Cotabato City, Philippines – September 18, 2025 – A significant step toward fostering stronger, healthier, and safer communities for women in the Bangsamoro was marked by the launch of the BABAE Project (Babaeng Bangsamoro Arketikto ng at Ehemplo para sa Pagbabago) in Cotabato City. This initiative aims to place women at the center of development, empowering them as architects of change and champions of peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The project is supported by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and aligns with the 9th UNFPA Country Programme for 2024 – 2028.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), organized the launch ceremony. Attendees included key BARMM line agencies and local government leaders, such as MP Tomanda D. Antok, PhD, Special Assistant to the Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG); Atty. Raissa H. Jajurie, Minister and BTA Member from the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD); Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding, Minister and BTA Member from the Ministry of Health (MOH); Commissioner Samaona Unda from the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC); Planning Officer Saida N. Usman from the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA); Dr. Hamid T. Bayao, Director II from the Special Geographic Area Development Agency (SGADA); and Hon. Datu Jomar U. Midtimbang, Chief of Staff from the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Government.
In addition, representatives from 10 target municipalities—two from Maguindanao del Sur (Datu Montawal and Pagalungan) andeight from the Special Geographic Areas (Pahamuddin, Kadayangan, Nabalawag, Old Kaabakan, Kapalawan, Tugunan, Malidegao, and Ligawasan) actively took part. Local Government Units, provincial offices, and SGADA officials, including mayors, municipal health officers, disaster risk reduction managers, and women’s focal persons, showed unified support for the project’s objectives.
Shared Commitments for Women’s Rights
The Bangsamoro Government has pledged its full support and commitment to the BABAE Project. It will work closely with local government units by providing guidance and resources to ensure that the services delivered genuinely reflect the voices and needs of women and girls.
The collective messages shared during the launch of the BABAE Project demonstrate a unified commitment from international partners, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), provincial and local governments, civil society organizations, and development partners to promote the empowerment of Bangsamoro women. Throughout the event, participants consistently emphasized the crucial role of women as central actors in peacebuilding, governance, health, and community development.
During the launch ceremony, participants signed a pledge of support, affirming their dedication to working together toward a common goal: advancing and empowering Bangsamoro women for meaningful change. The event also served as a platform to clarify roles, responsibilities, and next steps. The BABAE Project aims to provide a clear roadmap for collaboration among government bodies, implementing partners, and communities moving forward.
Women at the Center of Peace and Development
The UNFPA, as the lead UN agency promoting safe pregnancies, empowered youth, and gender equality, leads the implementation of the BABAE Project. The initiative aims to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services, enhance protection against gender-based violence (GBV), and strengthen women’s agency in decision-making.
Implementation will be carried out in partnership with three organizations:
Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP): Promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding, decision-making, and resilience, including emergency preparedness.
Plan International Pilipinas: Expanding access to quality sexual and reproductive health and social protection services.
Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS): Strengthening the capacity of local governments to deliver sustainable, responsive SRHR and GBV programs.
Building Momentum for Long-Term Impact
The BABAE Project’s focus on grassroots coordination, working closely with local governments, BARMM ministries, and communities, seeks to ensure that the needs of women and girls are not only recognized but prioritized.
By fostering collaboration, the initiative moves beyond promises to action, laying the foundation for a Bangsamoro where women are empowered leaders, resilient peacebuilders, and key drivers of development.
Written by: Monawara M. Kumayog
BABAE Project Officer
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