Efforts to strengthen long-term development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are getting a boost after Qatar expressed interest in backing essential community projects. The support, according to Philippine officials, will focus on strengthening primary health care and expanding access to renewable energy, two gaps that continue to affect many Bangsamoro communities.
Philippine Ambassador to Doha Mardomel Celo Melicor shared that the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has formally reached out to government counterparts, signaling its willingness to finance solutions that address long-standing service gaps. The announcement follows a series of exploratory visits by the QFFD to Manila.
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Qatar’s Development Priorities in BARMM
Melicor said QFFD has requested agencies such as the Department of Finance, the Mindanao Development Authority, and BARMM officials to prepare and submit detailed project proposals aligned with the fund’s goals. He noted that Qatar intends to direct support to areas where basic needs remain unmet.
“They wanted to show that they were helping the Philippines, especially the depressed areas in the BARMM some of which do not have electricity yet,” Melicor said in Filipino during a chance interview on the sidelines of the Doha Forum.
He added that sustainable systems are at the core of QFFD’s development model. “They are interested in renewable energy. They wanted projects which are self-sustaining. That’s the concept of QFFD,” he told journalists.
QFFD’s partnership with the Philippines dates back to earlier humanitarian engagements, including the assistance sent to 1,600 families affected by Typhoon Paeng in 2022 through the Qatar Red Crescent. The fund’s renewed focus on long-term programs signals broader support beyond emergency aid.
PH Presence in Global Development Talks
Melicor highlighted the importance of the Philippines maintaining visibility at international platforms like the Doha Forum, where countries discuss global challenges, development pathways, and governance reforms. He emphasized that the country’s participation strengthens its diplomatic presence.
“We wanted to show that we are a middle power. We want to be seen as a rising middle power. We should be here also so that we will be visible,” he said. Melicor added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had been invited to this year’s forum but was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.
This year’s forum opened with the theme “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress,” where Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned that the world is experiencing “serious setbacks” in justice, accountability, and the rule of law. “Justice has, in many cases, become invisible on the path of international law,” he said.
For ordinary Filipinos in BARMM, potential investments in health access and clean energy could help reduce inequality, strengthen local economies, and improve living conditions. Such assistance also supports the country’s broader efforts toward inclusive growth and stable community development.
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