EU funds construction of Bangsamoro chief minister office in Tawi-Tawi

EU flag (File photo: Guillaume Périgois/Unsplash)

MANILA – The European Union (EU) is funding the construction of the Bangsamoro chief minister’s satellite office in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi as part of its support for the ongoing peace efforts and transition in the region.

The EU and the Bangsamoro government broke ground on March 1, with the EU describing the soon-to-rise office as a “clear signal of the Bangsamoro Government’s resolve to improve the delivery of government services throughout the region.”

“We are proud to stand with the Bangsamoro Government as they work towards peace and development. This office is a symbol of our solidarity and shared goals,” EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron said as he reiterated the bloc’s support for the region’s aspirations.

The project is part of the EU’s Support to the Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) program, which accompanies the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s work to set the legal and institutional framework for the governance of the region.

Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, meanwhile, spoke of the transformative potential of the new office.

“With the EU and AECID’s (Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation) support through the SUBATRA program, not only are we opening an office; we are renewing our pledge to serve the public with greater fervor and dedication in pursuit of Moral Governance,” he said.

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. echoed this as he highlighted the national government’s support to the region.

“The opening of this satellite office underlines our dedication to peace, reconciliation, and unity in the Bangsamoro region. It’s about bringing the government closer to the people, making sure their voices are heard and their needs are met,” he said.

The SUBATRA is a five-year program funded by the European Union, through an agreement with the Philippine government.

It has a value of about 26 million euros or over PHP1.5 billion.

The EU Delegation in Manila said the funding aimed to contribute to a smooth and timely transition through capacity building of the three branches of the Bangsamoro government (executive, legislative, and judicial) and civil society organizations.