A vision for the Bangsamoro

Recently, the IM conducted simultaneous workshops to formulate the Bangsamoro Vision/s. In the said workshops, different groups from various sectors (within the Bangsamoro and outside the core territory) were invited to articulate their vision/s of a Bangsamoro in both the short and the long-term.

We in Al Qalam Institute handled the visioning workshop in Davao City. The Bangsamoro Visioning Exercise was a multi-sectoral event that brought together different members of the Moro diaspora and the Kagan communities in Davao Region. The end goal was to envision the ideal autonomous state under the Philippine government. The event consisted of different demographics such as women, youth, and traditional, religious, business and political leaders.

What we have found is that, overall, the Bangsamoro simply wants to be able to have access to basic services and goods done by the government. They only want to be able to live their lives in peace, to be able to freely practice their religion, and to see their culture reflected in the government practices of their people.

However, this is easier said than done. The Bangsamoro as it is now has its challenges already, and the Organic Law is something that will grant the Moro people a fresh start. It is critical to start off on the right foot, in order for the visions of these sectors to come true.

They envision a Bangsamoro where traditional and religious leaders are engaged with the government as cultural experts and consultants, in order to ensure inclusion for everyone. They envision more roles for women, youth, and business sector to prosper under the BOL.

These are beautiful images to look at, but if we do not act, this will only remain as an image. We call on our stakeholders to come and work together for peace building and for an empowered Bangsamoro.