EU AND BANGSAMORO GOVERNMENT BREAK GROUND ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S SCHOOL OF LIVING TRADITIONS IN UPI

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EU AND BANGSAMORO GOVERNMENT BREAK GROUND ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S SCHOOL OF LIVING TRADITIONS IN UPI

18.07.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to PHILIPPINES

UPI, Maguindanao del Norte - The European Union and the Bangsamoro Government joined forces today at the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Indigenous People's School of Living Traditions in Upi, Maguindanao del Norte.

The design and construction of the new facility is funded by the EU's Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, in support of the Bangsamoro Government's commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Teduray tribe and other indigenous peoples. This facility also establishes a central hub for cultural activities, conflict resolution, skills training for livelihood and community gatherings to promote indigenous peoples' rights and interests in the BARMM.

The ceremony commenced with an indigenous ritual at dawn, followed by a formal program. Key speakers included Ma. Rona Cristina P. Flores, Municipal Mayor of Upi, who welcomed the guests, and Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, SUBATRA Programme Director, who provided an overview of the project.

In his message, he stressed that the project is a "testament to our commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous Peoples...ensuring that the unique identity and traditions of our indigenous peoples are passed down to future generations," EU Delegation to the Philippines' Head of Cooperation, Christoph Wagner, reiterated the EU's dedication to the Bangsamoro region. " Our commitment goes beyond infrastructure. It is about helping preserve the rich culture of indigenous peoples, and ensuring that they fully benefit from sustainable development initiatives of the Region " Wagner stated.

Assistant Senior Minister Dong Cusain of the Bangsamoro Government emphasized the significance of the new school. "The School of Living Traditions is a significant step towards the preservation and promotion of our indigenous cultural heritage," he said.

For his part, Minister Melanio U. Ulama of the Ministry of Indigenous People's Affairs (MIPA), stressed the importance of the school. "This initiative is vital for the Teduray tribe as it will help preserve our traditions and pass them on to future generations. It embodies our commitment to safeguarding our cultural identity," Ulama stated.

Dr. Tomanda Antok, Provincial Administrator of Maguindanao del Norte,and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., also delivered messages underscoring the importance of the project for the indigenous peoples.

The event culminated with a symbolic groundbreaking, led by Christoph Wagner, Senior Minister Maslamama, Secretary Galvez, DG Mohajirin T. Ali, Mayor Flores, Maria Cristina Palamini, and Minister Ulama.

About SUBATRA

Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) is a five-year programme funded by the European Union, through an Agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines with a value of EUR 26 million or over PHP1.5 Billion.

SUBATRA contributes to a smooth and timely undertaking of the transition through capacity building of the three branches of the Bangsamoro Government (executive, legislative and judicial) and civil society organizations. This will promote an enabling good governance environment and support the efficient implementation of policies set up by the transition plan, focusing on capacities critical for the sound functioning of interim institutions. These include: i) capacity of the BTA's executive branch superstructure to drive and coordinate key transitional policies; ii) capacity of the Parliament to exercise its law-making and oversight functions; iii) capacity of the Justice System to adjudicate litigations and improve access to justice, and iv) capacity of the civil society to contribute to a peaceful transition to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Contact : Christine Bernadette ALMOITE

[email protected]

0936 9682 806