THE Swiss government has reaffirmed its commitment and support to the peace and development initiatives in Mindanao, especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Outgoing Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Alain Gaschen, in his farewell call on President Marcos Jr. in Malacañang last Wednesday, said his government recognizes the complexity of the situation and challenges in implementing the reforms in BARMM to usher in peace and development.
“So, it needs to be taken seriously and with the proper attention from Manila, and I think… I know from the different ministries they have a basis to support addressing those issues,” he said as he assured his government’s continued support even after his tour of duty in the country ends.
The President said the country will never forget the involvement of the Swiss government in the peace process in Mindanao, especially with the BARMM.
“So, for that, we are eternally grateful and I hope that Switzerland continues its moral support and others for what we are trying to do,” Marcos said as he recognized that the region still has a long way to go.
He said BARMM is currently putting together its electoral code, the local government code, and all the basic laws in terms of the administrative structure, with the goal of completing the needed laws and processes by the time the next election comes.
Marcos said his administration will listen to the voices and views of some individuals or factions to prevent them from resorting to violence.
“And slowly we have just begun with the process because we have to redirect the entire government, this is not an easy thing to do. The government is very big… It takes several kilometers before you can change direction, that’s a little bit of the government,” he added.
During the meeting, Gaschen lauded the thrust of the Marcos administration toward food security and energy sufficiency.
He recognized that the Philippines has “all ingredients and the crops for a successful agriculture sector” and highlighted the country’s promotion of the cacao industry together with the Swiss government.
