For two days, Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) convened representatives from the Bangsamoro and national governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community leaders for the presentation and discussion of the Research and Policy Proposal on Governance and Security of Tenure over Land and Sea.
The activity served as a platform to critically engage with research findings and policy directions aimed at addressing longstanding land and sea tenure issues in the Bangsamoro, particularly those affecting indigenous and coastal communities.
Day 1: Government Engagement and Policy Alignment
The first day brought together officials and representatives from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and national government agencies. Discussions focused on strengthening the research and policy proposal through technical feedback and recommendations, with emphasis on ensuring alignment with legal frameworks, governance structures, and on-the-ground realities. Participants highlighted the importance of harmonizing national and regional mechanisms to effectively address tenure insecurity.
Day 2: Community and Civil Society Perspectives
Day two centered on the voices of community members and civil society organizations, providing space for sharing lived experiences, insights, and priority concerns related to land and sea governance. These inputs aimed to ensure that the research and resulting policy proposals are inclusive, grounded, and responsive to communities most affected by displacement, marginalization, and tenure insecurity.
The activity also featured photo and video presentations on “Sama Bangingi and Sama Dilaut’s 10 Elements of Indigeneity,” offering cultural and historical context that deepened participants’ understanding of indigenous identity, rights, and connection to land and sea.
Moving Research to Action
Participants expressed hope that the outcomes of the engagement would help translate research and policy proposals into concrete actions—addressing land and sea tenure issues, strengthening partnerships among stakeholders, and supporting the safe, dignified, and sustainable return of displaced communities.
This activity is part of the project “Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace and Development Agendas” (SPADe) in Mindanao. The project is a collaborative effort with the Philippine Government, financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
You must be logged in to post a comment.