What we do

BUILD Program

Addressing persistent gaps in political participation and governance that affect peace sustainability in the Bangsamoro, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia. Weak inclusion, limited civic space, and uneven engagement between communities, civil society, and state institutions continue to constrain responsive and people-centered governance. BUILD responds by strengthening peace constituencies, expanding participatory platforms, and equipping communities and leaders with the skills and tools needed to meaningfully engage decision-makers and advance inclusive peace processes.

The BUILD Program works to address the persistent gaps in peace processes and governance—where communities often remain excluded, civic spaces are constrained, and the voices of Indigenous, Moro, youth, women, and conflict-affected groups are not fully reflected in political decision-making. Across the Bangsamoro Region, the wider Philippines, and Southeast Asia, BUILD strengthens the capacities of local leaders and civil society organizations so they can participate meaningfully in shaping peace, policy, and governance outcomes.

Our work focuses on supporting communities to better understand political processes, articulate their agendas, and engage constructively with government institutions. Through targeted training, advocacy accompaniment, and sustained networking, BUILD prepares peace and human rights constituencies to negotiate, lobby, and collaborate at local, national, and regional levels.

By 2027, IID envisions a broader, more cohesive, and more engaged peace constituency—one in which community leaders, policy actors, and civil society are regularly working together toward responsive and inclusive governance. BUILD supports platforms such as the National Dialogue, Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict – Working Group on Enabling Collaboration (GPPAC-WGEC), local CSO networks, and regional formations like Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict-Southeast Asia (GPPAC-SEA) and ACSC/APF. Through these partnerships, leaders gain the knowledge and advocacy skills to influence peace mechanisms, advance community priorities, and push for reforms grounded in human rights, cultural sensitivity, and accountability.

Beyond leadership development, BUILD invests in strengthening collaborative networks and mechanisms of engagement. We facilitate regular exchanges between Peace Implementing Panels, ministries, national agencies, and community organizations ,creating avenues for cooperation, policy feedback, and shared problem-solving. This collective work aims to improve the quality of participation in peace processes, widen civic involvement in governance, and ensure that diverse sectors—from Indigenous Peoples to youth and women—can shape decisions that impact their lives.

Through research, direct policy engagement, coalition-building, and public advocacy, the BUILD Program works to ensure that inclusive, participatory, and responsive governance becomes a norm rather than an exception—contributing to long-term peace, democratic resilience, and people-centered governance across Mindanao, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia.