COTABATO CITY — In a strategic move to institutionalize protection and health services for women and girls in the region, the BABAE Project Management Committee convened on January 19, 2026, at the Alnor Hotel, Cotabato City. The high-level meeting was spearheaded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and brought together key implementing partners, including Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), Plan International Pilipinas, and the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS).
The meeting served as a vital platform to review the significant progress made in 2025 and align priorities for the 2026 implementation cycle. Central to the discussion was the generous support of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, the primary funder of the BABAE Project, whose contribution is instrumental in ensuring that women and girls are healthier, safer, and have real access to essential services and livelihood opportunities.
The BABAE Project (Babaeng Bangsamoro Arkitekto ng at Ehemplo sa Pagbabago) directly contributes to the goals of the 9th UNFPA Country Programme for the Philippines (2024-2028). 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.
Reflecting on a Foundation of Success
Ms. Rochelle Yu, UNFPA Cotabato Head of Office, framed the session as a space for partners to “pause, reflect, and realign”. The committee celebrated major milestones from 2025, including:
- The Official Launch: Celebrated on September 18, 2025, in partnership with the BARMM government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and civil society organizations.
- Community Engagement: The successful identification of 172 Women-Friendly Space (WFS) facilitators across 86 communities.
- Institutional Strengthening: The institutionalization of Gender and Development Focal Point Systems (GFPS) in all 10 target LGUs of which nine Executive Orders were administered by the Local Chief Executive.
Strategic Roadmap for 2026
The committee outlined a clear roadmap to transition from project-led activities to a sustainable, LGU-led future for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Gender-Based Violence Protection (GBP).
Key Strategic Milestones for the Year Ahead:
- Finalizing a comprehensive assessment of 10 birthing facilities and 86 VAW Desks to bridge gaps in local health infrastructure. Construction of protected WFS infrastructure is set for completion by May 2026.
- Implementing a GAD ladderized training approach for duty bearers, focusing on gender mainstreaming, gender responsive planning, budgeting, and monitoring.
- Training community monitors for Early Warning and Earliest Response (EWER) mechanisms to strengthen local protection.
- Integrating social norms change strategies and a dedicated Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) hotline to ensure community voices directly shape project delivery.
The Path to Sustainability
As the committee prepares for a Regional Updating and Consultation Meeting with partners from the BARMM ministries and agencies on February 24, 2026, the focus remains on ensuring project outputs are permanently embedded into LGUs’ and ministerial plans and budgets.
Written by: Monawara M. Kumayog, BABAE Project Officer
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