The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is the only political entity in the country that approximates a state under a federal system. As the Philippines seriously considers shifting the country’s political system from unitary to federal, it is logical and useful to take a hard look at the ARMM, see what works or not, in order to draw lessons and insights for drafters of a Federal Constitution for the Philippines and for the citizenry who will eventually ratify it.

IAG is honored to partner with CPBRD in this study on the ARMM in view of the current debate on federalism. The study reflects actual experiences of people and structures struggling to make autonomy work for peace and development. It looks at gaps in public policies and governance practices that constrain the development of a working and effective autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao. It also identifies lessons that we can build on in this march towards giving autonomy to envisioned regions/states under a federal set-up.

A key element to a successful shift to federalism is to develop a “federal culture” among public leaders and citizens where the center freely lets go of powers and resources to the regions which in turn demonstrates the commitment to develop their capacities for selfgovernance. This study, hopefully, will help nurture this “federal culture”.

Read the study here. Or contact our Enpold Bangsamoro team to ask for free copy.