Mindanao CSOs and LGUs Join Forum on Good Governance

COTABATO CITY (November 7, 2024) — People in Need (PIN) Philippines, in collaboration with Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. (BMFI) and the Maranao People Development Center Inc. (MARADECA), hosted a Regional Forum on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Al Nor, Cotabato City.

According to a press release, the event brought together Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Local Government Units (LGUs), and key national and regional agencies to amplify local voices in governance and community development within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The forum marked the culmination of the two-year project, “Strengthening Capacities of Civil Society in CARAGA and BARMM for Good Governance,” funded by the European Union. This initiative has successfully enhanced partnerships between CSOs and LGUs, promoting dialogue and accountability to foster transparent and inclusive governance in often underrepresented communities across the Caraga and BARMM regions.

For the first time, representatives from 17 CSOs and LGUs in BARMM convened to share impact stories, explore the dynamics of trust, and discuss effective local partnerships. The event aimed to address both the challenges and successes of these collaborations, with particular focus on the unique needs and issues facing the BARMM region.

“I believe that engaging with local government is essential to addressing the true needs of our communities. For us, as CSOs, and particularly for Indigenous Peoples’ groups like ours, this event offers a unique opportunity to sit with various agencies, openly discuss pressing issues in our communities, and collaboratively explore solutions,” said Faizal Dawamie, a tribal leader from the Indigenous People community in Sulu.

The organizers stated that the event featured discussions on critical themes such as community peacebuilding, service delivery, economic development, and resilience—examining these topics through the perspectives of local stakeholders driving these initiatives.

“This forum serves as an essential platform for fostering mutual cooperation between civil society and government entities,” said Pascal Arthaud, Country Director of People in Need Philippines. Arthaud emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in governance and demonstrated how collaborative efforts can empower local communities. (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/BangsamoroToday)