Bangsamoro Sectors Unite for Inclusive Governance in Multi-Sectoral Dialogue

 

A multi-sectoral dialogue titled “Listening to Unheard Voices of the Bangsamoro People: In Aid of Legislation” brought together representatives from different sectoral groups: Moro, Indigenous Peoples (IP), Settler Communities, Women, Youth, Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Urban Poor Communities, Religious Leaders, Muslim Religious Scholars and Teachers, and Security Sectors (AFP and PNP) in a landmark event jointly organized by the Office for Settler Communities (OSC) under the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Offices of Members of Parliament Dr. Susana Salvador-Anayatin and MP Froilyn Tenorio Mendoza. The event, held on October 10, 2025, at Tanghalang Michael Clark, Notre Dame University, Cotabato City, aimed to gather insights, issues, and recommendations from various sectors to serve as valuable inputs in policymaking and future legislations of the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Participants, facilitators, and guests gather for a group photo during the multi-sectoral dialogue “Listening to Unheard Voices of the Bangsamoro People: In Aid of Legislation” held on October 10, 2025, at Tanghalang Michael Clark, Notre Dame University, Cotabato City.

The program opened with a welcome address from Atty. Edwin P. Matura, CDO V/Chief of the Technical Division of the OCM–OSC, followed by messages of support from Sheik John N. Salik, Community Affairs Officer of the BDI; Hon. Thomas Art B. Calingasan, Deputy Mayor for Christians of Cotabato City; Rene Batitao, JD, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs; Fr. Gerry Delos Reyes, OMI, Provincial Superior of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate; PCol. Christopher Panapan, Chief of RIDMD, PRO-BAR; Atty. Alladin S. Tamama, Chief of the Human Rights Promotion Division, BHRC; and Archbishop Angelito R. Lampon, OMI, DD, of the Archdiocese of Cotabato. In his message, Archbishop Lampon emphasized solidarity among the tri-people, reminding everyone that belonging to one sector does not make others adversaries, saying, “You are not my enemy, and I am not your enemy,” stressing that every group should be partners in peace and development within BARMM.

Archbishop Angelito R. Lampon, OMI, DD, delivers his message during the multi-sectoral dialogue.

MP Dr. Susana Salvador-Anayatin, Executive Director of the OSC, discussed the provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (RA 11054) relating to the rights of settlers in BARMM, emphasizing not only the settlers’ legal basis but also their vital contributions to regional development and peacebuilding. In a powerful moment, MP Anayatin shared a personal story about experiencing violence and injustice, using it to engage participants and encourage their full participation, stating: “Bihira nating makamtan ang Hustisya, Siguro dahil hindi rin kami nag salita kaya walang nakinig, kaya sana ngayong araw magsalita tayo at pakinggan ang bawat isa.” This quote served as a reminder that their voices would be listened to and heard. Meanwhile, MP Froilyn T. Mendoza, a champion for women and Indigenous Peoples, shared her presentation on “Upholding the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in BARMM: Toward Inclusive Governance and Sustainable Development,” giving extra weight to the importance of inclusion and equity in governance.

MP Dr. Susana Salvador-Anayatin, Member of the BTA Parliament and Executive Director of the Office for Settler Communities, delivers her message during the multi-sectoral dialogue.

The dialogue’s central activity was a multi-sectoral workshop facilitated by Dr. Ben T. Bello, Supervising Political Affairs Officer and Administrator of the School of Living Tradition. Participants were divided into several groups — including Indigenous Peoples, Moro, Settler Communities, Youth, Women, Senior Citizens, PWDs, Urban Poor, Religious Leaders/Muslim Scholars and Teachers, and Security Sectors (AFP and PNP) — to discuss key themes such as ancestral domain, peace and security, cultural preservation, basic services, and political representation. The Indigenous Peoples group raised long-standing concerns on ancestral land ownership, urging transparent land documentation and stronger institutional support for indigenous education through the Schools of Living Tradition. Moro participants emphasized the issue of land grabbing and the need for compensation under the Bangsamoro Organic Law for victims of land dispossession, while calling for greater Ulama representation and improved access to underserved communities. Settler Communities highlighted conflicts involving overlapping land titles, the need to expedite cadastral surveys, enhance cultural education, and improve welfare and healthcare programs for senior citizens. Youth representatives pointed out the growing detachment from cultural identity due to modernization, recommending the integration of cultural awareness in education and the establishment of rehabilitation and empowerment programs for at-risk youth. Women’s groups raised issues of gender-based violence and underrepresentation, calling for policies ensuring women’s inclusion in political party nominations and better access to education and healthcare for women in far-flung areas. The PWDs and Urban Poor groups stressed the need for better accessibility in public facilities and affordable housing, while Muslim Religious Scholars and Teachers focused on institutionalizing support for the Madrasah system. Finally, the Security Sectors (AFP and PNP) and Religious Leaders emphasized the importance of peacebuilding, stronger coordination among justice and security institutions, and the promotion of inclusive representation for marginalized groups.

After the presentations, John Paul Lugasing, Supervising Legislative Staff Officer I, consolidated and synthesized the results. Across all sectors, common themes emerged — the need for secure land ownership and protection of ancestral domains, stronger inclusion of marginalized sectors in governance, improved access to basic services, culturally sensitive education, and institutionalized mechanisms for peace and conflict resolution. These workshop results will serve as legislative references for MPs Anayatin and Mendoza in crafting inclusive and responsive laws that echo the voices of the Bangsamoro people.

MP Froilyn T. Mendoza addresses participants from multiple sectors during the multi-sectoral dialogue.

Following the synthesis, an Open Forum Session was held where the MPs directly answered the participants’ concerns. In Session 1, which focused on land and security, MP Anayatin acknowledged the complexity of land conflicts and assured participants that the Parliament is working to streamline the land titling process and establish a more effective land dispute resolution body. MP Mendoza, addressing the security sector and urban poor, committed to championing legislation that strengthens civilian oversight of the police and military, and that addresses poverty as a root cause of instability. In Session 2, the discussion shifted to social justice and representation. The MPs committed to sponsoring measures that would ensure mandatory representation for PWDs and promote gender parity in political posts. They also pledged to increase institutional and budgetary support for the Madrasah and the welfare of Muslim Religious Scholars and Teachers, ensuring that cultural and religious education remains a pillar of peace and identity in the region.

Solidarity messages were also delivered by Atty. Nes Hashim Biruar Lidasan, representing Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao, Archbishop Lampon, and MGen. Donald M. Gumiran, GSC PA, Commanding General of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division. MGen. Gumiran emphasized that “genuine peace cannot be achieved through force alone, but through understanding, inclusivity, and respect for the rights and voices of every community.”

Participants from various sectors sign the Commitment Wall, affirming their unity and shared commitment to inclusive governance in the Bangsamoro.

The event concluded with the signing of a Commitment of Support, affirming the participants’ collective pledge to uphold inclusivity, participatory governance, and the integration of grassroots insights into the Bangsamoro Parliament’s legislative agenda. The commitment reflected the shared vision of the tri-people — Indigenous Peoples, Moro, and Settler Communities — to build a just, representative, and people-centered Bangsamoro where every voice is heard and no one is left behind.