The Swiss government on Wednesday vowed to continuously support the ongoing peace initiative in Mindanao following the Philippine government’s peace pact with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that resulted in the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
In the farewell call of Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Alain Gaschen on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang, the Swiss envoy recognized the complexity of the region’s challenges that have lingered for decades, which prompted the government to address issues such as land, justice, and reconciliation.
“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 basis to support addressing those issues,” Gaschen told the President.
Responding to the Swiss ambassador, President Marcos said his confidence comes from the fact that “the BARMM, the Parliament, everyone wants it to work; the national government wants it to work. The local governments in the area want it to work.”
“But I think with the Philippines and Switzerland, we have had always a very good close relationship in many, many ways. And I cannot forget the involvement that the Swiss government had in chairing the Bangsamoro Transitional Council and that was a very important role that you played in the success of what we are now continuing to implement in terms of the peace process in southern Philippines, in BARMM,” the President said.
“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,” he said.
The very big test is how to put together BARMM’s electoral code, the local government code, and all the basic laws in terms of the administrative structure, Marcos said, adding that although they are not yet complete, everyone is working to finish the process by the time the election comes.
“Now to involve a group that … has not been part of government… but we are committed, the national government, the Philippines is — the public is committed to making this successful and peaceful,” Marcos said, referring to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Marcos also promised to hear 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 a very big… It takes several kilometers before you can change direction, that’s a little bit of the government,” he said.
Gaschen also lauded the thrust of the Marcos administration toward food security and energy sufficiency during the call.
According to the Swiss official, the Philippines has all ingredients and the crops for a successful agriculture sector.
He particularly mentioned the country’s cacao industry wherein Switzerland initiated a project last year.
“You have a huge potential for a single fact that you can produce better, with all the best crops, and use them in sustainable ways. It’s just not the case in other countries. You can also have a niche,” Gaschen said.
“You can be sustainable, and organic, and you can add value and that is required from the markets. I encourage you to do that and add value,” he added.
Gaschen also noticed the increasing investment in green and renewable energy, pointing out that although it takes time, it will eventually bring down power cost and add more manufacturing, as well as value into the value chain.
Energy security is a high priority for the Philippines, the President said, stressing that despite the long lead time, it shouldn’t hinder the government from starting energy projects.
“That means that we should start as quickly as possible,” he said.
Gaschen assumed his post as Ambassador-designate of the Swiss Confederation to the Philippines on August 4, 2019.
Prior to his appointment, Gaschen was the Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy in Beijing. He also served in various diplomatic missions of the Swiss Confederation in Maputo, Bogotá, and Paris, and also became the non-resident Ambassador to Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands.
Also present were Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Elena P. Algabre and Dir. Jose L. Garcia III of the DFA’s Office of European Affairs.
Accompanying Ambassador Gaschen was Thimon Fürst, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss embassy. PND
