Civil society groups representing Moro, Indigenous Peoples, and Christian communities in the Bangsamoro came together in a consultation to prepare for the region’s first-ever parliamentary elections.

The consultation produced the Tri-People Peace and Development Agenda – a roadmap that lays out practical steps to strengthen governance, protect rights, and safeguard peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The Agenda reflects the shared priorities of communities, covering peace and security, justice, human rights, livelihood, climate resilience, culture, and social cohesion, with special attention to women, youth, and marginalized groups.

Looking ahead, the three communities plan to use the Agenda as a guide in engaging political leaders, while also promoting civic education to encourage meaningful participation in the elections.

“This first parliamentary election is historic. It is our chance to legitimize our right to self-determination and ensure no one is left behind,” said Wahida Abdullah, a Women, Peace, and Security advocate. She underscored the call for peaceful elections “free from fear, intimidation, manipulation, or violence.”

The initiative is supported by the Australian Government through the Programme on Stabilization, Peacebuilding and Resilience in the Philippines (PROSPER-Bangsamoro), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It forms part of Australia’s long-term commitment to peace and prosperity in the BARMM, promoting unity among diverse communities, strengthening government institutions, and helping former combatants reintegrate into society.

“Through this program, we aim to make a meaningful difference for communities, for the BARMM, and for the Philippines as a whole – ensuring all voices are heard,” said Australia’s Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines Dr Moya Collett.

Prof. Jurma Tikmasan, Head of the Tarbilang Foundation in Tawi-Tawi, added: “Working across diverse identities is never easy, but mutual respect has been the foundation of our collaboration. Unity among our three communities is not just possible – it is already happening.”

In a joint statement addressed to the Government of the Philippines, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and Bangsamoro authorities, the Moro, Indigenous, and Christian leaders comprising the Tri-People Conference for Social Cohesion and Inclusive Development declared: “The destiny of the Bangsamoro rests in our collective hands. Together, let us preserve, defend, and deepen the hard-won peace.”

As BARMM prepares for its first parliamentary elections, the Moro, Indigenous and Christian communities send a united message: peace, inclusivity, and unity must guide the region’s future.

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About PROSPER-Bangsamoro

The PROSPER-Bangsamoro is a two-year program that seeks to contribute to efforts to strengthen post-conflict governance, enable community resilience and stabilization, and support normalization processes. With a PHP 78 million support from the Australian Government, the program aims to foster inclusive governance by providing technical support to strengthen institutional capacities and convergence on conflict prevention and peacebuilding; promoting resilience and social cohesion among communities by engaging women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and civil society organizations; and assisting transition and transformation processes for former combatants from revolutionary groups and their communities.

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