CSOs play a powerful role in connecting stakeholders with key decision-makers. It is imperative for CSO leaders from various sectors to communicate interests of their constituents to local and national government and political leaders so that the future Bangsamoro political entity may finally bring lasting peace and stability in Mindanao.
Read more: Mindanao CSO leaders to meet with peace process officials
The Senate approved on first reading Monday Senate Bill 1678 or the bill that seeks to establish an autonomous region in the Cordillera which will serve as the Senate version of House Bill 5343 or the proposed autonomy law pending with the House of Representatives.
Read more: Cordillera autonomy bill passes first reading in Senate
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said that he was pushing for a separate state for the IPs in the Cordilleras and Mindanao under a federal government which they themselves would govern according to their customs and laws.
Read more: Alvarez pushes for IPs' own state under federalism
The City of Zamboanga has spoken then as now: It does not want to be a part of the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region which will be created once the Bangsamoro Basic Law is passed | Manila Bulletin
Read more: Zamboanga City opts out of proposed Bangsamoro region
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said he will push for the creation of two federal states for indigenous peoples - one in Cordillera and another one in Mindanao - in the charter change debates leading to the shift to a federal system.
Read more: Speaker Alvarez says will push for creation of two federal states for indigenous peoples