UNFPA-CBCS BABAE Project Gaining Support from the Bangsamoro Government

by | Sep 9, 2025 | Editorial, Feature, News | 0 comments

The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Inc. (CBCS), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is implementing the BABAE Project, which is funded by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. This project directly supports the objectives of the 9th UNFPA Country Programme for the Philippines for 2024–2028.

The BABAE Project (Babaeng Bangsamoro Arkitekto ng at Ehemplo para sa Pagbabago) aims to advance the protection and empowerment of women in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The project focuses on improving women’s health, enhancing access to sexual and reproductive health services, and strengthening prevention and response to gender-based violence.

The CBCS scope of work centers on Output 3, which aims to enhance the capacity of local governments to localize, fund, and implement Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) programs that address both humanitarian and developmental needs. Implementation strategies include: 1) Capacity building for local government units (LGUs) on gender-responsive planning, budgeting, and monitoring. 2) Providing technical support to LGUs and relevant agencies in formulating development plans and programs.

UNFPA and CBS jointly organized fifteen orientation sessions from August 8 to September 1, 2025. These sessions covered the UNFPA 9th Country Program for 2024-2028, the BABAE Project, the CBCS scope of work and target deliverables, and areas of collaboration. All topics were discussed, and agreements were made.

This initiative involved key partners, including five Bangsamoro agencies: the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC), the Special Geographic Area Development Authority (SGADA), and the Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Sur. Additionally, two municipalities from Maguindanao del Sur, namely Datu Montawal and Pagalungan, participated, along with eight municipalities from the Special Geographic Areas (SGAs): Pahamuddin, Nabalawag, Kadayangan, Ligawasan, Tugunan, Old Kaabakan, Malidegao, and Kapalawan.

The major highlights of the orientation are as follows:

  1. The institutionalization and strengthening of the Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point Systems (GFPS) Technical Working Group. The Local Chief Executive must prepare an Executive Order to formally establish and maintain the GFPS within the local government unit.
  2. The provision of technical support in the formulation of the Comprehensive Development Plan, the Gender and Development (GAD) Plan, the Budgeting, and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Plan.
  3. The establishment of coordinative mechanisms through Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) and the Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Sur.
  4. Support for health programs, which includes providing essential maternal health equipment and supplies, along with the rehabilitation of the Rural Health Unit (RHU) for accreditation to PhilHealth Health Care Provider.
  5. The establishment of Women Friendly Spaces (WFS) and the capacity-building and livelihood support of the WFS Facilitators.

The BABAE Project is receiving significant support from the Bangsamoro Government, underscoring its potential to advance gender-responsive local governance and resilient communities.