In a significant step toward decentralizing governance and fostering economic resilience, the European Union (EU) officially handed over the BARMM Chief Minister’s Satellite Office in Basilan.
This facility, funded under the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, shows our shared commitment to bringing essential government services directly to the people of the Sulu Archipelago.
The new satellite office serves as more than just an administrative hub; it is a symbol of inclusive progress. Notably, the facility was constructed with the expertise of local workers, featuring a team primarily composed of women engineers.
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict—it is the presence of opportunity,” stated EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro during the handover. “This office is a long-term investment in making governance faster, more accessible, and more inclusive for every citizen of Basilan.”
Following the handover, Ambassador Santoro visited the municipality of Maluso to observe the tangible results of the EU’s Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Programme (BAEP). The program is currently driving a multi-sectoral transformation across the province:
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Halal Certification Milestone: The Basilan Farmers and Fisherfolks Multipurpose Cooperative (BFFMPC) has officially become the first Halal-certified cooperative in the province. This EU-supported achievement allows local producers to access premium markets, ensuring higher income and food safety.
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Global Supply Chain Integration: Basilan’s rubber industry is reaching new heights, with local raw materials now being processed into tennis balls for the global market, directly boosting farmer livelihoods.
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Sustainable Coffee Production: A newly established coffee nursery is equipping farmers with sustainable techniques to produce high-quality beans, ensuring the industry is resilient and future-ready.
The success of these initiatives is rooted in strong partnerships. The European Union extends its deepest gratitude to BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman, and Maluso Mayor Kaiser Hataman for their unwavering cooperation.
By aligning infrastructure with economic empowerment, the EU and the Bangsamoro government continue to lay the groundwork for a stable, prosperous, and self-reliant region.
