MILF urges UN body to coordinate with them on Liguasan marsh

Welcoming the efforts of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to restore the Liguasan Marsh ecosystem, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) still urges the international agency to coordinate closely with it. The MILF, presently observing a ceasefire with the Philippine government, said Sunday it retains a heavy presence in the project site. The 288,000-hectare Liguasan Marsh is mainly located in Maguindanao province but also has portions in North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. "There is really a need to explain to the people and leaders of the MILF the rationale behind the project, on why is there a need to undertake such restoration activities on larger scale," said MILF secretariat chairman Muhammad Ameen in an article posted on the MILF website. The people’s understanding and cooperation are crucial to the success of this UN project, Ameen added. Last Dec. 10, WFP deputy country director Asaka Nyangara and other WFP officials went to Barangay Darampua in Sultan sa Barongis town, Maguindanao. They visited a nursery of more than 100,000 seedlings of endemic flora. It was Nyangara's second visit to the site since April. WFP funds the nursery project, which is implemented by the local government of Sultan sa Barongis through the Ligawasan Marsh Climate Change Lead Action Force. Nyangara said the project will help address climate change and its impact on world hunger. MRT/VS, GMANEws.TV