From June 10 to 11, 2023, The Asia Foundation (TAF) held a Partner’s Planning Workshop at the Grand Summit Hotel in General Santos City. Supported by the British Embassy in the Philippines, the workshop marked the launch of TAF’s Activate Bangsamoro Phase (AB3) project that aims to “promote active citizenry through proactive engagement with the new Parliament, raising awareness on the newly passed Electoral Code, educating voters on the 2025 Parliamentary election, and supporting concerned BARMM offices in the development of guidelines for sectoral representation at the Parliament.”
The workshop witnessed the participation of eight (8) local civil society organizations (CSOs) who are TAF’s implementing partners for the AB3 project. These CSOs include Teduray Lambangian Women’s Organization, Inc. (TLWOI), Mindanao Institute of Journalism (MIJ), Probe Media Foundation Inc. (PMFI), Mindanao Organization for Socio-Economic Progress, Inc. (MOSEP), United Voices for Peace Network (UVPN), United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD), Maguindanao Development Foundation, Inc. (MDFI), and Legal Network For Truthful Elections (LENTE). Additionally, representatives from various Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) offices, such as Office of the Parliament Speaker (OPS), Office of the Floor Leader (OFL), Office of the Secretary General (OSG), Legislative Technical Affairs and Information Services (LTAIS), and Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS), were also present.
The workshop aimed to provide the participants with a comprehensive understanding of the BTA Parliament’s current context and the Bangsamoro Electoral Code. It also delved into the deliverables of the implementing partners and facilitated the development of a strategic working arrangement with BTA Parliament officials to achieve the project objectives. Furthermore, discussions revolved around the monitoring. Evaluation, and learning requirements of the projects, leading to an agreement on the next steps and schedules.
During the workshop, Atty. Alianna Arnica A. Mambatao, LSO IV of the Legislative Measures and Legal Assistance Division (LMLAD) of PRLS, actively engaged with the participants. She shared PRLS’ mandates and AB3-related work priorities and provided guidance on effective collaboration strategies with CSO partners to achieve the project objectives.
The Partner’s Planning Workshop laid a strong foundation for the AB3 project, fostering active citizen participation, electoral awareness, and sectoral representation in the Bangsamoro Parliament. TAF and its CSO partners remain committed to promoting inclusive governance and democratic principles in the region.
Nassef Manabilang Adiong, PhD 