The Bangsamoro Development Framework

At the core of the Bangsamoro Development Framework (BDF) are the mutually reinforcing frameworks of Peacebuilding and Sustainable human Development (SHD). Though the pursuit of a peace in Mindanao and the political settlement of the right to self-determination, the Bangsamoro can build a stable and prosperous society with a strong economy, reliable security, respect for cultural diversity, protection of the environment and strong social services.

The peacebuilding framework has delivered an environment to the political settlement of the right to self-determination. At the center of this is inclusiveness and consideration of all stakeholders and drivers of violence and conflict in the Bangsamoro. The peacebuilding framework commits the Bangsamoro to: (i) consult all stakeholders; (ii) increase the understanding on the structures that breed violence; (iii) develop capacities to avoid and resolve conflict; (iv) create avenues of cooperation between communities; with the ultimate goal to (v) help attain reconciliation among communities. Thus, by reducing the intra-community conflicts across the Bangsamoro, which are a major source of violence and distract from human and economic development, the long term resolution of the state-minority contestation providing for the right to self-determination becomes possible.

The political settlement between GPH-MILF, with support  from the international community and in collaboration with conflict-affected communities, NGOs, private and other actors, becomes the foundation of the Sustainable Human Development Framework. At the center of the SHD framework is a strong Governance System and Institution Building to enable the Bangsamoro to address the substantial development challenges in the region, given the many years of neglect. Meanwhile. effective social services are essential to the health, education and social life outcome of the population to unlock the potential of the region.

The combination of reduced intra-community conflict allowing for a neglected peace, a strong and accountable governance system and services that ensure the social outcomes of the population to create the necessary conditions to address the deep economic, cultural, environmental and security challenges in the region. With a well-formulated plan, based on the specific sectoral challenges existing in the region, an integrated approach can deliver Sustainable Human Development based on the priorities identified by the Bangsamoro in line with their right to self-determination.

courtesy: Dr. Abubakar (BDF)