The Mindanao Trust Fund held its 12^th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) on November 23 to 27, 2015. Conducted every six months to access program implementation on the ground, MTF representatives from the European Union, the Australian Embassy, the World Bank, the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process, and the Bangsamoro Development Agency visited 10 barangays across Central Mindanao, Davao, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Ranaw regions.

The MTF, along with assistance from its trust fund recipients—Mindanao Land Foundation and Community and Family Services International—reviewed the progress of PLEDGE, the People’s Organization Strengthening Program under the Institutional Strengthening Agreement, the Bangsamoro Development Plan’s awareness-building campaign, and the Program Monitoring Team (PMT) in co-delivering with the Philippine Government health, education, and livelihood programs in conflict-affected communities before Sajahatra Bangsamoro closed in November 30, 2015.

Beneficiaries reported a general easement in the conduct of their daily lives as they no longer have to travel distances on foot to fetch water due to the MTF-funded water systems. They also revealed a 10 to 15 percent income increase from rice and corn production due to the provision of solar dryers, warehouses, and farm equipment.

The mission also covered discussions on forward planning development strategies while the peace process remains in deliberation. Future MTF socioeconomic efforts will expand to more conflict-affected and diverse communities in Mindanao to sustain peace- and confidence-building measures achieved thus far by the Philippine Government and MILF.