of Cooperation Christopher Wagner, Programme Manager for Cooperation Myrto Christofido, Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama, Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., MTIT Minister Abuamri Taddik, and Project Director Datu Hamsur Zaid led the ceremonial activity held at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex.
BAEP is a five-year program worth about PHP 1.2 billion supported by the European Union through an agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.
Minister Mohammad S Yacob, Ph.D., said, “The collaboration between the European Union and the Bangsamoro region showcased a shared commitment to sustainable development and prosperity. The European Union has been a crucial partner in supporting initiatives that contribute to the economic upliftment of the Bangsamoro people.”
He said the components and projects that make up this Programme are not mere strategies; they represent a collective commitment to the progress of the BARMM Agri-business sector. From CRESCENT to FAIR-VALUE, each project is a testament to our dedication to creating a resilient, competitive, and responsible agribusiness environment.
“As we gather here today, let us not only celebrate the launch of the BAEP but also recognize the collective efforts that have brought us to this significant juncture. The challenges ahead are considerable, but with the collaborative spirit of our partners and stakeholders, we are confident in our ability to overcome them,” the Minister added.
The targeted beneficiaries are small and medium-sized farmers and enterprises in the agri-fishery value chains in the three island provinces of (BaSulTa) the Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi will receive support from the program, as well as the Halal sector and the promotion of private sector investment throughout the region.
EU Ambassador Luc Véron thanked the BARMM government for its engagement and leading role and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the achievement of sustainable peace in the Bangsamoro region.
“BAEP will accompany the EU’s other peace and development programs to provide support to the BARMM government in delivering peace dividends to communities in the region, in particular in isolated places that often feel left behind, he stressed.
He said we thank the BARMM government, especially its Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform, for their leading role and for showing the way to a more inclusive and peaceful BARMM.”
The BARMM’s efforts to develop the area’s ability to market high-quality food products and draw investment into the agri-fishery industry will receive additional support from BAEP.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, represented by Senior Minister Maslamama, expressed his support and gratitude, “As we continue sowing the crop to sustain the dividends of the peace process, let us remember that the success of the Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Programme is a shared responsibility.”
“The collaboration between the Bangsamoro government, the European Union, and various stakeholders is crucial. Together, we can overcome obstacles, capitalize on opportunities, unlock potential, and create a model for sustainable development that inspires other regions facing similar circumstances,” he added.
In addition, the Programme will be implemented by five development agencies or partners, with separate but thematically related projects, including the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) together with United Nation Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO), and International Trade Center (ITC), the People in Need / Clovek and OXFAM, with technical assistance provided by Agriconsulting Europe S.A (Agriconsulting Europe).
A nomination has been made for MAFAR to be the primary ministry and the site of a project management office.
