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UK, TAF introduce second cohort of fellows for BARMM LGU leaders

Government leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao gathered to reinforce their commitment to driving transformative peace and development in the region.

A fellowship program which seeks to strengthen the collaboration and knowledge sharing between LGUs to support local governance in the Bangsamoro has been introduced by The Asia Foundation, with the Galing Pook Foundation, through the support of the UK Government and in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government. 

Local government leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao gathered on 5 October to reinforce their commitment to driving transformative peace and development in the region. During the programme, they welcomed a new cohort of fellows for the LGU Fellowship Program on Social Cohesion and Resilience.

The UK Government continues to support the peace process in the BARMM, sharing their experience of the peace process in Northern Ireland. The UK’s programme work focusses on strengthening government institutions, advancing women’s political participation and strengthening the protection of women’s rights in conflict areas; and promoting active civic engagement.

The British Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, joined to welcome the fellows. The gathering provided a forum for cordial exchange of experiences and aspirations for the Bangsamoro region.

We are delighted to be partnering with The Asia Foundation to support the journey to lasting peace in the Bangsamoro region. This programme will work with our partners in local government to support good governance and promote resilience. The UK reiterates its unwavering support for the Peace Process and delivering the economic and social dividends of peace.

The successful launch of the programme is a step forward in community efforts to expand the network of transformative peace and development advocates. The programme will facilitate shared learning, opportunities for constructive engagement between the different levels of the government, and promote good local governance practices. 

The programme aims to strengthen and support the LGUs in gaining knowledge from the different local and international best practices on peace and security efforts. This will enable them to apply what they’ve learnt to strengthen their respective communities and help them to become more inclusive and resilient.

Published 10 October 2023