WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH NEWSLETTER 6.

0 MARCH 2020

IN THIS ISSUE

2-3
BTA, policy think-tanks, academe, and
civil society join heads in discussing key
issues during BARMM transition

BTA Members, Bangsamoro Civil Society Leaders

visited Europe for a Study Tour Learning Exchange
4-5
Bangsamoro CSOs keen to pursue their
advocacy alongside policymakers

6-7
Safeguarding funds, strengthening
the party system, instituting better
mechanisms and policies in BARMM
all tackled in the CDO leg of DELACSE
Bangsamoro’s Lecture Series

The Bangsamoro delegation poses together with representatives from European External Action Service 8-9
(EEAS) of the European Union Headquarters in Brussels during the Belgium leg of their Study Tour in Europe. CSOs discuss their roles in the
The tour was filled with interactive learning sessions and insightful meetings with key officials from various Bangsamoro Transition
international organizations.

D ELACSE Bangsamoro had

a Study Tour in Europe
last October 13-20 held at two
Authority (BTA), nine civil
society leaders from across
five provinces of Bangsamoro
major countries. The first stop Autonomous Region in Muslim 10-13
was in Brussels, Belgium wherein Mindanao (BARMM), and three Civil Society Leaders and the road to a
the delegation was hosted by project team members from Successful Bangsamoro transition
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung the Institute for Autonomy &
(KAS) Brussels’ Multinational Governance (IAG) and KAS
Development Policy Dialogue Philippines. The study tour
(MNED) team from October 13- aimed at familiarizing CSO
15. The second one was in Berlin, leaders and BTA members with
Germany held from October
18-19
current and future programs Civil society intensifies dialogue on
16-20 hosted by the European of the European Union in their Bangsamoro transition; reiterate
International Cooperation Team work in helping build stronger advocacy on people’s participation
of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung democratic institutions in the
Berlin. DELACSE Bangsamoro newly established Bangsamoro BONUS SECTION!
brought 15 delegates composed
of three members from the
political entity. The interaction
between the delegation and FUN with FACTS
Bangsamoro Transitition Continue to page 14. CROSSWORD PUZZLE
MARCH 2020 NEWSLETTER 6.0

BTA, POLICY THINK-TANKS, ACADEME, AND CIVIL SOCIETY JOIN

HEADS IN DISCUSSING KEY ISSUES DURING BARMM TRANSITION
between the central government
and the BARMM.

This was emphasized by DILG

Undersecretary Jonathan
Malaya who discussed the
national government’s initiative
pertaining to setting up the IGR
bodies which are crucial to the
relationship between the national
government and the Bangsamoro
region. It can be noted that the
Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL)
has identified seven IGR bodies
namely; Philippine Congress-
EU Delegation to the Philippines Chargé d’ Affaires Mr. Thomas Wiersing welcomed the delegates on the Bangsamoro Parliament Forum,
first day of Lecture Series held in Makati City where he shared EU’s support for the Mindanao agenda and Fiscal Policy Board, Joint
BARMM’s future plans. Body for the Zones of Joint

T he DELACSE Bangsamoro,
a project supported by the
EU, has gathered together policy
to the project in its efforts to
help build the individual &
organizational capacities of civil
Cooperation, Infrastructure
Development Board, Energy
Board, Bangsamoro Sustainable
think-tanks, BTA members, society so that they can actively Development Board, and the
academe, and civil society to participate in the transitioning Council of Elders. Part of the
engage in a discussion as to how BARMM. discussions highlighted how civil
they can address pressing issues society can engage with these
and challenges regarding the The first panel discussion focused IGR bodies to push for their
Bangsamoro transition. on the importance of setting-up advocacies.
the IGR bodies. The speakers
The Manila event is the first emphasized on the critical role By the second day of the event,
of the 3 lecture series lined up that the IGR mechanisms will the discussion centered on public
by the project to discuss the play in defining the relationship Continue to next page.
mechanisms and institutional
arrangements needed to
ensure the success of the newly
established BARMM in the areas
of intergovernmental relations
(IGR) bodies, public finance,
and political & electoral reforms
particularly parliamentary
redistricting and strengthening
the party system. The event was
held at the AIM Conference
Center in Makati City last June
19-20. EU Delegation to the
Philippines Chargé d’ Affaires
Mr. Thomas Wiersing and KAS
Philippines Country Director Dr.
COMELEC Spokesperson Dir. James Jimenez, BTA Majority Leader Atty. Lanang Ali, Jr., and IPER Executive
Stefan Jost opened the program
Director Ramon Casiple answer questions raised by CSOs and the media about issues on electoral reform in
and expressed their support BARMM.

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NEWSLETTER 6.0
From previous page.
financial management in the
BARMM, including discussions
on taxation and utilization of
available resource.
Furthermore, Dr. Rene
Ofreneo, president of Manila-
based Freedom from Debt
Coalition, called on civil
society to participate actively
in the planning and budgeting
processes in the Bangsamoro
to make sure that funds are
allocated and utilized in a
transparent and accountable
manner. The issues of political
and electoral reforms in the
BARMM were tackled in the
afternoon of the second day
starting with a presentation
from Majority Leader of the
Bangsamoro Parliament Atty.
Lanang Ali Jr. who gave a quick
rundown of the parliamentary
structure in BARMM as well
as the electoral process under
this setup. He shared that the
BTA sitting as the Bangsamoro
Parliament has assigned a
committee, which he also chairs
to draft the Electoral Code. He
encouraged the civil society to
contribute in the crafting of
the code which he said will be
critical to instituting political &
CSOs from different island provinces of BARMM with their Manila counterparts pose for a group photo in
the first leg of Lecture Series held at AIM Conference Center, Makati City.
WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH
The lecture series of BARMM civil society leaders have encouraged them to form insights and think about
policies for implementation later on in their respective organizations.
electoral reforms in the region.
He assures civil society that the
BTA will do its best to draft an
electoral code that will usher the
strengthening of party system
and increase civic participation.
COMELEC Spokesperson Dir.
James Jimenez defined the
dynamics between the national
& local electoral office of
BARMM and possible areas of
coordination and collaboration
between the national and
regional electoral bodies. He
pointed out that there will be
new policies and regulations
peculiar to the Bangsamoro to
MARCH 2020
suit the parliamentary system
and the manner by which
some seats in the Bangsamoro
Parliament will be allocated
during regular elections in 2022.
To this end, he encouraged the
civil society to educate the public
about the election system and
help in political education to
instill political maturity in the
region and its communities.
After the discussions, the CSOs
participated in a workshop
wherein they detailed on how
they can bring the interest of
civil society in the discussion of
the IGR bodies and how are they
going to promote efficient public
financial management and push
forward electoral reforms the
Bangsamoro needs. To put the
event to a close, IAG Executive
Director Atty. Benedicto Bacani
encouraged the civil society
leaders to continue advocating for
change in the region by actively
engaging and contributing to the
decision-making processes and
mechanisms. He stressed that
this attribute is the key to better
formulate policies and build
stronger political institutions
responsive to the needs and
aspirations of the Bangsamoro.
3
MARCH 2020 NEWSLETTER 6.0

BANGSAMORO CSOs KEEN TO PURSUE THEIR ADVOCACY

ALONGSIDE POLICYMAKERS
which includes accrediting and He then said that the COMELEC,
registering legitimate political in particular, wants to avoid
parties. In addition to this, the this from happening again. In
BEO will have a broader mandate that regard, Jimenez then urged
compared to other regional the CSOs to carefully monitor
offices of COMELEC. the means of appointment of
several officials whose entry or
The so-called “pillars” appointment to various
on developing the positions were done
electoral office in “Accountability is through means of
BARMM centers very critical because that “under-the-table”
on three basic is the protection that we have schemes. He then
against any sort of attempt to
premises: 1) the game the system.”
told them that
BOL’s emphasis the office must
on merit-based Dir. James Jimenez be insulated
Spokesperson,
staffing; 2) the from local power
Commission on
need for multiple Elections structures so that
competencies independence and
training; 3) the effectiveness of the
During the first batch of the Lecture Series in lines of accountability to agency will be realized.
Makati City, COMELEC Spokesperson Dir. James be firmly established. For
Jimenez tackled the importance of merit-based the spokesperson, the issue Jimenez then explained the
staffing in Bangsamoro Electoral Office in BARMM.
of applying the merit-based limited powers duly given to

M akati City --- The system is complicated because regional electoral directors in the
introduction of political the political environment in a existing setup, in which they are
reforms to improve the electoral particular area plays a vital role tasked to handle administrative
system was the general topic in its enforcement. duties (enforcing COMELEC
of COMELEC Spokesperson policies) that strictly limits
Dir. James Jimenez during the Jimenez then recalls on the influence over procurement and
Manila Lecture Series. damage centralization has done hiring personnel. This designation
with this endeavor in ARMM, will change in the setup under the
He addressed the dynamics in which all the powers were BEO, wherein the agency will
between the national electoral delegated to one agency only. Continue to next page.
office and the local electoral
office in BARMM that is yet to be
constituted. In his presentation,
Jimenez pointed out that the
Bangsamoro Electoral Office
(BEO) is currently being
established by the Commission.

The spokesman stressed that

the office will simply take the
place of the former ARMM
Electoral Office. The BEO,
according to him, will absorb all
the powers and responsibilities
of the previous office. The
major difference is that the BEO
will have additional powers,

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NEWSLETTER 6.0
From previous page.
have more autonomy in handling
electoral affairs.
The action to be taken on
legislative redistricting will
be assumed by the proposed
BEO. The long time COMELEC
spokesperson described the
merit-based selection of
personnel by the BEO shall serve
as an opportunity for better
skilled officers to be appointed or
hired in BARMM.
Also, with a supplanted
administrative office, it will
have a better capacity to train
local hires in jobs mostly done
by experts and specialists from
the central office which is in
Manila. Jimenez then explained
that CSOs must also take into
consideration that local electoral
offices must step up and address
existing gaps when it comes to
procurement and bidding.
Another featured topic regarding
the creation of BEO is the
technical support the office will
require, notably in the oversight
of automated elections, which is
a top-down project of COMELEC.
UNDP Programme Analyst Atty. Al Julkipli, former ARMM DILG Regional Secretary Atty. Anwar Malang,
and BTA member Atty. Jose Lorena joined together for an open forum wherein they explained further the
different perspectives concerning the BTA transition in the national and local level.
WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH
For Jimenez, this will serve
as a challenge for the agency
as the national elections and
BARMM parliamentary elections
will be held simultaneously in
2022. Regardless of what mode
BARMM decides to adopt in
terms of voting, such decision
must be complemented with
provision of regular technical
support to the BEO.
Adding more to the discussion on
electoral reforms, Jimenez made
mention that regional offices
of COMELEC elsewhere in the
country remain understaffed.
He made mention of this to bring
to the Bangsamoro’s attention
the need for skilled personnel
in organizing and monitoring
election proceedings. Though
it is not a unique problem for
BARMM, the spokesperson still
see it as a crucial part of the
political process and elections.
In the topic surrounding
accountability, Jimenez sees it
as very critical since it serves as
the main protection against any
attempt to game the electoral
system. Jimenez also encouraged
a good working relationship and
mutual support between national
MARCH 2020
and local electoral offices,
especially in the Bangsamoro
given its unique institutional
setup compared to the rest of
the country. He also said that
CSOs need to find deeper insights
on policy questions from the
Bangsamoro Electoral Office that
will be instituted later on. For
Jimenez, it is important to hear
new ideas coming from different
sectors or groups to be able to
avoid the mistakes committed in
the past.
In regards to this, the
government has taken actions
through COMELEC Regular
Management Committee
Meetings spearheaded by
Chairman Sheriff Abas. In this
meeting, all regional directors
are joined together to discuss
different policy questions so that
the policies the central office will
enforce will have inputs from
field officials. Because of the
unique electoral process that
BARMM will adopt, it will also
promote election administration
in which BEO will have a chance
to share their experiences and
protocols with the central office.
In doing this, Jimenez said
that the approach will remain
topdown, in that the information
system and equipment will
still come from the national
level. “Just because BARMM is
autonomous does not mean it’s
an island,” Jimenez stressed. “It’s
still part of the whole system,
which means kung ano man yung
nationwide projects ng central
office(like voter registration),
implementation will still end up
in the laps of local offices”, he
added. To end his discussion, the
spokesperson urged everyone
involved in shaping BARMM’s
electoral policy to remain vigilant
and empowered to institute
change in the region.
5
MARCH 2020 NEWSLETTER 6.0

T he second of the 3 Lecture

Series organized by
DELACSE Bangsamoro was
SAFEGUARDING FUNDS, STRENGTHENING
held in Cagayan de Oro City last THE PARTY SYSTEM, INSTITUTING BETTER
July 5-6 at Seda Centrio Hotel. MECHANISMS AND POLICIES IN BARMM AS
Similar to the activity design of
the first lecture series held in TOPICS DURING CDO LECTURE SERIES
Manila, the learning sessions
centered on how IGR can
cultivate better coordination and
collaboration between the new
BARMM government and the
national government.

In the same manner as

the Manila lecture series,
CSO leaders coming from
the mainland provinces of
Maguindanao, Lanao, and
Cotabato were familiarized
with the importance of effective
public financial management
and reforms in the political and
electoral system as important
elements for the success of the
new regional government.
To start the event, IAG Executive
Director Atty. Benedicto Bacani
urged the CSOs to consistently
engage the public in informing
issues concerning BARMM.
“Civil society must invoke
the concept of sovereignty
to the people which they can
manifest by forming political
organizations such as political
movements or political parties,”
Atty. Bacani emphasized.
Atty. Bendicto Bacani, Executive Director of Institute for Autonomy and Governance during his welcoming
remarks on the second leg of Lecture Series in Cagayan de Oro City. The participants consist of CSO leaders
and representatives of political parties from Lanao, Maguindano, and Cotabato.
bodies that should be created CEO, Charlito “Kaloy” Manlupig,
and the different agencies of the discussion centered on how
government at the sub-national CSOs can effectively participate in
and national levels that will be the formulation of policy. In his
involved in these mechanisms words, there are many issues in
provided under the BOL. CSOs which civil society can intervene
have also learned that better upon. Such pressing issues like
intergovernmental relations strengthening social structure,
can be done not only through mobilizing community, and
formal mechanisms but also preventing violent extremism are
non-formal arrangements. With considered gateways for CSOs.
Balay Mindanaw’s President and Continue to next page.

The discussion on the first day

of the event focused on the
considerations of implementing
BOL provisions on IGR and how
the civil society can help promote
the significance of having
effective collaboration and
coordination between BARMM
officials and the national
government for the successful
implementation of the peace
agreement and better governance
in the Bangsamoro. The CSOs
looked into the major IGR

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NEWSLETTER 6.0
BARMM Parliament Majority Leader, Atty. Lanang Ali, Jr., discussed the Electoral System in BARMM
emphasizing on the need for the formation of genuine political parties to promote healthy political
competition.
From previous page.
He also urged the civil society
leaders to put cooperation as the
main agenda in order to have a
smooth transition.
The second day of the lecture
series revolved around the
prospects and challenges of
public financial management
(PFM) and how CSOs can
play a vital role in ensuring
its stability. They were able
to identify the challenges and
positive experiences on PFM
under the previous autonomous
government (ARMM) which can
serve as guidepost for the new
BARMM. In regard to this, they
were given a review of the BOL
and what it says about carefully
appropriating BARMM’s finances
WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH
- the main bulk of which is the
block grant.
The CSO leaders were also
educated on the salient features of
planning and budgeting process
of the government which is a
critical platform and opportunity
for civil society participation.
The civil society leaders also
learned the ways on how they
can help safeguard the public
funds through active participation
in planning, budgeting, and
monitoring accountable allocation
of resources and effective delivery
of services. This is one way of
securing the interest of the public.
In terms of electoral reform, BTA
Majority Leader Atty. Lanang Ali
Jr., emphasized the composition
of the Bangsamoro Parliament
MARCH 2020
and the manner by which the
seats will be allocated as a
potential platform that will pave
the way for electoral and political
reforms in the region. This will
be realized further through
the crafting of an election law
for BARMM that will enhance
party system and empower the
politically marginalized groups.
This is, for him, an important
path to ensure wider political
participation and encourage
diversity of political thought
and decision-making. “There
is no perfect government, pero
dito sa Bangsamoro, naglagay
kami ng safeguards; parameters,
na as much as possible, ay
ma-minimize if not eradicate
corruption,” he added. To close
the two-day seminar, the CSOs
were asked about their current
political engagement in the
transitioning Bangsamoro and
to identify the activities that will
contribute to the success of the
BARMM.
For them, it is important that
they are being guided by IAG
through this kind of technical
assistance that empowers them
to become active Bangsamoro
civil society leaders this two-day
forum is funded by the European
Union.
CPBRD Director-General Dr. Romulo Miral, Jr.
discussed the prospects and challenges of public
financial management in the second batch of
DELACSE Bangsamoro’s Lecture Series in Cagayan
de Oro City.
7
MARCH 2020
CSOs DISCUSS THEIR ROLES IN BANGSAMORO TRANSITION
CSOs from Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi pose for a group photo together with some of the insightful speakers during the third lecture series held in Zamboanga City.
T he third and last lecture
series of DELACSE
Bangsamoro focusing on
three key issues during the
Bangsamoro transition such as
intergovernmental relations,
public finance management,
political and electoral reforms
took place at Marcian Garden
Hotel in Zamboanga City on
23-24 July last year. The event
was participated by civil society
leaders from the island provinces
of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-
8 WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH
NEWSLETTER 6.0
Tawi. Insightful speakers from
the Bangsamoro Parliament
and former ARMM officials
According to Atty. Bacani,
self-determination will only
be possible if the Bangsamoro
participated in the event to people will have a voice in
share their knowledge and the establishment of political
insights surrounding the three institutions and in the political
issues. IAG Executive Director process.
Atty. Benedicto Bacani opened
the program by giving a warm IGR Bodies between the
welcome message. Atty. BARMM and the National
Bacani could not emphasize Government
enough how vital the CSOs
empowerment in making self- Atty. Jose Lorena, BTA Member
determination sustainable. of Parliament, and Atty. Nazir
Ynawat, former Assemblyman of
the 2nd District of Sulu of ARMM
Regional Legislative Assembly,
tackled the importance of IGR
mentioned in the BOL and the
urgent need to set up these
different IGR bodies to increase
inter-action and collaboration
between the national government
and BARMM.
Atty. Lorena emphasized that
the IGR bodies which will be
constituted by and between
Continue to next page.
NEWSLETTER 6.0
From previous page.
the BARMM and relevant
national government agencies
have to be established so
that the departments, offices,
commissions, agencies and
bureaus of the national
government and that of the
BARMM can work hand-in-
hand to develop, implement
and enforce policies, programs,
and projects for the successful
transition of the new
Bangsamoro government.
He also stated that there’s a
need for the BARMM to be
represented in the national
agencies implementing
programs that ensure the
protection of the rights and
welfare of the Bangsamoro
people such as the Pantawid
Pamilyang Pilipino Program
(4Ps), Health Facility
Enhancement Program, School
Building Program, social
pension for senior citizens, and
the Task Force Bangon Marawi
(TFBM).
Atty. Ynawat focused his
discussion on the IGR provisions embodies a good framework that
in the BOL that aim to promote
good working relationships
and facilitate the pursuit of the processes if what is stated in
effective implementation of
programs, projects, and policies
by the national government and
the Bangsamoro government.
CSOs listen intently to BTA Member of Parliament Atty. Omar Yasser Sema as he tackles the ideal electoral
system for the Bangsamoro as well as the challenges the BTA and the national government are facing in
legislating an election code for the Bangsamoro.
WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH
MARCH 2020
“IAG is
shaping the future of
the Bangsamoro people
towards a deeper
understanding of the political
context of BARMM.”
Narciso Jover, Jr.
Program Manager,
DELACSE Bangsamoro
DELACSE Bangsamoro Program Manager, Narciso Jover, Jr. encouraged the CSOs to share the knowledge and
experiences that they have learned during the two-day Lecture Series. Jover is hoping that the learnings that
they got from the event will also be shared with their respective organizations.
CSOs on political and is the Election Code, that will
electoral reforms usher the strengthening of party
system through instituting strict
BTA Members of Parliament regulations to mitigate political
(MPs) Prof. Sahie Udjah and Atty. domination of political elites.
Omar Yasser Sema talked about
the parliamentary political setup They also cited public funding
and the electoral system in the for genuinely principled political
Bangsamoro. parties as a potential mechanism
that will provide opportunity for
According to them, the BOL ordinary citizens to organize their
political party.
will pave the way for reforms
in the political and electoral CSOs on forming a genuinely
principled political party
the law will be exercised and
implemented. To this end, they To end the two-day lecture series,
pointed out that the BTA needs to DELACSE Bangsamoro Project
craft enabling laws, one of which Manager Mr. Narciso Jover, Jr.
said that IAG will continue to
support civil society to be more
active participants in shaping the
future of the Bangsamoro.
He reiterated IAG’s commitment
to work for reforms in the
political and electoral setup by
contributing to the strengthening
of party system in the region
and by encouraging the CSOs to
create political movements and
if possible help in promoting
genuinely principled political
parties.
9
MARCH 2020
CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS AND THE ROAD TO A
SUCCESSFUL BANGSAMORO TRANSITION
M akati City – DELACSE
Bangsamoro gathered
academicians, policy makers
and civil society leaders from
different island and mainland
provinces of the Bangsamoro
region to participate in a three-
day training held at Valero Grand
Suites in Makati City on 18-20
September for its first batch and
23-25 September for its second
batch.
Training of Trainers (ToT) is
part of the 24-month capacity
building program that seeks
to further develop the skills
and competence of civil society
leaders, teach them how to
implement effective training
strategies and help them
understand the new Bangsamoro
political framework and recent
political developments.
Key resource speakers were
invited to tackle and present
institutional and political
challenges in the BARMM.
Strategic approaches and ways
to combat these challenges were
discussed in order to help CSO
leaders address internal and
external struggles present in their
respective organizations and
communities.
The three-day training started
with welcome messages from
First Counsellor and Deputy
Head of the Political, Press
and Information Section of the
Delegation of the European
Union to the Philippines
Mr. Rafael de Bustamante
and Country Director of KAS
Philippines, Dr. Stefan Jost
where they expressed their
gratitude and support for the
10
Bangsamoro cause.
IAG Executive Director Atty.
Ramirez shared
the levels and
challenges
Benedicto Bacani says that the of political
road to a successful transition participation in
is not guaranteed to be smooth- status quo and
sailing as there are political civil society
and economic interests at leaders’
play that will either harm or contribution
promote the Bangsamoro cause. Continue
He also shared that the goal to next
of the Bangsamoro transition page.
is to generate a new politics in
the region, dominated not only
by few people but by leaders
who are highly skilled and
empowered. According to Bacani,
inclusivity is critical in any
political movement.
Hence, the Bangsamoro
cause has to be inclusive and
participatory. “The battle is
inclusivity. If it will only be
exclusive to few people and
families, then this transition
will definitely fail. In this
transition, it is critical to build
institutions. That is the objective
now of institutions,” Bacani
emphasized.
Mr. Lambert Ramirez,
Project Coordinator of
Libertas Philippines,
mainly discussed political
participation in the
Bangsamoro cause.
He shared the factors
that affect one’s
participation in every
political arena in
order to help CSO
leaders better assess
and evaluate their
involvement in
the ongoing
transition of
the BARMM.

In photos, keynote speakers from various
fields and civil society leaders share valuable
insights on key issues concerning the
Bangsamoro transition during the Training
of Trainers held in Makati City.
From
previous
page.
in the democratic
transition of
the Bangsamoro
and ways in
which citizens can
participate in the
cause as well as the
challenges to anticipate
while encouraging
them to be part of the
movement.
In his lecture, he
emphasized that active
political participation leads
to better governance. A high
level of political participation,
according to him, sets the
standard and criteria to gauge
the success of the Bangsamoro
transition.
Responsible Citizenship and
the need for an Empowered
Civil Society
Apart from the discussion on
political participation, Ramirez
also stressed the importance of
MARCH 2020
consistency and credibility of
being CSO leaders.
He shared that their character
in leadership plays a big role in
establishing the commitment
and loyalty of their constituents.
He also showed a visual
representation of the CSO
universe to help the participants
look at civil societies in totality
for them to easily identify its
weaknesses and strengths. He
also noted the importance of
knowing one’s purpose for taking
part in the Bangsamoro cause.
Participation gap and political
inequality are two underlying
factors that also contribute
to the present struggles in
the Bangsamoro transition.
“The problem lies with the
participation gap. The rich gets
a lot while the poor gets little,
worse, they get nothing.” This is
what we call political inequality
when it comes to access of policy
makers.” Ramirez noted that
mature political participation
of CSO leaders and their
communities will drive the
Bangsamoro movement forward.
Effective Training Strategies
for Civil Society Leaders
Dr. Noel Tarrazona, National
Training Director of NOTACOR
Training Group, discussed
strategic approaches on how to
effectively engage communities on
a personal level.
Dr. Tarrazona also shared the
characteristics of an effective
trainer which are (1) competent
in his subject area, (2) competent
communicator, (3) honest in the
presentation of his ideas and
thought and (4) gives importance
to his audience. According to him,
these characteristics are essential
Continue to next page.
11
MARCH 2020
From previous page.
for CSO leaders to make their
communities facilitate relevant
training seminars.
In his lecture, he emphasized
the need to train, develop and
reproduce influencers who are
like-minded and teachable. The
task of CSO leaders, according
to him, is to always connect. He
believes that lack of connection
in the organization is a big factor
why movements fail.
Tarrazona also encouraged the
CSO leaders to train with passion
and excitement and to always
prioritize quality over quantity.
The success of the Bangsamoro
transition lies in the hands of
dynamic trainers who are willing
to reproduce themselves and
leave significant impact.
Proportional
Representation, Parliament
and Intergovernmental
Relations
Key resource speaker Ms.
Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-
Nhundu, Head of Global Political
Representation and Participation
Programme of International
Institute for Democracy and
Electoral Assistance (IDEA)
shared her field expertise in the
two batches of ToT.
She also imparted the importance
of understanding constitution
building processes, democracy
12
assessments,
and political
analysis.
Kandawasvika-
Nhundu laid
foundational
concepts on
proportional
representation,
parliament, and
intergovernmental
relations. She says
that proportional
representation in the
context of the Bangsamoro
transition refers to the
modality of getting people
to participate in the cause
through effective leadership in
political parties. “Proportional
representation is a modality that
facilitates access and gives [CSO
leaders] the ability to enter in
and step in the political arena,”
she pointed out.
In her presentation, she discussed
the crucial role of parliament in
the political arena, as there will be
no policy issues to address when
the lawmaking process is weak. She
emphasized that lawmaking is an
institution of representation and laws
are being made based on the interest
of the people.
According to her, every movement requires
an effective policy-making process in order to
create laws and policies that are beneficial to
the interest of many. The presentation ended
with an engaging open discussion. Issues of
Continue to next page.
P.A.V. E.
 MARCH 2020

From previous page.

different CSO leaders in their organizations were addressed
to help them formulate strategic solutions that will help
their communities arise. Ms. Kandawasvika-Nhundu
addressed concerns on existing gender inequalities,
electoral systems and political financing.

Dr. Stefan Jost (from left), Country Director of KAS-Philippines, delivered his
welcoming remarks and IAG Executive Director Atty. Benedicto Bacani (from
below) shared the objectives of the Bangsamoro cause. CSO leaders from different
island provinces in BARMM gathered to share insights, impart learnings and be
equipped in facilitating training sessions to further advance the movement in
their own communities.

Dr. Stefan Jost, Country Director of KAS-Philippines delivered his welcoming remarks
and IAG Executive Director Atty. Benedicto Bacani shared the objectives of the
Bangsamoro cause. CSO leaders from different island provinces in BARMM gathered
to share insights, impart learnings and be equipped in facilitating training sessions
to further advance the movement in their own communities.
MARCH 2020 NEWSLETTER 6.0

The Bangsamoro delegation visited the Flemish Government and EU DEVCO where they had an interactive discussion on how to make parliament more functional.
They also talked about the EU-sponsored programs and technical assistance underway in the newly formed Bangsamoro. DG DEVCO is in charge of development
cooperation policy in a wider framework of international cooperation, adapting to the evolving needs of partner countries.
From front page. discussions on Flemish system parties, political reforms and the
various organizations in Brussels of government, the interaction transition of Belgium from being
also served as venue in discussing of different regional parliaments a unitary state to federal.
development projects that will with the federal parliament,
contribute to sustaining peace strong political parties and The discussions also touched on
and economic stability in the civil society engagement, and the topics of fiscal autonomy and
region. Part of its objective is transparency & accountability accountability of different levels
to also enhance the delegates’ in governance. Two officials of government to further help
understanding on Belgium’s from the Flemish Government, CSOs understand the current
decentralized government system Legal Advisor Luc van Looy context in the Bangsamoro
and processes which could be and External and International region, particularly as it shapes
a source of inspiration to the Relations representative strong political institutions.
current political structure of Anja Hommers, met with Officials from EU’s EEAS
BARMM. the delegation to discuss the particularly the Deputy Head
Belgian federal system and of Division for Asia Mr. Heino
To kick off the Belgium leg of the interactions of civil society Marius and International
the study tour, the Bangsamoro with national and regional Relations Officer–Crisis Response
delegation went on a tour of the legislators. The sessions also Planner Mr. Claes Andersson met
Flemish Parliament wherein revolved on core topics such with the delegation to tackle
they had productive & insightful as the importance of political Continue to next page.

The Bangsamoro delegation was welcomed by the members of the Flemish Parliament and European Commission DG Development and Cooperation (DEVCO) during
their meeting in Brussels, Belgium where the EU Headquarters is located.

14 WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH
NEWSLETTER 6.0 MARCH 2020

The DELACSE Bangsamoro delegation during their tour of the Flemish Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. The visit was instrumental in the delegation’s understanding
of how parliamentary setups work and how different parliaments within Belgium interact, understanding what their competencies are and their relation to the
federal parliament.
From previous page. Since one of the objectives of
political development in the the Study Tour was to look into
Bangsamoro region as well government structures and
as initial discussions on the ways of cooperation between
upcoming program of the EU, governments & civil society, the
namely Support to Bangsamoro delegates met with officials from
Transition (SUBATRA) and the German Court of Auditors
Mindanao Peace & Development to share their experience in
(MINPAD). On the second half ensuring proper management
of the European Study Tour of government programs and
which was held in Germany, projects, including the process of
the first official activity of running the state bureaucracy to
the delegation was a visit at prevent corruption. Participants
KAS Academy in Berlin and also had a guided tour of the
a discussion on the German Bundesrat (Federal Council)
federal form of government and the Bundestag (Federal
led by federalism expert Mr. Parliament). The Bundesrat
Felix Knüpling from Forum of is Germany’s legislative body
Federations. that represents the sixteen
Länder (federated states) of the
The delegation also visited country while the Bundestag is
and met with Mr. Ingbert the country’s parliament that
Liebing, the State Secretary currently has 709 seats. After
& Representative of the visiting the Bundesrat and the
German State of Schleswig- Bundestag, the delegation was
Holstein to the German Federal joined for lunch by Deputy Chief
Government, where he gave of Mission of the Philippine
an overview of how German Embassy in Germany Mrs.
states interact with the federal Lillibeth Pono. Mrs. Pono met the
government, emphasizing group on behalf of Ambassador
on how they coordinate and Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega. To
represent the interests of their wrap up the Germany leg of the
state at the federal level. Study Tour, the delegation met
with Mr. Arne Semsrott, Project
Director of Frag Den Staat (Ask
the State), a project implemented
by Open Knowledge Foundation
Deutschland that promotes
transparency and freedom of
information in Germany. During
this meeting, both parties
exchanged ideas and practices
from the German & Philippine
experiences regarding citizen
demand for transparency
and accountability from their
respective governments and the
importance of taking a position
on pressing socio-political issues
affecting governance. This study
exposure in Europe helped
the Bangsamoro delegation
understand how civil society and
political parties interact with
different levels of government
and how parliaments from
different countries work with
respect to their unique form
of government. Moreover, the
tour also inspired them to make
their current organizational
and institutional structures
more functional, effective, and
responsive in order to promote
meaningful advocacies and
facilitate programs that will drive
the Bangsamoro aspirations
forward.

WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH 15
MARCH 2020 NEWSLETTER 6.0

EMPOWERED AND EQUIPPED CSOs

Takeaways during the Study Exposure in Europe

“ My takeaway from the European Study Tour is to continue our community

organizing work and help consolidate the ranks of the youth sector, farmers,

”
fisherfolks, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and women sector so that they
are organized and consolidated. Doing so will be easy for them to voice out
their issues and concerns collectively. We will also motivate those we work
with to take an active role in the crafting of laws & policies in BARMM.

Amenodin “Ding” Cali

Chief Executive Officer, Kalimudan sa Ranao Foundation
Representing mainland provinces of Lanao

“
The study tour made me realize the need to provide opportunities for young
people to participate in governance and in the process. It should inspire our
new government to make more opportunities available also and not limit it
to one office only since there are a lot of skilled young people in the region.
Doing this will engage them and acknowledge their capabilities and capacities

”
and thus will encourage them to stay and help out in the construction of the
new government. They may be able to help the new government adapt to the
innovative ways of bringing the information closer to the people on the ground.

Khuzaimah Maranda
Executive Director, Thuma Ko Kapagingud Service Organisation
Representing mainland provinces of Lanao

“
Aside from the two reserved seats, indigenous peoples can further increased
representation in the parliament through the political party formation which
they are currently organizing. Doing it alone by themselves however will
not be possible given that current population of roughly around 120,000

”
indigenous peoples which is less than 10% in the over all Bangsamoro
population. Indigenous Peoples Democratic Party (IPDP) therefore needs to
coalesce with other parties like the United Bangsamoro Justice Party to land
seats like how it is done in other federal countries.

Romeo Saliga
Member of Parliament, Bangsamoro Transition Authority

16 WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH
NEWSLETTER 6.0 MARCH 2020

“ Based on my exposure during the trip, I now have a better appreciation of the

”
features of the democratic process and institutional strengthening as priorities
in the new Bangsamoro. I also realize the need to give premium to civic rights
and democratic citizenship for better governance in the region.

Juhra Kiman
Chairperson, Al-Ihsaan Foundation
Representing island province of Basilan

“ The study visit gave me a deeper awareness on the importance of political

participation and engagement. We need to involve more stakeholders and

”
develop community leaders to engage with concerned agencies. Hopefully, the
BARMM will establish a mechanism similar to the Petitions Committee of the
German Bundestag where people can raise their inquiries and get response
about it immediately.

Mercia Alli
Chairperson, Matawkasi Incorporated
Representing island province of Sulu

“
The BTA must recognize the efforts of the CSOs and if possible BTA will forge
partnerships with these CSOs who have access in the communities so that
services be carefully and directly rendered. With regards to the partnership
between the BTA and CSO, it’s high time to help and work hand in hand in

”
advocating the parliamentary form of government. Most of the CSOs are
expert in the delivery of basic services, capacity building, conflict mediation
and many others that needs to be maximized by the BTA.

Samsodin “Mahdie” Amella

Executive Director Mindanao Action for Peace and Development (MAPAD) Initiatives
Representing mainland province of Maguindanao & Cotabato

“ My experience as part of the Bangsamoro delegation during the European

study tour is to emphasize on the electoral process which I think is a highly

”
important feature of democratic process and institutional strengthening. The
BTA should focus on strengthening the electoral system for the BARMM and
gumawa ng batas na pangangalagaan ang karapatan ng bawat botante
upang maalagan ang karangalan ng institution.

Nelson Mukarram
Chairman, Kapatut Bangsa Sug
Representing island province of Sulu

WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH 17
MARCH 2020
CIVIL SOCIETY INTENSIFIES DIALOGUE ON
BANGSAMORO TRANSITION; REITERATE
ADVOCACY ON PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION
Civil society and community leaders from Cotabato City, Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces
together with other peace advocates during the 2nd town hall meeting to generate views feeding into the
agenda development process towards peoples participation and inclusive governance in the BARMM.
R eiterating the importance of
democratic participation
of civil society along with the
affected communities as critical
aspects of good governance and
durable peace and development
of the Bangsamoro as it
transitions and establishes itself
as a new political entity, the
Initiatives for International
Dialogue (IID), have intensified
dialogue processes geared
towards consolidating an
advocacy roadmap of civil society
leaders’ engagement for the
Bangsamoro transition.
For the third quarter alone of
2019, IID successfully conducted
three (3) dialogue activities
including Usapang Adbokasiya:
Bangsamoro (Civil Society
Advocacy Strategy Meeting)
on June 20; Women Rising
in the Bangsamoro (Women
Leadership Training) on June
20-21; and the 2nd Townhall
Meeting: “Peoples’ Consultation
on the Bangsamoro Transition”
last July 25. Gathering 44
key participants, Usapang
Adbokasiya, builds on earlier
22
18
IID initiated advocacy strategy
sessions among CSOs within
and outside the Bangsamoro
during the early transition
period in 2018 and early 2019.
Part of the objective of this
event is to consolidate advocacy
imperatives for civilsociety
leaders’ engagement during
the Bangsamoro transition in
consideration of the factors that
may influence and diminish
meaningful participation of
civil society and communities in
the Bangsamoro Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao
(BARMM).
Said town hall meeting was the
second of the 3-part series of
town hall consultations in the
BARMM to provide space for
the communities to express their
issues, concerns and perspectives
on the Bangsamoro transition.
A total of 47 grassroots
participants joined the 2nd town
hall activity composed mainly
of community leaders from
Cotabato City, Maguindanao
and North Cotabato across
ethnic identities with women
NEWSLETTER 6.0
and youth representation. The
participants ranged from those
leading their own community-
based organizations (peoples
organizations), leaders of
barangay, parish, local council,
and indigenous political
structures. The 1st townhall
consultation was held in Marawi
City during the second quarter
of the year. IID’s series of
public consultations discussed
comprehensive strategies
for community participation
during the BARMM transition
while identifying issues and
concerns that matter most for
the grassroots such as the rising
insecurities, protection issues,
land-related disputes, and other
forms of violence especially in the
conflict-affected areas.
‘Women Rising in the
Bangsamoro‘
The “Women Leadership Camp“,
which successfully gathered
35 key women leaders, is a
leadership course for women
which builds upon long-running
capacity development efforts
to further empower women
in the Bangsamoro. With
“Women’s Participation in the
Bangsamoro” as an overall
theme, the leadership course
is translated into three (3)
core modular subjects on (1)
women engagement during
the Bangsamoro transition
(political and normalization
arena), (2) public policy concepts
and processes, and (3) women
advocacy towards policy action
and support for women civil
society leaders in peace and
democratic processes in the
BARMM. Aligned with the
overall capacity development
thrust of the DELACSE
project with the end view of
investing on the human resource
Continue to next page.
WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH
NEWSLETTER 6.0 MARCH 2020

the Normalization track as a

whole.

IID executive director Gus Miclat,

Victor Sapar, and Karin Widmer
also of IID capped the training
with their presentation and
discussion on the fundamental
concepts of advocacy,
communicating messages and
relevant advocacy practices in the
context of conflict transformation
advocacy for Mindanao.

Indigenous peoples, Bangsamoro and settler women leaders huddled up in a workshop session to identify The women participants have
policy imperatives for their “100-day Women Agenda in the Bangsamoro Transition“. This was part of the
program during the leadership course that IID organized for women leaders last June 2019.
initially drafted a “100-day
Women Agenda during the
From previous page. the Ateneo de Davao University Bangsamoro Transition” which
capital of the Bangsamoro (AdDU). will be incorporated to the civil
citizens - specifically women society policy agenda. Such is
- by upscaling their existing Ms. Karen Tanada from the currently being consolidated and
leadership skills and knowledge Women Engaged in Action on will be formally presented to
on public policy, governance, and 1325 (WEAct 1325) presented the BTA and relevant concerned
transitional justice in a post- the “Women Peace and Security agencies in the months to come.
conflict setting, Women Rising Agenda in the Normalization”
is the first training conducted by which was a product of their They also agreed to translate and
IID for this year with particular group’s policy research that collaborate in implementing an
focus on women leaders started in 2015. Ms. Lyndee advocacy roadmap for women
representing communities and Prieto of IID covered the topic participation before the BARMM
CSOs active in the BARMM. on emerging opportunities Transition Plan is finalized and
for women in engaging the the Normalization programs
During the event, women Transitional Justice process and rolled out.
leaders representing key offices
of the Bangsamoro Transition
Authority (BTA) provided input
on the gains and prospects in
promoting the Women Agenda
and Participation during the
Bangsamoro Transition.

BTA member Engr. Baintan

Adil-Ampatuan and Atty. Hannah
Mangondatu who represented
BTA Member Bainon Karon of
the Regional Commission on the
Bangsamoro Women (RCBW)
were the resource persons who
opened the training activity.
While the module on the basic
concepts on policy process,
parliamentary system and
An interactive exercise capped the perspectives of community and civil society leaders to emphasize that
party building was discussed by ‘participatory governance’ forms part of the backbone in making the regional autonomy work. IP and Moro
Prof. Ramon Beleno from the youth leaders and their counterpart civil society leaders proposed “quick impact projects” that the BTA and its
Political Science Department of concerned agencies can immediately pursue and prioritize during the Transition.
WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH 19
 FUN with FACTS Answer the puzzle below:

ACROSS

4 ________ communication
strives for behavior change, not
just information dissemination,
education, or awareness-
raising.

6 One of the roles of CSOs during

election period is to provide
______.

9 The Bangsamoro Revenue

Office (BRO) shall collect
______ and report promptly all
its collections, and remit NG’s
share to an accredited depository
bank: Provided, NG and BG shall
share in the cost of tax collection
administration.

10 The largest municipality and
historical centre and the capital of
Belgium.

11 A ________ is an
identification, classification and
characterization of potential major
stakeholders to know their position,
interests and power concerning a DOWN
policy issue.
1 A technique to record and analyze alliances and / or positions of political actors or stakeholders within a specific
14 Other term for the German policy arena.
federal parliament that 2 A type of communication that uses sounds and words to express yourself during a training.
translates accurately as “League 3 One of the support needed by the Bangsamoro Electoral Office from the COMELEC.
Council” 5 A legislative body that represents the sixteen Länder of Germany at the national level.
7 One of the principles in creating the sources of revenues of the Bangsamoro Government.
15 The ______ shall establish a 8 This parliament constitutes the legislative power in Flanders for matters which fall within the competence of Flanders,
Bangsamoro Electoral Office in the both as a geographic region and as a cultural community of Belgium.
BARMM under its supervision and 12 The European ______ Action Service is the diplomatic service and combined foreign and defence ministry of the
control. European Union.
13 Many can train but not all can _______.

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the
sole responsibility of Institute for Autonomy and Governance and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Institute for Autonomy and Governance Konrad Adenauer Stiftung-Philippines Initiatives for International Dialogue

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Philippines Salcedo Village 1227 Makati City, Metro
Manila, Philippines Phone: (63)(82) 2992574 & 75
Phone: +64 557 1638 Website: iidnet.org
Website: iag.org.ph Phone: +63 2 894 3737, -3427, -3796 Email: davao@iidnet.org
E-mail: info@iag.org.ph Website: kas.de/philippinen
E-mail: Info.Manila@kas.de
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