Davao: The European Union (EU) is set to reaffirm its support for peace and development in Mindanao as its top diplomat to the Philippines sets off for a two-day visit to Davao. EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro will travel to the Davao Region from Feb. 26 to 27, marking his first visit to the region since his arrival in the country last September.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ambassador Santoro emphasized the EU's commitment to supporting long-term peace and development in Mindanao, highlighting the region as a priority for EU assistance to the Philippines. Southern Philippines has received more than PHP8.5 billion in development initiatives as part of this commitment.
During the first day of his visit, Ambassador Santoro engaged with youth leaders from Ateneo de Davao University in a conversation titled 'Pakighinabi between the EU Ambassador and Mindanaoan Youth'. This initiative is part of the EU Delegation to the Philippines' efforts to foster youth engagement through the Youth Sounding Board, a platform designed to enhance EU's engagement with young people and promote their participation and empowerment.
The EU Delegation in Manila noted that the envoy would also meet with Chair of the Mindanao Development Authority, Secretary Leo Tereso Abellera Magno, and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte. Additionally, Ambassador Santoro will visit the Mindanao Peace and Development Rise project, a key EU program in the region, to interact with local stakeholders and civil society representatives.
The EU remains one of the Philippines' largest development partners, playing a significant role in supporting the peace process in Mindanao. The EU's comprehensive approach targets political settlement and socio-economic recovery in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas of the region. Current EU programs in Mindanao span various fields including socio-economic development, good governance, human rights, civil society empowerment, gender, women, peace and security, and the prevention of violent extremism.
Over the past five years, Mindanao has benefited from more than PHP8.5 billion in EU support, in addition to the recently launched EU Action on Partnerships for Peace and Development in Mindanao, valued at PHP1.65 billion. This new initiative builds on existing EU flagship programs, incorporating lessons learned while promoting a humanitarian, peace, development, and climate nexus approach.
