Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and implemented in partnership with the Mindanao Economic Development Council, GEM 3 continues and expands the work carried out under GEM 1 (1995-2002) and GEM 2 (2002-2007). GEM 3 began in January 2008 and is expected to operate until the end of 2012. GEM operates throughout Mindanao, with a special focus on the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other conflict-affected areas of Mindanao (CAAM).