Peace and order condition and economic development are closely intertwined.One is indispensable to the other. Economic development can be pursued onlywithin a peaceful environment. When the economy is doing good, there is a better guarantee of a peaceful environment. And this is particularly true inMindanao.
This is not to simplify the complex issues of peace and development in Mindanao. These issues have socio-political and cultural roots. However, history and reality tell us that economics is also an important factor.
That is why the government, business community, and non-government organizations have always put peace on top of their economic development agenda. Peace and development have always been a main topic in thevarious conferences, summits, and other fora. These includes the annual summits initiated by Kusog Mindanaw, Mindanao Commission of Women, NGOs, business groups , media and other organizations. These initiatives manifest the acknowledgment by the various stakeholders in Mindanao that peace and development must go together.
Various foreign donors have also signified intention to continue supporting peace and development initiatives in Mindanao. These initiatives include livelihood projects, particularly for the disadvantaged sectors in the poor regions of theisland, where assistance is most needed.
Recently, another important summit was held in Sulu. Organized by the Province of Sulu, in collaboration with the Mindanao People's Peace Movement, the 4thBangsamoro Summit gathered over 50 participants coming from various sectors of the tri-people community at the Tabang Sulu Hall in an effort to contribute inforging lasting peace and development in Mindanao. The summit consolidated insights of various sectors to substantially contribute in the peace building initiatives in the region.
The summit also served as forum to assess the livelihood programs initiated for former combatants of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who havebeen provided access to livelihood opportunities.
Although there are many other summits initiated by different sectors, it is good that there are summits specially organized for the tri-people where the is no substitute implementation of livelihood programs must be intensified. There is no better substitute to touching base - getting the pulse of the people in the communities who know best how to properly address their concerns. This reinforces the bottom-up approach in looking for sustainable solutions to lasting peace and development.
The results of the 4th Bangsamoro Summit should serve as important reference for other sectors and organizations who have periodic conferences and consultation. While the summit may be area- and sector-specific, the approaches and strategies employed in successfully implementing livelihood programs in the Moro communities may help other organizations in enhancing their programs to dovetail with the needs of the target beneficiaries.
Again, there is no substitute to touching base. There is no such thing as conclusive assumptions and presumptions in working for peace and development in Mindanao. No one knows better than the people in the communities themselves.
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