South Korea backs BARMM peace process

THE Embassy of Korea in the Philippines reaffirmed its support for the Mindanao Peace Process, with Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa paying a visit to Cotabato City to discuss peacebuilding cooperation with the Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua.

In a press statement on Tuesday, the Korean Embassy said the two leaders have also discussed initiatives on the delivery of health services for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and other humanitarian assistance on education, nutrition, and child protection under two projects amounting to $18.95 million.

“By improving the delivery of essential services and strengthening local institutions, these programs can contribute to peace and development in the region,” Mr. Lee said.

One of the projects Building Resilience through Inclusive Governance and Healthcare Transformation in BARMM, worth $13 million, is aimed at promoting healthcare services in the region for five years from 2025 to 2030.

Meanwhile, the worth $5.95 million Supporting Peace Building through Strengthening Essential Services for Vulnerable Children and Adolescents in BARMM initiative, first launched in 2023, is ongoing until 2027.

On top of the multimillion-dollar projects, the Republic of Korea also assisted the Philippines with 2,000 metric tons of rice, with 384 metric tons provided to BARMM.

Mr. Lee also backed the orderly conduct of the BARMM parliamentary polls set for September this year after it has been postponed thrice since 2019 to bolster the peace process and enhance democratic governance.

“He also expressed his hope that the forthcoming BARMM parliamentary elections in September would be conducted in a free, fair, peaceful, and orderly manner,” the Korean Embassy statement read. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel