COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Project Advisory Board (BPAB) convened for a meeting to discuss and approve key developments under the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) on March 3.
Presided over by Deputy Project Director Tong Pinguiaman, the meeting brought together representatives from BPAB composed of MIPA, MENRE, MPW, and MTIT, the Regional Project Coordination Office – BARMM (RPCO BARMM), and the Project Support Office (PSO), with some participants joining via Zoom.
The primary agenda focused on enhancing members’ understanding of MIADP, reviewing feasibility studies, and approving the proposed Agro-Industrial Infrastructure (AD-INFRA) Subproject for the Construction of a Multi-Purpose Building with Solar Dryer Pavement. The facility is expected to significantly benefit Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities by providing a dedicated space for agricultural processing and post-harvest activities.
RPCO BARMM’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Jihad Maliga, opened the session with an orientation on MIADP, highlighting its objectives, key components, and the transition of BPAB members from the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) to MIADP. Business Development Officer Nesrin Abdillah then presented the feasibility study, detailing the project’s scope and expected impact on IP communities.
During the open forum, BPAB members raised concerns about project technicalities and the RBCO-BARMM remains open to further technical consultations and will continue working closely with BPAB members, local government units, and IP leaders to ensure that all MIADP subprojects are effectively implemented, benefiting the communities they are intended to serve.
Following deliberations, BPAB members reached a consensus to approve and endorse the proposed subproject at the national level. The quorum was met, and the presiding officer ensured the project’s approval.
Also, Deputy Project Director Pinguiaman closed the meeting by expressing gratitude for the members’ participation and commitment. He reiterated MIADP’s goal of uplifting Indigenous Peoples through well-planned and impactful projects that promote agricultural development and economic sustainability.
