Author: Nassef Manabilang Adiong

The Sulu Archipelago, which represents the BaSulTa (Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi) provinces of the BARMM region, is renowned for its rich coral reef biodiversity. The archipelago itself is located right at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the global epicenter of coral reef biodiversity. This study showcases the diverse coral reef fishes in Southern Sulu Archipelago. Our findings are based on extensive underwater surveys conducted in the southern part of the archipelago. We have also incorporated insights and knowledge from relevant published literature to enhance our understanding. The study further presents the various challenges and threats both natural and anthropogenic, confronting these valuable resources. Lastly, we also share some insights from the conservation initiatives done in the archipelago. By recognizing the value of coral reefs as key contributors to local livelihoods and economic prosperity and as a national heritage, the study underscores the imperative of prioritizing their protection and sustainable use.

Dr. Richard N. Muallil is an esteemed marine scientist with expertise in coastal resource management, marine protected areas, and small-scale fisheries. Currently, he serves as a professor at the Institute of Oceanography and Environmental Science (IOES) and holds the esteemed position of Director at the Office of Continuing Education and Extension Services (OCEANeS) of the Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO). Dr. Muallil’s extensive contributions extend beyond academia. He actively contributes to the field as a member of the scientific advisory group of Fisheries Management Areas 3 and 4 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Furthermore, he is a member of the National Panel of Technical Experts of the esteemed Climate Change Commission. Recognized for his exceptional work, Dr. Muallil has garnered numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. In 2016, he received the Outstanding Young Scientists (OYS) award from the DOST-National Academy of Science and Technology, and the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) award from the Gerry Roxas Foundation and JCI Philippines. In 2022, he was honored with the Lifetime Achiever award by the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines. Notably, he was also acknowledged as the most outstanding PhD graduate and received the esteemed Dr. Edgardo Gomez award from the College of Science at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 2016.

The enormous reliance of the Philippines on foreign energy supplies has exposed the vulnerable side of the country to any geopolitical uncertainties that took place in areas such as the Middle East and recently in the war between Russia and Ukraine. This lecture will look at the experience of the Philippines’ energy relations with the Middle East throughout the decades. It will offer perspectives on how the country can avoid this geopolitical exposure and at the same time maximize the use of its own local energy resources. Furthermore, the lecture will focus on looking at the local energy condition, issues, and challenges of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Henelito A. Sevilla, Jr. has sixteen (16) years of teaching experience and currently serves as Dean and Professor of West Asia studies and Philippine External Relations at the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman. He obtained his MA and PhD in International Relations from Shahid Behesti University and Tehran University, Iran, respectively. His recent publication talks about “Iran’s Pragmatic Approach in Accommodating China’s Belt and Road Initiative: A Determinant for Future Closer Bilateral Relations” in China’s Engagement with the Islamic Nations, Young-Chan Kim (ed), Springer, 2023. Currently, he is working on a research project about Strategic Pragmatism in Abraham’s Accord:  The Arab-Israeli Relations and China’s Political Navigation in Securing Middle East Peace. As a recognized expert on the Middle East and international relations, Dr. Sevilla has published several academic articles and book chapters in Philippine and Middle East studies. He founded the Philippine-Middle East Studies Association (PMESA) and sets as adviser to several academic and cultural organizations. His research interests are on Mindanao, Gulf Security dynamics, geopolitics and energy security, foreign policy, among others.

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The Bangsamoro peace processes are replete of stories of how women and women’s agenda have contributed to conflict transformation. This presentation will provide a reflection and critique of how some of these have changed power and gender relations in the goal of achieving peace in the Bangsamoro.

Dr. Ayesah Uy Abubakar is an Associate Professor at the School of Business and Social Science (SBSS) at Al Bukhary International University (AIU). She is the Head of Programme of the Bachelors in Social Development Programme at SBSS-AIU. She teaches courses in the fields of development, human rights and IHL, peace and conflict studies among many others. In 2019, she published a book on Peacebuilding and Sustainable Human Development: The Pursuit of the Bangsamoro Right to Self Determination (Springer and UMS Press) and co-authored a chapter on “Mindanao” in a book called, Comparing Peace Process, edited by McGinty & Ozerdem (Routledge).

Dr. Ayesah is a recipient of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Presidential Award for her work on peacebuilding in Southeast Asia in 2014. She is among the three architects of a track 1.5 peacebuilding program called Consolidation for Peace for Southern Thailand, Aceh and Mindanao. The COP is a program by the Research & Education for Peace, Universiti Sains Malaysia (REPUSM), Southeast Asian Conflict Studies Network (SEACSN) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) during the period of 2006-2014. Since 2018, Dr. Ayesah represents Malaysia at the ASEAN Women Peace Registry (AWPR) – a pool of practitioners in conflict resolution and peacebuilding organised by the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR).

Currently, Dr. Ayesah is a member of – among others – Southeast Asian Conflict Studies Network (SEACSN), Southeast Asian Human Rights Network (SEAHRN) and the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) Southeast Asia. She is also a co-host in the Podcast, She Talks Peace.

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In this captivating keynote presentation, we delve into the transformative and empowering Bangsamoro Justice System (BJS). Designed to foster justice, inclusivity, and reconciliation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in the Philippines, the BJS represents a paradigm shift in resolving conflicts and upholding the rights of all citizens. Through an engaging narrative and insightful analysis, this keynote sheds light on the key principles, mechanisms, and accomplishments of the BJS, emphasizing its potential to bring lasting peace, strengthen social cohesion, and promote sustainable development in the region. Join us as we explore the profound impact of the Bangsamoro Justice System and its contributions to building a brighter future for all.

Atty. Sha Elijah B. Dumama-Alba is a Member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during the transition period and acting as Floor Leader of the Bangsamoro Parliament. As BTA Member of Parliament, she aspires to pass legislations to further the 12-Point Priority Agenda of the Bangsamoro Government. She is currently acting as the Chairperson of the Bangsamoro Parliament’s Committee on Rules and the Vice-Chairperson of the Statutory Committee on Bangsamoro Justice System.

As Floor Leader, she is automatically treated as an ex-officio member of all the other Bangsamoro Parliament Committees. At present, she is also the Bangsamoro Attorney General of BARMM since its creation in March 2019. As Bangsamoro Attorney General, Atty. Dumama-Alba has been designated as Focal for Justice programs in BARMM. Her office has spearheaded initiatives in improving and strengthening the Shari’ah as a Justice System, as well as promoting the Tri-Justice System in BARMM. She is currently the Secretariat for Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), a mechanism for cooperation and coordination between the National Government and Bangsamoro Government.

She was appointed as the Deputy Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. She served as Attorney VI of the Civil Service Commission – ARMM before joining the BARMM Government as Attorney General and Member of the Parliament. She was a member of the Coordinating Team for Transition (CT4T) from 2018 to 2019 representing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which drafted the Transition Plan from ARMM to BARMM

She is an Asia Foundation Development Fellow alumna. She placed 3rd in the Special Shariah Bar Examinations in 2018. She was part of the 20 Obama Leaders Class in Asia and Tatler Asia’s Gen.T List 2020 Leaders of Tomorrow, Asia Peace Innovators Fellow 2020 and a United States International Visitors Leadership Program grantee in 2021. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration at UP Diliman and finished her Law degree at San Beda Mendiola in 2007. She was thereafter admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2008. Just recently, the Development Academy of the Philippines awarded her her Master’s in Public Management major in Regional and Local Governance.