Based in Cotabato City in the southern Philippines, the Institute for Autonomy and Governance is a homegrown think tank shaping public policy for peace and good governance though research, capacity building, forums, roundtable discussions and conferences on regional and local autonomy, governance and security, and peace processes between the Philippine government and the Moro revolutionary fronts. Learn more about our work by following us online: facebook. com/iagorgph, twitter.com/iagorgph and instagram/iagorgph. Visit our website at www.iag.org.ph.
Copyright © 2018 by Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information and retrieval system without permission from the publishers. IAG continues to provide platforms in our common search for genuine autonomy and governance. Editor: Dean Benny Bacani Associate Editor: Ramie Toledo Lay-out Artist: Hazelyn Gaudiano Printed in Cotabato City ISSN: 2243-8165-18-25
Shaping Public Policy for Mindanao Peace and Good Governance IAG Annual Report 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS OUR STORY 8 Introduction 13 2018 Flagship Programs 14 IAG in 2018: Our Year in Pictures 16 IAG 2018 Publications 58 IAG Services 62
O u r S t o r y : Shaping Public Policy for Mindanao Peace and Good Governance Since 2001 The early 2000 was a period of instability and uncertainty for Mindanao. The implementation of the 1996 Peace Agreement of the Philippine government with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was precarious under the administration of President Joseph Estrada who launched in 2000 an all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), another Moro revolutionary group. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which was envisioned as the political structure for Moro self-governance in line with the 1996 Peace Agreement was ineffective and its leadership generally perceived as lacking in capacities, corrupt and driven by their own political and economic interests. The failures of the ARMM to promote peace and economic development fueled people’s disbelief of autonomy as a solution to the Moro rebellion. Instead of forcing submission of the Moro people to government’s brand of autonomy, Estrada’s all-out war further radicalized the revolutionary fronts to revert to their historical demand for independence. It is in this context of deadlock, uncertainty and hopelessness in Mindanao’s future that the Institute for Autonomy and Governance or IAG was born. Started in 2001 as a program under the College of Law of Notre Dame University in Cotabato City under Dean Benedicto Bacani and inspired by university president Fr. Eliseo Mercado, Jr. of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, IAG developed into an independent institute devoted to research, training and technical assistance to evolve genuine autonomy and good governance as a way to peace and development in southern Philippines. 8 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
An institutional partnership agreement with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in the Philippines was forged in 2004 that enabled IAG to sustainably implement its core programs. In partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, IAG’s reputation for independence consistency, inclusiveness and scholarship is domestically and internationally acknowledged. IAG’s regular quarterly reviews, policy briefs, monographs and discussion proceedings are widely acknowledged as primary resource materials on Mindanao. IAG views autonomy as a broad and evolving concept that encompasses any political structure that is less than an independent state. It sees the promotion of autonomy in the southern Philippines as strategic. It provides the country’s minority Muslims and Indigenous Peoples platforms to evolve self-governance structures for meaningful self- determination, sustainable growth and lasting peace. IAG’s programs are anchored on the belief that the basic root of the conflict in Mindanao is injustice and underdevelopment; that it is essentially a political problem that requires a political solution; and evolving an effective and viable vehicle for Moro and Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination is the core of this political solution. Toward this end, IAG continues to organize policy forums, roundtable discussions, and conferences on the issues of autonomy and good governance. With its institutional partner, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, IAG has regularly provided capacity-building programs focusing on the processes of policy formulation and legislation to the ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly and its constituent Local Government Units (LGUs). 9Annual Report 2018
It has provided technical assistance in the crafting of regional laws in the ARMM. With funding from AusAid, IAG provided technical assistance in the establishment of the Iranun Development Council, an economic and development aggrupation of five contiguous local government units in Maguindanao. With AusAid, IAG helped raised capacities of LGUs, military and police in peace-building and security sector reforms. With funding from the European Union, IAG, KAS and Development Consultants brought to the mainstream the real plight of non-Islamized indigenous peoples in the mainland ARMM, calling on authorities to enhance mechanisms for the protection of the indigenous peoples’ rights. IAG has provided technical assistance in the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law particularly in the areas of transitory mechanisms and processes, decentralized and ministerial system of government, elections and political party systems. It has conducted consultations with LGUs in the proposed Bangsamoro core areas for submission to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC). IAG was given the mandate to help develop the MILF political party by the MILF Interim Committee on the Development of the MILF Political Party. Through the EU-funded Democratic Leadership and Active Civil Society Empowerment (DELACSE Bangsamoro) project, IAG and KAS are taking the lead in training and advising to develop responsive ministerial and electoral systems in the Bangsamoro as well as the development of genuine and principled political parties. 10 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
With UNDP, IAG initiated a series of academic roundtable discussions at the Senate and House of Representatives, beginning with Muslim Mindanao autonomy, and more recently, on federalism. These non-partisan discussions are aimed at fostering deeper understanding of the drivers of diverse positions and provide a broader menu of options in looking at political reforms and the contentious issues in the search for a solution to the Mindanao conflict. IAG in partnership with the World Bank also spearheaded the building of a multi-stakeholder coalition of leaders to fine-tune and support government’s programs for the inclusive development of agriculture in Mindanao. The objective is to make agriculture an effective tool against poverty and underdevelopment in the region. As a homegrown public policy center with strong national and international linkages, IAG is able to help raise the bar of regional and local public policymaking to international standards even as it maintains sensitivity to the complexities and peculiarities of local settings earning the trust and respect of a broad range of stakeholders. This reputation emboldened support and participation in IAG programs of groups and leaders from a broad spectrum of ideological and political leanings. By involving all stakeholders in discourses and capacity building on autonomy, governance and political solutions to the Mindanao conflict, IAG has contributed to the robust and constructive debate towards building the foundation for the hard task of evolving an autonomous, democratic, just and accountable political structure in southern Philippines. 11Annual Report 2018
IAG employees and research consultants pose for a photo to mark the end of 2018 during a Christmas dinner hosted in Cotabato City on December 16. “Autonomy, Federalism and Charter Change in the Service of the Mindanao Peace Process and Political Reforms” was IAG’s thrust in 2018 implemented through various flagship programs and services. 12 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Introduction 2018 saw the Mindanao peace process culminating in the passage and approval in Congress of the new Organic Law for the Bangsamoro that promises to evolve meaningful autonomy and good governance in the region. A new dimension in this framework is the current drive by no less than the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte for shifting the country’s system of governance from unitary to federal. One of the reasons to shift is to address the Mindanao conflict via federalism for genuine Moro autonomy. It is against this backdrop that IAG has refocused its thrust of autonomy, federalism and charter change to advance the Mindanao peace process and political reforms towards sustainable peace and good governance. We’ve adopted a framework that addressed the challenges of 2018 and beyond while seizing the opportunities to advance our advocacies. We have anticipated the aggressive move under the current dispensation for changing the constitution to shift the country’s political system from unitary to federal and from presidential to parliamentary. As this process also intends to entrench the legal and constitutional framework to strengthen autonomy in southern Philippines to address the Moro rebellion and the increasing threat of violent extremist groups, IAG packaged its programs and activities in a way that will strengthen the position of Mindanao and the Bangsamoro in the national discourse on charter change and federalism. We worked to raise capacities of political institutions to meet the demands of the envisioned political reforms that will in the end bring about sustainable and inclusive peace and development, democracy and people empowerment in the region. 13Annual Report 2018
2018 Flagship Programs In cooperation with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Philippines, IAG tracked, monitored, analyzed and advocated for relevant and responsive Bangsamoro entity that will address the causes for instability and insecurity in southern Philippines. We undertook programs to increase education on federalism. Our forums, researches and discussions with experts, policymakers and stakeholders towards a relevant federalism framework, process and timeline for the Philippines helped positioned Mindanao agenda for peace in the national debate on federalism. The promotion of autonomy, federalism and good governance as a means for sustainable peace and development in Mindanao is the primary mandate of IAG. It is taking the lead in training, advocacy and research for meaningful decentralization of powers and administration to regional and local government units in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. In promoting meaningful autonomy, federalism and good governance in the national, local levels and local communities, IAG provides the space with its publications, roundtable discussions and policy advocacy in order to promote a productive relations between the Moro political entity and the national government and LGUs and the regional autonomous government. In 2018, IAG continued building on the learnings and expanded network that it gained after the successful holding of the inaugural Global Autonomy, Governance and Federalism Forum in 2016. IAG works for inclusive and holistic peace process that culminates in policies and structures that will promote social cohesion as key to peace 14 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
and development. Special focus is given to strengthening the role and voice of the indigenous peoples in the evolving political structures and processes in the region. IAG as an independent think tank continued providing in 2018 platform where stakeholders can discuss, dialogue and debate on the substance and form of the structure for meaningful Bangsamoro self-governance. It took the lead in research and discussions to inform the legislation of the Bangsamoro law, charter change and federalism for peace that is inclusive, participatory and democratic in process, form and substance. IAG convened discussions and provided regular updates and information, analyses and recommendations for the successful implementation of autonomy agreements. IAG made full use of its online and social media platforms to disseminate relevant information and analysis to stakeholders. The new Bangsamoro political entity will have a parliamentary system of regional government. The Philippines with a presidential and unitary system of government has very limited experience and knowledge on ministerial system, the appropriate electoral system and development of principled political parties. Cognizant of this need, IAG continued training and advising for capacity building to help develop relevant structures and institutions under a parliamentary system with genuine and principled political parties in anticipation of the new Bangsamoro political entity. In 2018, all programs in this component were undertaken with KAS, under the EU-funded project, Democratic Leadership and Active Civil Society Empowerment (DELACSE Bangsamoro) particularly preparing its Muslim, Christian, and IP leaders. 15Annual Report 2018
IAG in 2018: Our Year in Pictures Experts Focus Group Discussion on Violent Extremism, 11 January, Quezon City. IAG concluded in January 2018 its three-part focus group discussion series on violent extremism that started in July 2017. For the last FGD, IAG assembled a select group of experts to discuss the impact of ISIS-like religious ideology on the Moro liberation fronts, peace process and the implementation of peace agreements, and interreligious dialogue and relationship among Muslims, Christians and Indigenous Peoples. The results of the FGD will form part of a research by Fr. Eliseo Mercado Jr. IAG will publish in 2019. In 2017, IAG also published the “Research on Youth Vulnerability to Violent Extremism in the ARMM”, a collaboration with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue with support from the Government of Netherlands. The findings were presented in Manila and by Atty. Benedicto Bacani in Singapore and by Dr. Ofelia Durante, our IAG’s research head, to select audiences in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Zamboanga. In all this, we underscored the need to develop policies and programs to counter the lure of extremism among the most vulnerable sectors in the conflict-affected areas of the southern Philippines. 16 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Forum on Cordillera Autonomy, 17 January, House of Representatives, Quezon City. Presented by IAG and KAS together with the Regional Development Council of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR- RDC), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), and the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department of the House of Representatives (CPBRD), the First Congressional Forum on Cordillera Autonomy drew around 179 participants composed of congressmen, congressional staff, CAR leaders and officials, and CSOs, culminating in gaining new allies and stronger support to the cause of Cordillera autonomy. Secretary Jesus Dureza called on the Cordillera congressmen to be front liners in making sure that the Cordillera autonomy bill or House Bill 5343 will be passed. He said that Cordillera autonomy is a victory that should not be postponed anymore. Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri also accepted during the forum the request of the Cordillera leaders to file the Senate counterpart of House Bill 5343 or “An Act Establishing the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera”. He announced his acceptance during a phone conversation with Secretary Dureza. Commissioner Jose Lorena of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) also announced that the BTC is committed to work with the Cordillerans for the passage of House Bill 5343. In solidarity with her peers in the North, Maguindanao First District Rep. Bai Sandra Sema made a plea to the public to call on Congress to enact a law to help the Bangsamoro and the Cordillera achieve their full potential. 17Annual Report 2018
Book launch: “Drawing Lessons For The Creation Of Regional Governments Under A Federal Setup: A Case Study On The Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao”. IAG launched on 23 January at the House of Representatives this research conducted by the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD). The research looked into the socio-economic conditions of the ARMM, key issues on the assignment of powers, fiscal autonomy issues and key issues on intergovernmental relations, from which major insights for creating regional governments were generated. “The ARMM is the only political entity in the country that approximates a state under a federal system. As the Philippines seriously considers shifting the country’s political system from unitary to federal, it is logical and useful to take a hard look at the ARMM, see what works or not, in order to draw lessons and insights for the drafters of the Federal Constitution for the Philippines and for the citizenry who will eventually ratify it,” says IAG Executive Director Benedicto Bacani in his foreword to the book. 18 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Book launch: “The Quest for a Federal Republic: The PDP Laban Model of Philippine Federalism”, 1 February, Taguig City. Senator Koko Pimentel graced the launch of the PDP-Laban book that features the following articles and authors: Federalism: The Next Logical Step After Devolution by Dr. Alex Brillantes Jr.; Federalism and the Challenges of Politics and Administration in the Philippines by Prof. Edmund S. Tayao; Prospects of Federalism as a Solution to the Mindanao Conflict by Atty. Benedicto Bacani; The Semi-Presidential (Semi-Parliamentary) System as a Preferential Option for the Philippines by Dr. Eduardo Araral Jr.; The Advantages of a Federal-Parliamentary System by Orion Perez Dumdum; Strengthening the Partylist System as a List Proportional Representation Electoral System; by Dr. Julio C. Teehankee; Political and Electoral Reforms: A Necessary Ingredient for the Success of Federalism by Ramon Casiple; The Fiscal Imperatives of Federalism to Ensure Equalization and Sustainable Development by Dr. Romulo Miral; Incremental Federalism: Steps to a Successful to a Federal System by Atty. Alberto Oxales; A Grand Bargain: Supporting Federalism with a Package of Mutually Reinforcing Reforms by Dr. Eduardo Araral; Removing the Restrictive Economic Provisions of the 1987 Constitution by Gary Olivar; Executive Summary: The PDP Laban Model of PH Federalism 1.0 by Jonathan Malaya; The Proposed Amendments to the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines (Proposed Constitution of the Federal? Republic of the Philippines), by the Federalism Study Group. Edited by Jonathan Malaya, the book is published by the PDP Laban Federalism Institute with the assistance of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. 19Annual Report 2018
IAG Executive Director Atty. Benedicto Bacani told the the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments hearing on charter change on February 1 that “the very least that can be done is the surgical amendment of Article 10 of the Constitution to lay down clearly an autonomy framework that is consistent with signed peace agreements.” 20 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Roundtable Discussion on the Implications of Federalism to the Indigenous Peoples, 7 February, House of Representatives, Quezon City. IAG and KAS partnered with the Committee on Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples roundtable discussion on the implications of Federalism to Indigenous Peoples chaired by Cong. Nancy Alaan Catamco to convene this roundtable discussion. In attendance were House Speaker Cong. Pantaleon Alvarez who shared his support pushed for the creation of IP states within a federal framework, Cong. Amihilda Sangcopan, Cong. Wilter Wee Palma, Cong. Jose Panganiban, resource speakers, and invited tribal leaders. Fr. Eliseo Mercado Jr. and Cong. Nancy Catamco facilitated the RTD. Topics included: self-determination under a federal Philippines, indigenous political structures under a federal Philippines and advancing IP agenda in the charter change process. (with photos from Melchor Umpan Bayawan and Carl Werner) 21Annual Report 2018
Forum: The Role of the Sultanates in the Current Political Issues in Mindanao, 9 February, Davao City. IAG organized this forum for the Rajah Buayan sultanate to update them on the latest developments on BBL and federalism and look into the role of sultanates in preventing and countering violent extremism. Forum on Local Issues and Concerns in the BBL, February 13, 2018, Buluan, Maguindanao. Through its EnPolD Bangsamoro Project, IAG was able to harness the participation of the multi-stakeholders in the Province of Maguindanao to talk about local issues and concerns on the BBL. 22 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Participants during the “Forum on Local Issues and Concerns in the Bangsamoro Basic Law” on February 13, 2018 at BBGM, Buluan, Maguindanao. Women Participants listening and sharing their thoughts on the issues and concerns in the proposed BBL during the “Forum on Local Issues and Concerns in the Bangsamoro Basic Law” on February 13, 2018 at BBGM, Buluan, Maguindanao. Mohagher Iqbal, Chair of the MILF Implementing Panel discusses the concerns and issues in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic law during the “Forum on Local Issues and Concerns in the Bangsamoro Basic Law” on February 13, 2018 at BBGM, Buluan, Maguindanao. 23Annual Report 2018
Participants and organizers from the joint planning advocacy strike a pose in a group photo after the focus group discussion facilitated by the Bangsamoro Women Services Center (BWSC) on March 04, 2018 in Iligan City. Dr Zainal Kulidtod, a faculty of Mindanao State University facilitating the women of Mainland Maguindanao on a political dialogue related to BBL, Federalism vis-à- vis the threat of violent extremism on February 24, 2018 at Pagana Restaurant, Cotabato City. Advancing Women Vital Participation and Action Towards the establishment of the Bangsamoro: Sectoral FGD leading to provincial and Regional/National Planning Workshop, February 24, 2018 to March 4, 2018, Iligan City and Cotabato City. IAG continues to provide platforms for women to harness their participation and understanding of current developments in the Mindanao peace process. 24 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Civil Society Strategy Workshop on Peace, Security & Human Right: Shifting the Peace Gear, March 6-7, 2018, Batasan Pambansa and Robbinsdale, Quezon City. IAG’s EnPolD Bangsamoro Project through the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) gathered Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in a strategy workshop on peace, security and human right, as a result, the group formulated a collective position paper supporting Bangsamoro Basic Law and was read during a plenary session at the House of Represenatives. All-Out Peace Network. The Civil Society representatives after attending the Joint Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) at the House of Representatives on March 06, 2018. Photo Courtesy: Lakan Sumulong Mr Gus Miclat, representative of the “All Out Peace Network” and the Executive Director of IID stating/reading the collective position paper of the Civil Society groups related to the Bangsamoro Basic Law at the House of Representatives on March 06, 2018. Screengrab from the video posted by: Lakan Sumulong. 25Annual Report 2018
Harnessing Women’s Voices through Political Dialogue for Inclusive Peace in the Bangsamoro, March 13, 2018, Davao City. To celebrate Women’s month, our EnPolD Bangsamoro provided a credible arena for women to engage in Political Dialogue on the salient principles of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Around 50 women participants all over ARMM participated in the forum on “Harnessing Women’s Voices through Political Dialogue for Inclusive Peace in the Bangsamoro” on March 13, 2018 at the Waterfront Hotel, Davao City. Women from Lanao del Sur listening attentively during the event’s discussions on current political development in Mindanao on March 13, 2018 – Waterfront Hotel, Davao City 26 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
International Conference on Multi- Level Governance, 5 April, Davao City. The Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) 2018 conference examined the vulnerabilities and stresses of current governance platforms at the political group, sub- state, state and inter-state and supra- state levels, in the face of reconfigured political interface afforded by modern technology. IAG and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Philippines co-sponsored this event, with IAG Executive Director Benedicto Bacani delivering the opening keynote. Launching of United Mothers of Marawi Initiatives, April 9, 2018, MSU Marawi City. We are one with women in Marawi in moving forward their movement for a consensus building in the need to step up an advocacy for the prevention of violent extremism and counter terrorism vis a vis the Marawi rehabilitation. The activity centered on the Launching of the United Mothers of Marawi Inc. (UMMI), with the theme, “Mothers in War and Peace: Consensus Building”. It was participated by more than 100 women, girls and mothers from Marawi City. It aimed to: a) provide a venue and opportunity for individual and group reflection and action on a whole gamut of issues on peace security and development issues; b) help the organized mothers to understand the roots of violent extremism and ways to prevent it; and d) formulate immediate do-able and long term actions to change the existing situation. 27Annual Report 2018
Atty. Benedicto Bacani, Executive Director of IAG discussing the current political developments related to peace process, federalism and the threats of violent extremism. One woman participant expresses her support and commitment to the initiatives of Marawi mothers to form a coalition that will serve as the voice of the women in the issues related to the rehabilitation of the city. Some Marawi mothers listening attentively to the discussions during the “Launching of UMMI” on April 9, 2018 at MSU, Marawi City. 28 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Zamboanga Peace and Security Forum on the “Conversations on Local Security, April 19, 2018, Zamboanga City. Around 50 representatives from the Women, Religious, Security Sector, the Civil Society Organizations and the Academe discussed how to address peace and security concerns in the region. Representatives of the Security Sector presented updates and clarifications on their programs and current security operations. The activity was organized by our partner Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance (ZABIDA) through our partnership project, EnPolD Bangsamoro. UMMI- Capacity Building and Organizational Development Workshop, May 8-10, 2018, Cagayan de Oro City. IAG also supported the strengthening of capacities of women’s organizations as credible platforms for influencing policies and programs particularly those decided upon by the political leadership and impacts broadly on peace and stability. The activity centered on the enumeration of the roles of the organization in their community. 29Annual Report 2018
Mothers of Marawi sharing their hopes and aspirations for the rehabilitation of the city during the workshop facilitated by the BWSC and IAG on May 8-10, 2018 in Cagayan de Oro City. Participants are provided with drawing kits and envelopes to express their reasons of joining the workshop as well as to creatively illustrate how they love Marawi City. UMMI’s Capacity Building and Organizational Development Workshop, March 8-10, 2018 in Cagayan de Oro City. Sharing their points and recommendations, these women are identifying the possible reasons and ways to move forward their advocacy and aspirations as mothers in the rehabilitation of Marawi City. UMMI’s Capacity Building and Organizational Development Workshop, March 8-10, 2018 in Cagayan de Oro City. 30 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Learning Sessions on Charter Change and Federalism: Constitutional Design: Principles, Processes and Imperatives , May 16-17 & May 28- 29, 2018, House of Representatives and Senate of the Philippines. IAG and International IDEA’s kick off a learning series in Congress on charter change and federalism with the first session on Constitutional Design: Principles, Processes and Imperatives on May 16, 2018 at the House of Representatives, Batasan Hills, Quezon City. Atty Benedicto Bacani, Executive Director of IAG delivers his opening remarks in the first learning session in Senate on Constitutional Design: Principles, Processes and Imperatives on May 17, 2018. Dr. Romulo Miral Jr of the CPBRD welcomes the participants to the second learning sessions in Congress on Electoral System Reform and Design on May 28, 2018 at the House of Representatives, Batasan Hills, Quezon City. Speakers, Organizers and SEPO staff in a group photo after the second learning session on the topic of Electoral System Reform and Design on May 29, 2018 at the Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City. 31Annual Report 2018
Organizers, Panel discussants/ resource speakers and representatives of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in a group photo after the “National Conference on BBL and Federalism” on 7 June 2018 in Makati City. National Conference on Bangsamoro Basic Law and Federalism, June 7, 2018, Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City. Lawmakers, Mindanao leaders gather for national conference on BBL and Federalism organized by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance and International Alert Philippines, with support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-Australia. 32 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
The national conference featured the proposed Bangsamoro and how it will fit into the envisioned federal Philippines. It gathered 250 policy makers, peacebuilders, academics, representatives of the Moro liberation fronts, and key leaders from Mindanao. 33Annual Report 2018
Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza giving his keynote address in the opening program of the “National Forum on Bangsamoro Basic Law and Federalism” on June 7, 2018 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City. 34 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Panel Discussants on the “Emerging Proposals for Federalism and Bangsamoro”, from left to right: a) Atty Randolph Parcasio, Member of the Consultative Committee to Review the 1987 Constitution; b) Atty. Jose Lorena of Bangsamoro Transition Commission; c) Atty Michael Mastura, Delegate of the 1971 Constitutional Convention; d) Former Governor Sakur Tan of the Province of Sulu; and e) Fr. Eliseo Mercado, OMI , Senior Policy Adviser of the IAG. Panel Discussion on “BBL to Foster Mindanao Peace” facilitated by Dr Edna Co with Rep. Ruby Sahali, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza and Chair of the BTC, Ghazali Jaafar on stage during the “National Forum on BBL and Federalism” on 7 June 2018 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City. 35Annual Report 2018
Learning Sessions on Charter Change and Federalism: Bill of Rights and Justice System, June18 and 19 , 2018, House of Representatives and Senate of the Philippines. Speakers, organizers and SEPO staff in a group photo after the third learning session on Bill of Rights and Justice System on June 18, 2018 at the House of Representatives, Batasan Hills, Quezon City. Atty. Benedicto Bacani, Prof Miriam Coronel- Ferrer and SEPO staff during the third learning session in senate on Bill of Rights and Justice System on June 19, 2018 at the Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City. 36 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Understanding the Bangsamoro Organic Law, August 4, 2018, Cotabato City. The forum tackled key principles and provisions of the BOL, including: territory, political autonomy, Bangsamoro Government and Parliament, justice system, transition and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), fiscal autonomy, block grant, taxation, natural resources, and inclusivity. The activity is a partnership of IAG through its Australian DFAT-supported Enpold Bangsamoro Politics for Peace Phase 2 program with Notre Dame University, Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Philippines Office. 37Annual Report 2018
Speakers, organizers and representatives from the international community in a group photo after the forum on “Understanding the Bangsamoro Organic Law”, on August 4, 2018 at Notre Dame University Cotabato City. Commissioner Susan Anayatin iof BTC, answering questions related to the provisions on the rights and benefits of the Christian settlers and minorities in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, Commissioners Mohagher Iqbal and Susan Anayatin, and Atty Benedicto Bacani, joined by some members and supporters of the MILF in a photo-op after the forum. 38 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Dialogue-Workshop Understanding the Women’s Role in Preventing Violent Extremism and In Building Peaceful Communities, September 19, 2018, Iligan City. Mothers from Marawi and Lanao del Norte gathered in a forum on women’s role in preventing violent extremism and in building peaceful communities. Ustadza Nur- ainee Lim facilitated the discussion on the role of women in the society - and in preventing violent extremism and building peace. The participants are mothers and women residing in Marawi and nearby municipalities who are members of the United Mothers of Marawi Initiative (UMMI), a movement of women who provides a venue to discuss and facilitate the voices of women in creating a better community. 39Annual Report 2018
MILAB Study Tour, September, Naga City and Negros Occidental. The Western Basilan Alliance (WBA) mayors and technical staff with the MILAB, ZABIDA and IAG personnel went to Naga City and Negros Occidental to share and learn experiences on building inter-LGU development alliance. In Naga City, the WBA delegation was welcomed by the Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC) headed by its chairman, Naga City Mayor John Bongat, and Project Officer Mr. Adolfo Badiola Jr. MNDC is an interlocal alliance of 16 LGUs of neighboring municipalities in Naga City, Camarines Sur in the Bicol region. The second leg of the study tour brought us to Bago City in Negros Occidental to learn more about the Central Negros Council for Coastal Resources Development (CENECCORD). 40 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo and CENECCORD Executive Director Marilou Peñafiel welcomed our delegation. CENECCORD is an alliance of one city and 6 municipalities in Negros Occidental. WBA is an alliance of 5 municipalities in Western Basilan consisting of the local government units of Maluso, Tabuan Lasa, Sumisip, Hadji Muhtamad and Lantawan. The Modelling Inter-LGU Alliance in Basilan (MILAB) project is supported by AECID of the Embassy of Spain and is being implemented by IAG in partnership with ZABIDA and the Provincial Government of Basilan and the ARMM. 41Annual Report 2018
MasterPEACE: Bangsamoro Youth Model Parliament, 19-22 September, Cotabato City. IAG’s DELACSE Bangsamoro co-organized in Cotabato City with OPAPP and National Society of Parliamentarians the MasterPEACE: Bangsamoro Youth Model Parliament aimed at promoting and instilling peacebuilding to the youth, through a simulation of the Bangsamoro Parliament. EU Delegation to the Philippines Programme Manager Xavier Canton- Lamousse welcomed some 80 members of the Bangsamoro youth during his opening message. The activity is co-organized with OPAPP in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and National Society of Parliamentarians, supported by European Union. 42 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Bangsamoro youth leaders commit to peace-building COTABATO CITY, 25 September -- Youth leaders and peace advocates committed to build a culture of peace in the Bangsamoro region during the three-day “MasterPEACE: Bangsamoro Youth Model Parliament” that concluded here on September 22. “We want to contribute (to) the Bangsamoro once it is established so that the legislators can see that the youth have a place in all this,” said 22-year-old Bryan Gonzales, a member of the National Society of Parliamentarians (NPS). Gonzales joined 80 other Bangsamoro youth leaders in manifesting their commitment to peace-building efforts. “Ang maganda dito (summit), sa kabubuuan ng Bangsamoro region, represented ang lahat ng kabataan at naririnig ang kanilang boses (The good thing about this summit is that the youth sector of the entire Bangsamoro region is well-represented and their voices are heard),” he said. The summit included a simulation program, in which the participants acted as district representatives, party representatives, and sectoral representatives under the prospective Bangsamoro Parliament. The Bangsamoro youth discussed critical issues in peace-building as they crafted and deliberated on proposed bills at the committee level and plenary sessions. 43Annual Report 2018
“’Yung setup ng Bangsamoro Parliament is hard to facilitate because it is very different from Congress (The setup of the Bangsamoro Parliament is dificult to facilitate because it is very different from Congress),” Gonzales said. “At least dito nakikita namin kung ano ‘yung mga pagkukulang, mga procedural issues na pwede ma-resolve, and mag-introduce ng reforms (At least in this simulation program, we can see which areas need improvement, what procedural issues need to be resolved, and what reforms we can introduce).” One of the proposals made during the plenary session was the integration of conflict transformation and peace-building awareness through peace education in the Bangsamoro. The proposed bills will be turned over to the Regional Legislative Assembly through Assemblywoman Irene P. Tillah. During her remarks, Youth Peace Ambassador Farrah Ghodsinia encouraged her fellow youth leaders to be proactive in promulgating peace in their respective regions. “They have to hear our voice and we have to make our voice known because this future community that we have, this future region, it is we who are going to live in it. That is why we need to be active in achieving what we want to see,” she said. The “MasterPEACE: Bangsamoro Youth Model Parliament” is the third installment of the MasterPEACE series and is in line with the celebration of National Peace Consciousness Month every September. It was spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, co-organized by the Democratic Leadership and Active Civil Society Empowerment (DELACSE) Bangsamoro, a European Union- funded project implemented by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Philippines, and the Institute for Autonomy and Governance. It was done in partnership with the NPS. -- OPAPP press release 44 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Atty Randolph Parcasio of the Constitutional Commission 2018 digested the fine lines of the Bangsamoro Autonomy and the Federalism Agenda vis-à-vis to the proposed federal constitution drafted by the 19 appointed members of the consultative committee on amending the 1987 Constitution. Forum on Understanding the Current Mindanao Political Discourse, September 28, 2018, Zamboanga City. IAG invited three (3) prominent national political thought leaders and analysts to discuss the current political discourses in Mindanao. The resource speakers centered their discussion on federalism, charter change and Bangsamoro autonomy. 45Annual Report 2018
Lanao del Sur Tri-Leadership Technical Working Group Dialogue Workshop, October 11 & 26, 2018, Cagayan de Oro City. The Technical Working Group of the Provincial Government of Lanao Del Sur, spearheaded by Board Member Jamil Faisal Saro Adiong convened a Dialogue Workshop on Peace Governance. The initiative also serves as a working arena where key stakeholders and thought leaders – Sultanate, Ulama, MILF, Academe, Youth, CSOs, Provincial Government,and Sangguniang Panglalawigan - of Lanao del Sur work together in achieving good governance to prevent and counter violent extremism. 46 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Visioning Workshop And Technical Training On Family-Based Approach To Preventing Violent Extremism, October 24, 2018, Iligan City. Mothers of Marawi City gathered in a visioning workshop and technical training on family- based approach to preventing violent extremism. It was attended by 16 mothers from Marawi City who are connected to different organizations and line agencies in the region.The workshop and technical training aims to build a consensus understanding and structure of a contextualized family-based module on preventing violent extremism. As a result, the participants willingly shared their ideas and insights on the mother’s needed capacities and skills to create a harmonious and peaceful relationship at home. The group agreed to have a tailored intervention suited to the mother’s personal, family and community circumstances. 47Annual Report 2018
Strategy Meetings for Phase 2 of DELACSE Bangsamoro, whole month of October, Basilan, Marawi City, Cotabato City, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi. DELACSE Bangsamoro devoted the whole month of October to a series of strategy meetings with more than 80 old and new partners for the second phase of the project. The purpose of the strategy meetings is for civil society organizations and political groups to have an avenue for proactive and meaningful engagement in light of the recent political developments in the region. The meetings were held in the five core territories of the proposed Bangsamoro region highlighting the activities lined up for the 24-month project as well as the opportunities for civil society groups through which they can be empowered. 48 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
Kapehan sa IAG, November 6, 2018, Cotabato City. IAG’s EnPolD Bangsamoro partnered with the Notre Dame Broadcasting Center (NDBC) in a radio commentary segment, on-air analysis and discussion on Bangsamoro Organic Law and other political developments in Mindanao. Dubbed as “Kapehan sa IAG: BOL and Business” happened on 6 Nov 2018 at Cotabato CIty. The discussion centered on the three main questions: a) What is new for business under the BOL (BARMM)?; b) What are the infrastructural opportunities and challenges?; and c) What is in it for business in Cotabato City? 49Annual Report 2018
Kusog Mindanaw 2018 Conference, 8-9 November, Davao City. Attended by around 100 key stakeholders representing different sectors of the Bangsamoro and Mindanao and presented by IAG with support from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Philippines Office, Kusog Mindanaw 2018 convened on the issues surrounding the Bangsamoro Organic Law and federalism. 50 INSTITUTE FOR AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE
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