The European Union (EU) is extending an additional P200 million for the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF) to support the government’s effort to keep peace in Southern Philippines.
In a news statement released on Tuesday, the EU said the newly approved contribution is intended to be spent for the next 18 months to help the government monitor the situation, diffuse tensions and create a more inclusive political platform in Mindanao.
“EU is a reliable, impartial and committed partner in the pursuit of peace and development in Mindanao. It remains steadfast in its resolve to continue strengthening this partnership in the future,” EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said.
The EU is also developing a comprehensive peace and development program to push for peace and development in Mindanao.
Jessen said the EU is planning to step up considerably its support to the region, and is currently preparing a new program to be signed next year.
The program will be done in partnership with the Philippine government and aims to consolidate peace and development through confidence-building measures and inclusive growth.
The MTF is a facility where various donors have agreed together to contribute to the socioeconomic recovery of conflict-affected communities of Mindanao.
The EU is currently the main contributor to the multidonor MTF providing around 80 percent of its total amount.
Over the past 11 years the program has delivered more than 500 community subprojects for over 650,000 people in 316 conflict-affected communities all over Mindanao, in an effort to demonstrate the benefits of reaping the dividends of peace.
In 2015 the EU’s total official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines reached $227.31 million. This accounted for 1.45 percent of the country’s total ODA worth $15.71 billion.