Annex D

The Implementation Committee (IMPCOM) for the Livelihood Enhancement and Peace (LEAP) Program and the participants have entered into the following understanding with respect to the operation of the LEAP Program in the State of _______________. The Implementation Committee of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) State of _________ has also selected specific individuals to participate in the Livelihood Enhancement and Peace (LEAP) Program.

Section 1: Background

In August 1997, the Philippine and U.S. Governments signed a bilateral agreement, which established the Livelihood Enhancement and Peace (LEAP) Program (then known as the Emergency Livelihood Assistance Program but the name was changed to the LEAP Program in 2001). Key elements of the agreement were that the Program would support the Philippine government’s peace and development efforts which includes, among others, provision of assistance needed by former MNLF combatants not integrated into the Philippine armed forces and national police and who are still making a living on a marginal basis. These participants would receive production inputs, technical assistance, and training. Production inputs, technical assistance, and other support will be provided by the USAID-contracted firm to manage the LEAP Program. At the overall Program level, the LEAP Program will be supervised by MANCOM chaired by a designated representative of the Government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) who will maintain a counterpart relationship with the LEAP Program contractor. The MANCOM will also include as members representatives from the Bangsamoro Women Foundation for Peace and Development, the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo), USAID and other agencies as may be deemed appropriate. The MANCOM will also identify key individuals, usually the MNLF State Chairman and the National Unit Command Representative to the Implementation Committee (IMPCOM) who will be responsible for selecting LEAP Program beneficiaries and sites based on the selection criteria attached to this memorandum of understanding. The MANCOM shall designate the head of the IMPCOM which may include, among others the MNLF State Chairman, the designated representatives for State-based National Unit Commands (NUCs), the BMWFPDI, the LEAP program team and other agencies as may be deemed appropriate. The MANCOM will also identify key individuals, usually the MNLF State Chairman and the National Unit Command Representative to the Implementation Committee (IMPCOM) who will be responsible for selecting LEAP Program beneficiaries and sites based on the selection criteria attached to this memorandum of understanding.

Section 2: Understanding and Commitment

The MANCOM shall designate the head of the IMPCOM which may include, among others the MNLF State Chairman, the designated representatives for State-based National Unit Commands (NUCs), the BMWFPDI, the LEAP program team and the Department of Agriculture which may include members from the central, regional, or ARMM offices. Accordingly, and based on the LEAP Program project and participant selection criteria hereto attached, the Implementation Committee and the proposed participants so listed in the attachment to this memorandum of understanding have expressed their collective desire and commitment for the LEAP Program to be implemented in the State. By their signatures on this document, the Implementation Committee of the MNLF State of ____________, and the participants through the designated cluster leaders affirm their understanding and commitment to participate in the LEAP Program based on the conditions outlined in Section 3 of this memorandum.

Section 3: Project Selection and Responsibilities of LEAP Program Participants

• LEAP program projects shall be implemented in accordance with the selection criteria set forth in Attachment A to this memorandum.
• LEAP program participants shall be selected in accordance with the participant selection criteria set forth in Attachment B to this memorandum and:
• Attend all technical training provided by the LEAP Program implementing agency; comply with planting/production procedures; and adhere to Program mechanics.
• Ensure that for land-based crops, before input delivery and distribution, at least 80% of the land is prepared and ready for planting. Given limited LEAP Program staff operational resources, the participants commit themselves to adhere to the agreed production/input delivery schedules, which if not met, may result in the cancellation of the Program in the specific cluster.
• Ensure that for fish cage culture, before delivery of fingerlings, cages are completely assembled and ready for stocking. Given limited LEAP Program staff operational resources, the participants commit themselves to adhere to the agreed production/input delivery schedules, which if not met, may result in the cancellation of the Program in the specific cluster.
• Ensure that for seaweed production, before delivery of seaweed seedlings, seaweed rafts, line and/or stake-based production systems are completed. . Given limited LEAP Program staff operational resources, the participants commit themselves to adhere to the agreed production/input delivery schedules, which if not met, may result in the cancellation of the Program in the specific cluster.
• Within two months of the LEAP Program start-up in their cluster, secure and provide proof of the acquisition of municipal permits required for aquaculture production.
• Contribute their labor and technical expertise.
• Have ready access to production tools and implements, bancas and/or carabaos, etc required for undertaking LEAP Program agricultural and aquaculture production.
• Assist in the distribution of LEAP Program–provided inputs to other participants.
• Ensure the safety and security of LEAP Program personnel working in the area.

Section 4: LEAP Program Project Clusters

Attachment C to this document includes the initial list of LEAP Program projects for the MNLF State of ______________. These projects have been presented to, and were duly approved by the LEAP Program Implementation Committee during its meeting on __________, in ________________________ and shall constitute the only LEAP Program production activities in the State. Attachment D to this document includes the list of LEAP Program participants for the approved production activities in the State.

Section 5: Commitment of the Parties

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) constitutes the commitment on the part of the signatories to fully implement the LEAP Program to the best of their ability. Participants listed in Attachment D to this document, through their cluster leaders, also signify their commitment to the objectives, guidelines and activities of the LEAP Program.

A T T E S T:

IIn witness thereof, the parties have caused this Memorandum of Understanding to be signed and delivered by their duly authorized representatives on this _th day of ___________.

THE LEAP PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE AND PARTICIPANTS: __________________________________________________________ Cluster Leader Cluster Leader Cluster Leader Cluster Leader