By Perlita D. Changco
Wednesday 13th of June 2012

COTABATO CITY, June 13 (PIA) -- “The BMLI will not only focus on capacitation but also on facilitation for the youth to gain job and acquire brighter future,” said Government of the Philippines peace panel chair Atty. Marvic Leonen during the inauguration of the Bangsamoro Learning and Management Institute (BLMI) project.

Last June 8, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshiro Urabe formally turned over the newly completed P4-million BLMI project located at the town of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. This was funded by the Japanese government through the J-BIRD with equity from the Philippine government.

Gracing the affair were top-ranking officials, which included government peace panel chair Atty. Marvic Leonen, his MILF counterpart Mohaquer Iqbal, Ambassador Urabe, Atty. Michael Mastura, and several other local executives

Leonen said the project is envisioned to educate children access and leadership and management training to young members of the community as part of the support mechanism to the ongoing peace and development efforts in Mindanao.

According to Ambassador Urabe, the BMLI features the technological vocational skills development center that provides opportunity to children in the community interested to undergo training on various technological and vocational courses, providing a system and means for better employment opportunity.

“This will help people in the community who want to educate their children on vocational training like computer providing better access to employment for better future,” Urabe.

The Japanese government, Urabe said, remains committed to provide the system and means for improved livelihood activities in the communities through various programs and projects among these farmers training, development of irrigation facilities, healthcare clinics,, classrooms, roads, and other infrastructure in support to the peace negotiations.

From 2006 to 2011, the Japanese government has implemented more 200 projects and programs all over Mindanao, Ambassador Urabe said, expressing optimism that the ongoing peace initiative is gaining ground. (pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City)