EU-backed peace initiative empowers women in Agusan Norte town
By Nora L. Molde
 |
Mayor Joselito
T. Roble of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte signs a Memorandum of Understanding
with the United Youth Philippines–Women (UNYPHIL-Women) and Volunteer Service
Overseas (VSO) for the implementation of the European Union-funded Gendered
Action on Peace, Advocacy, and Community Transformation (G-PACT) Project aimed
at strengthening women’s participation in peacebuilding, conflict resolution,
and inclusive community governance in Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of MLGU
Buenavista) |
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Women in the municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, are expected to gain stronger participation in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community governance following the signing of a partnership for the implementation of the Gendered Action on Peace, Advocacy, and Community Transformation (G-PACT) Project.
The initiative is seen to empower women and youth, strengthen inclusive governance, and promote sustainable peace and community resilience in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities in Mindanao.
To formalize the partnership, the local government unit (LGU) of Buenavista signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Youth Philippines–Women (UNYPHIL-Women) and Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO).
Mayor Joselito T. Roble led the signing ceremony together with UNYPHIL-Women Executive Director Noraida C. Abo and VSO Project Officer Allyson Banga-an.
Funded by the European Union from 2025 to 2027, the G-PACT Project aims to strengthen the role of women in Buenavista in local peacebuilding and conflict resolution mechanisms while promoting gender-responsive governance and community transformation.
The partnership advances the national government’s peace and development agenda under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., particularly the promotion of inclusive governance, women’s empowerment, and sustainable peace in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities.
The initiative also supports the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda being advanced by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), which encourages greater participation of women in conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding, and community leadership as support to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s peace agenda.
Mayor Roble thanked UNYPHIL-Women and VSO for selecting Buenavista as one of the project beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in sustaining peace and development initiatives at the local level.
“We are grateful for this partnership that will help empower women and strengthen peacebuilding initiatives in our communities. Through this project, we hope to build a more inclusive, peaceful, and resilient Buenavista for future generations,” Roble said.
He also assured the full support of the municipal government for the effective implementation of the project, recognizing the vital role of women and youth in building resilient and peaceful communities.
UNYPHIL-Women and VSO are currently implementing various peacebuilding and development interventions across Mindanao through the G-PACT and ACTIVE programs, which provide support for former combatants, women, and youth sectors.
According to project partners, empowering women and communities to participate in governance and peace processes is essential in sustaining long-term development and social cohesion in Mindanao.
The initiative complements the Philippine government’s continuing efforts to strengthen localized peace engagement and social cohesion under the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and the broader “Bagong Pilipinas” governance thrust of President Marcos.
Globally, the project aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on Gender Equality and Goal 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, highlighting international collaboration to advance inclusive peacebuilding and community resilience. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
