PLEDGE  beneficiaries showcased 35 products to business groups, local customers and media in their first trade fair last October 17 to 18, 2016 in SM Ecoland, Davao City. 

The event was the culmination of a three-year enterprise program funded by the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF).

With the PhP 111 million (USD 2.4 million) budget, PLEDGE capacitated about 1,178 Muslims, Christians and Indigenous People in 11 conflict-affected areas across Mindanao to form business groups, produce high value products and market them to public and private businesses.

To date, 42 registered business groups in six regions are in full operation. Over 1,000 have reported better income and employment, which have benefited at least 3,675 more people including family members and other residents in target communities.

In Barangay Mamaanun, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, members of the cassava product enterprise have shared with relatives techniques in making cassava chips to help boost the business group’s production. Children of beneficiaries have also contributed by selling chips to classmates and neighbors.

Moreover, PLEDGE groups living in diverse communities revealed stronger social unity among Muslims, Christians and Indigenous People (IP). In Barangay Koronadal Proper, Polomolok, South Cotabato, Muslim members shared increased interaction with the majority Christian residents in their community. While in Davao, Muslim and IP beneficiaries reported pooling skills and business contacts to strengthen their enterprises. 

PLEDGE, which started in December 2013, is implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency with technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO).