*EPF411 05/22/2003
Text: USAID Helps Former Guerilla Fighters Rejoin Philippine Society
(USAID signs Memorandum of Intent to continue program) (340)

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has signed a Memorandum of Intent with the Philippines to continue a program that helps former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) soldiers reintegrate into local communities.

Following is the text of the announcement, as released by USAID May 22:

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USAID Signs Memorandum of Intent with the Philippines

USAID-Funded Program Will Assist Former Combatants in Reintegrating Into Society

Washington, DC - Andrew S. Natsios, Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Blas Ople, Secretary of Foreign Affairs for the Philippines, today signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) which continues a partnership that provides the incentive and resources to retrain Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) soldiers and guide them back into local communities through livelihood and community improvement programs. The MOI was officially signed in a ceremony at the Blair House in Washington.

Since 1999, USAID has provided resources that have enabled 13,000 of the total 25,000 MNLF former combatants to peacefully re-enter their communities. USAID intends to provide up to $11,500,000 in direct support to the remaining 12,000 former MNLF combatants. In addition, USAID will give up to $21,310,000 more in broader assistance to the health, environment, economic and agricultural development sectors in Mindanao.

"We celebrate with our partners in Mindanao their progress in helping so many former soldiers to make the transition from being guerilla fighters to becoming productive farmers and fishermen. We are optimistic that the continued investment we're agreeing upon today will encourage all former MNLF combatants to choose peace over war," said Administrator Natsios.

USAID's assistance in Mindanao expands a comprehensive program providing support for commercial-level production of corn, rice, seaweed, and includes training, technical support and marketing assistance. This community level assistance strengthens government administration of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. USAID health, education and small infrastructure improvement activities reach out to the communities and families of the MNLF former combatants.

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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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