The war-torn region of Mindanao in The Philippines will receive funding from the European Union to help rebuild livelihoods through endeavors including agroforestry, reforestation and watershed management.

The USD $5.9 million grant (P312 million) is being labeled as “peace dividends” and will administered by the World Food Program under a two-year program “Enhancing the Resilience of Internally Displaced Persons in Central Mindanao by Strengthening Livelihoods,” that will be jointly implemented with key Philippine agencies.

Various news agencies have reported the story, including the Inquirer, GMA News, ABS-CBN News and the Manila Bulletin.

The funding will help 50,000 families or 300,000 people who have been displaced by armed conflict in the region.

In a statement, the EU outlined how agroforestry, reforestation and watershed management projects will be promoted in the interior uplands to ensure a better living environment for the internally displaced persons. Small scale granaries as well as food- and cash-for-work activities will be implemented for agricultural cooperatives, farmers, and fishermen, and provide them with production, post-harvest, and value-chain support. Mangrove replantation and biodiversity restoration and conservation will be further strengthened in coastal communities.

The support comes at a crucial time, following the signing of a framework agreement by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to create Bangsamoro, a new juridical entity that it is hoped will end the secessionist war in the region.