As part of the initial preparation phase of the Increasing Public Confidence and Participation in Support of Implementation of the Bangsamoro Peace Agreement project intervention in Zamboanga City, a two-day inception workshop was conducted from 23 to 24 July 2015 to bring together into a common platform of social dialogue – internally displaced people (IDPs) communities representatives and key stakeholders from government and humanitarian agencies, civil society organizations and non-government organizations. Discussions surfaced insights and aspirations of the IDP communities as well as key stakeholders were also able to provide information about their services, office locations, efforts and challenges in responding to the needs of IDP communities. Such salient points were considered and integrated into the International Labour Organization (ILO) project intervention work plan coupled with the analysis and recommendations from the Rapid Area Assessment and validation survey. The inception workshop was successful based on the feedback and responses of the participants and guests.

 

At the end of the two-day workshop, the IDP representatives expressed their appreciation for their inclusion and participation in the process in determining their welfare and development, particularly in skills training, livelihoods and enterprise development. Likewise, government agencies and other key stakeholders present also expressed their appreciation for the workshop. The workshop was well attended and well represented by various agencies such as Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Department of Trade Industry (DTI), Office of the Court Administrator (OCA), Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Health (DOH), City Mayor’s Office, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), Community and Family Services International (CFSI), International Organization for Migration (IOM), ACF International (ACF), Integrated Development for Tri-people (IRDT), Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance (ZABIDA), Integrated Learning for Moslems and Highlanders (ILMOH), International Medical Corps (IMC) and Zamboanga Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (ZCTIPC) representative of Labour Sector, Mr Jose Suan were in attendance.  Also in attendance were  IDP community leader representatives from various transitory sites: Ms Rubina Baulite from Buggoc, Ms Sarah Joepakka from Tulungatung, Ms Jasmin Datus fromTaluksangay, Mr Gerardo Conupoim from Uper Calarian,  Mr Omar Nurilla from Kasangayangan and Mannang Marci Yasin from Mampang.

The inception workshop was concluded with the consolidation of the discussions and way forward for ILO in responding to the needs and in strengthening of enterprise development, skills training and opportunities for decent employment for the IDP communities in Zamboanga City. The project intervention is scheduled to commence by August 2015 onwards.