Transformation of the mind

Sustainable peace and “dividends of peace,” particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), are key for growth and development. Among the key actions that have significantly aided in setting the region’s trajectory towards peace and growth are the signing of a peace deal between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2014, the subsequent approval of the Bangsamoro Organic Law by the Congress in 2018 and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) in 2019.

But while these important agreements are pivotal, the region’s full potential can only be fully realized when its key leaders, some of whom were former revolutionaries, are able to implement an inclusive vision for peace and sustainable development – one that is rooted in the pursuit of moral governance and sustainable development.

In March 2020, the School of Peace and Democracy-Bangsamoro or SPD-Bangsamoro was launched through the collaboration of the Bangsamoro Government, UNDP Philippines and the Australian embassy in the Philippines. SPD-Bangsamoro was founded on the belief that one of the most important transformations for peace is that of the mind. Under this belief, the program provided MILF commanders and community leaders an opportunity to play civilian leadership roles. The SPD-Bangsamoro sought to support the Bangsamoro Government and accompany the transformation from armed struggle to civilian socio-political leadership and to mainstream the transitioning combatants into socio-political inclusion and participation.

The SPD-Bangsamoro continued its implementation from 2022 to 2023, under the leadership of the Peace, Security and Reconciliation Office (PSRO) and the