Gerr o oundation · Barangay profiling followed and the Barangay Socio- Economic and Peace Profile was drafted with great help from barangay officials. 2. Re-Orientation (Municipal

1Gerry Roxas Foundation


LGU Initiatives in Barangay JusticeShowcasing LGU Gains in Conflict Management

AUTHORS:Zamboanga Sibugay - Engr. Venencio FerrerTawi-Tawi - Farson MihasunPagadian - Rosello Macansantos Dipolog - Arvin BonbonDavao del Sur - Danilo Tagailo and Atty Arlene CosapeMaguindanao - Mastura TapaSouth Cotabato - Bernadette Undangan and Danny DumandaganSarangani - Evan Campos and Jocelyn Kanda

EDITOR:Ms. Gilda Ginete

DESIGN AND LAYOUT:Glen A. de CastroJacquelyn A. Aguilos

Copyright @ All rights reserved.

No part of this report may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior permission from GRF.

Published by:Gerry Roxas Foundation11/F Aurora Tower, Araneta CenterQuezon City 1109, PhilippinesTel: (632) 911.3101 local 7244Fax: (632) 421.4006www.gerryroxasfoundation.org

Disclaimer:This study is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Cooperative Agreement AID 492-A-00-09-00030. The contents are the responsibilities of the Gerry Roxas Foundation and do not necessarily reflect the United States Government and the Gerry Roxas Foundation.


Table of ContentsDavao del Sur

Initiatives from the Ground7-14

DipologA Recipe for Lasting Peace

in the Bottled Sardines Capital15-26

MaguindanaoGO-NGO Partnership

in the Sustainability of the BJPP in Maguindanao27-33

Pagadian“Handog ng Pagadian sa Mundo”

an inspiring story of a community’s journey towardsthe revival of citizen volunteerism in community service

35-49

SaranganiPublic-Private-People’s Partnership 4Peace Promotion

51-66

South CotabatoMainstreaming the BJPP for Sustainability in the

Province of South Cotabato67-73

Tawi-TawiLeadership: Key to BJPP Sustainability

The Tawi-Tawi Experience 75-82

Zamboanga Sibugay Institutionalizing the LGU BJPP Initiatives

83-92



The Barangay Justice Service System (BJSS) is the flagship project under the Justice and Peace Program of the Gerry Roxas Foundation. It promotes governance and rule of law through community participation

and citizen empowerment. The BJSS model bridges the gap between communities, the formal justice system and alternative systems of dispute resolution. It also strengthens the Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) system. In the past 11 years, the GRF has developed technical and administrative capacities to implement the BJSS model of alternative dispute resolution and has achieved significant gains as a service provider in peace building in the communities.

The Project started in Panay Island in 1998 and eventually covered Mindanao in the ARMM areas in 2002 with funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID). To date, GRF has assisted 24 provinces in the whole country covering 15,159 peace advocates in 196 municipalities and 2015 barangays. More than 60 percent of the provinces covered are in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

Under the Project, GRF mobilizes and trains community-endorsed citizen volunteers called Barangay Justice Advocates (BJAs) on mediation, peace counseling and various aspects of the law. Once trained, a BJA functions as mediator, peace counselor, network-builder and educator. As a peace advocate, a BJA facilitates the conflict settlement process appropriate to the nature of the dispute between parties to prevent conflict from escalating into violence. The project also supports the use of popular education as a means of promoting peace messages and expanding and sustaining the gains of community-based justice and peace advocacies.

The BJSS evolved into what is now the Barangay Justice for Peace (BJP) Project. This is a 2-year project funded by USAID ending in December 2011, which aims to reduce violent conflicts in 8 conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. By design, local government units and resource partners are engaged in all phases of the project to sustain the gains in conflict reduction. Under the current project, BJAs have successfully managed more than 11,000 cases over a 12-month period with a 94% resolution rate.

Introduction


IntroductionThe BJSS model is implemented with Local Resource Partners (LRPs) numbering more than 20 to date, the provincial and municipal local government units where the project operates and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The strong partnership between GRF, LRPs and LGUs opens up a lot of opportunities in conflict reduction through the expansion of BJSS models in non-project areas utilizing LGU resources. Other sustainability initiatives include the organization of the Mindanao Consortium for Barangay Justice Advocacies by local resource partners. The consortium consists of a network of LRPs trained as barangay justice service providers under the BJSS. Recognizing the impact of the BJSS in conflict reduction, the LRPs saw the consortium as a mechanism for assisting LGUs in sustaining project gains. The GRF is currently assisting the consortium in its organizational development.

In 2011, GRF became an accredited service provider of the Local Government Academy for the Foundation’s barangay justice training modules. With the increasing demand for training from LGUs that have not been served by the Project, GRF shall continue its work in conflict affected areas to help reduce violent conflicts and promote community peace through the BJAs.

As a show of support to the BJP project, 8 LGU partners from Maguindanao, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Davao del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Tawi-Tawi, Pagadian City and Dipolog City provided close to P8 M additional budget for expansion of project and to sustain project gains in conflict reduction. The LGU stories in this compendium showcase strategies and innovations of local partners to strengthen BJP implementation and continue project gains in other conflict affected communities.

The GRF extends its gratitude and appreciation to many who have contributed to the documentation of these LGU initiatives. We hope other LGUs will be inspired to support the BJSS model as an ADR model of conflict reduction.


Davao del SurInitiatives from the Ground




I. Introduction

A. Situationer The Barangay Justice for Peace Project was introduced at the height of election fever. Hence, almost everyone was busy preparing for the elections. Moreover, with the name Gerry Roxas as an integral part of the project, there was a strong perception on the part of the government officials of political color. On the part of the DILG, the project was perceived as redundant because the Katarungang Pambarangay Program was already strongly in place. Thus, the project was not given priority.

B. Rationale of the InitiativeWith the circumstances prevailing at that time, time and priority could not be expected from the provincial government and from the DILG. Thus a bottoms-up approach to the project evolved. This was true in the initial stages of the project implementation.

II. Implementation of the BJPP

A. Project Activities/Steps and Outcomes

1. Social Marketing of the Project

A courtesy call to the provincial government was made by the representatives of the Gerry Roxas Foundation and of the Ateneo Resource Center for Local governance (ARCLG). On that occasion, the Provincial Legal Officer, Atty. John Tracy Cagas, was appointed as the BJPP focal person from the province. The launching of the project on the provincial level followed. Present during the provincial launching were representatives from the different municipalities.

There were also some representatives from the other sectors of society. However, some Local Chief Executives were not able to attend the launching purportedly because they were not able to receive invitations to it.

During the launch, the ARCLG as the Local Resource Partner Institution was introduced. On that occasion, ARCLG appealed for help from all those present and the ten municipalities were identified. The ARCLG next conducted the courtesy calls to the identified municipalities, namely: Bansalan, Digos, Hagonoy, Kiblawan, Magsaysay, Matanao, Padada, Sta. Cruz, Sta. Maria and Sulop.

During the Municipal Orientation and Project Launching, ARCLG again appealed for help from all those present. Much time was given to discussing with the Local Chief Executives their roles in the project. Unfortunately, only two of the ten LCEs attended the launching due to other scheduled activities. In all instances, the Municipal Local Government Officers (MLGOO) were present as most of them were the chosen focal persons for the identified municipalities. The ten barangays to be the locale for the BJPP trainings were also identified.

Finally, the Barangay Assemblies were conducted sometime between February and April 2010. Present in the barangay assemblies were the purok leaders, barangay health workers, barangay tanods, respected residents in the barangay and anybody interested to join.

Davao del Sur LGU Initiatives in Barangay JusticeShowcasing LGU Gains in Conflict Management

“In Davao del Sur, the Barangay Justice for Peace Program (BJPP) has empowered the people in the baran-gays, regardless of gender, educational background, ethnic affiliation and religion, to promote community peace through participa-tion in alternative dispute mecha-nisms. In effect, community devel-opment intensifies as peace envelopes the community.The success of the program is overwhelming that our only choice is to carry on through the creation of the Peace and Develop-ment Unit in the province”

Gov. Douglas RA. Cagas


Gathering participants was a challenge because it was harvest season. Also, some participants refused to sign the attendance sheet for fear that they would be identified with a political candidate. Despite the challenges, the assemblies were successful mainly because rapport was already built between the ARCLG and the MLGOOs who greatly facilitated establishing ties and trust of the barangay officials. Further, the consistent follow-up and communication with the focal persons of the municipalities helped.

Since the main objective of the assemblies was to raise community awareness of the project, an orientation was made. Afterwards, the five BJAs were chosen by the assembly.

Barangay profiling followed and the Barangay Socio- Economic and Peace Profile was drafted with great help from barangay officials.

2. Re-Orientation (Municipal Level)

Before the basic certification courses could be conducted, the national and local elections were made. As a result, there was a change in the composition of the elected officials that the ARCLG dealt with. This required the re-orientation and re-gathering of support at the municipal level.

3. Conduct of the Courses

The Basic Certification Courses for the chosen Barangay Justice Advocates were conducted. They were given trainings and workshops on the basic skills necessary in building peace in the community.

4. BJA Congress

The BJA Congress in Quezon City was an occasion greatly anticipated by the BJAs. Many of them had not yet been to Manila. Most of them had not yet even ridden an airplane. Accompanying them was a challenge to the ARCLG. It was like herding several grown-up sons and daughters. This made it more exciting for everyone. This excitement was not dampened even with the absence of any representative from the provincial and municipal governments.

5. Case Monitoring/BJA Immersion

Now equipped with the basic skills necessary in building peace in the community, the BJAs proceeded to immerse themselves in peace building. Despite the limited skills, they were able to contribute a lot in peace building within the family, among friends and neighbors, and in a larger context, within the entire barangay.

6. Re-Orientation (Barangay Level)

In the meantime, the Barangay Elections were conducted. There was again a change in the composition of the elected officials that the ARCLG dealt with. This required the re-orientation and re-gathering of support at the barangay level, especially from the Barangay Captain.

7. Advance Certification Course

In recognition of the need for continuing education and training, the Advance Certification Courses were conducted. BJAs were further equipped with the salient provisions of the revised penal code, special laws (VAWC, Juvenile Delinquency and



Child Abuse Law), and advance mediation and counseling. The composition of the participants, however, changed because some BJAs were replaced by the Barangay Captain. Thus, there were some who did not have the required Basic Certification Course.

8. Training of the Lupong Tagapamayapa on KP Law

Members of the Lupon ng Tagapamayapa were trained on basic counseling and mediation to enrich their skills in managing and resolving conflicts.

B. Challenges in the Implementation

The timing of the introduction of the project presented the most challenge. It was election time. Those involved in the LGUs, from the governor to the barangay captains, were busy campaigning and preparing for the elections. Most of the time, the key persons were not available.

It was made even more challenging by the presence of the name, Roxas, in the project. This created the impression that it was part of the political gimmicks of Mar Roxas who was then running for vice-president. It would have been good if Davao del Sur was for Roxas as vice-president. Unfortunately, it was for Villar for president.

The third challenge was presented by the Department of Interior and Local Government that played a very crucial role in the project implementation. In the Province of Davao del Sur, the Katarungang Pambarangay system is very much in place. The project which involved mediation was perceived as redundant.

Still another challenge was the geographical location of the chosen municipalities and barangays which were in far flung areas.

C. Responses to the Challenges

Since the schedules of the key people in the province and the municipalities could not be helped, ARCLG had to be very patient in consistently following-up requests. Further, it had to be insistent in the re-scheduling of the activities in order that such activities could push through. In several instances, pro-forma documents like resolutions and ordinances were made available to the concerned persons so that their faster compliance would be facilitated.

To address the misconception regarding the project being politically motivated, several orientations and re-orientations were conducted to reiterate the projects’ objectives. Also, the relevance of the project vis-à-vis the Katarungang Pambarangay law was clarified in order to allay the reservations of the DILG that the project is redundant.

As regards the geographical location, ARCLG had to set aside a significant amount for transportation. If necessary, the BJAs were gathered in one place which is the most accessible to the majority.



III. The LGU InitiativesA. Project Activities/ Steps in the Implementation

1. Provincial Federation of BJAsAs a creative response to the challenge of not having any accompanying representative from the provincial or municipal government during the BJA Congress, the BJAs felt that they had to organize in order to be recognized. Thus, they created the Provincial Federation of BJAs. They know that with their extensive and intensive knowledge of the barangays and their sheer number, they can be a voice to reckon with and thus, will be given importance.

The organizational meeting was done in Quezon City, right after the BJA Congress in September 2010. The ARCLG lauded the concept and agreed to assist and mentor the officers. During the meeting, the interim officers were elected from among the representatives to the congress.

Another meeting of the interim officers was conducted in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. In the said meeting, they agreed to promote the federation in the municipal level.

2. Develop LGU Capacity to Replicate the BJSS Model in the Municipality of Bansalan

The MLGOO of Bansalan, together with the ARCLG, developed a training plan for Bansalan. This training plan was submitted to the LCE and was subsequently approved.

3. Expansion/Replication of BJPP (Bansalan)

After the approval of the Training Plan, the trainings were replicated in 9 Barangays in the municipality of Bansalan. A total of 52 participants attended the training.

4. Expansion/Replication of BJPP (Matanao)

The Municipality of Matanao plans to conduct training in all other barangays which were not covered by the project.

5. Provision of a space or facility for counseling and mediation by BJAs

In barangays where the BJAs are active, a space or facility for counseling and mediation by BJAs in the barangay hall has been provided.

6. Provision of BJA Desk

In the barangay hall in some barangays of Sta. Cruz, Bansalan, Hagonoy, Sta. Maria, a BJA desk has been provided.

7. Appointment of BJA of the Day

Where there is a BJA desk, a BJA of the day is appointed.

8. BJA SUNDAY

In the Municipality of Magsaysay, BJAs do house-to-house information and education campaign on the BJA role and capacities. They do this on Sunday.



9. BJA as one of the ADR systems in place

In Davao del Sur, before a case is accepted in the Barangay for filing, it still has to pass through alternative dispute resolution. As a milestone, the BJP is recognized by the barangay captains as another system for alternative dispute resolution.

10. Installation of Peace & Development Unit

After the conduct of the activities, the Provincial and Municipal governments readily appreciated the impact and saw the potential of the BJAs in the entire province. In recognition of the efforts and effectivity of the BJAs, the provincial government of Davao del Sur has integrated the Provincial Federation of BJAs into the BJPP inspired peace and development unit under the Office of the Provincial Legal Officer. What is even more inspiring is a person from the Office has been tasked to coordinate the activities of the BJA. Moreover, at least two persons from the Office were allowed official time to immerse and involve themselves in the activities of the BJA.

IV. Challenges and Responses to the Initiatives1. Provincial Federation

Two challenges confront the creation of the federation, namely: lack of funds and geographical location of the BJAs.

To respond to the challenge of lack of funds, the ARCLG as mentor has assigned the preparation of the food for the barangay peace assemblies to the federation. Whatever profit may be generated can be used as seed money for their incorporation and activities. As sustainability mechanism, since the federation is already integrated into the provincial peace plan, it can already expect a budget from the province.

As regards the geographical location, they have agreed to meet in the area most accessible to most of the officers. With the seed money, it is envisioned that at least the transportation expense of the officers for the meetings can be reimbursed.

2. Installation of Peace & Development Unit

The province faces the challenge of creating the unit from scratch since no previous endeavor of its kind is yet in place.

As answer to the challenge, the governor has assigned through the provincial legal officer a staff member in his office to focus on the tasks that will be required for the establishment of the unit. Further, the province has planned a strategic planning and workshop to map its activities. In order to understand and appreciate the BJPP and the BJA better, two persons from the Office were allowed official time to immerse and involve themselves in the activities of the BJAs.

On October 3, 2011, the Executive Order and Project Design creating and defining the functions of the Unit was approved and signed by Gov. Douglas Cagas. The EO designated the appointment of Engr. Ida Geralde-Renovilla as chair of the unit and the project design as approved has allocated a mobilization budget of PhP 100,000 for the fourth quarter of 2011.



V. Lessons Learned / Policy Implications and Recommendations

A. Institutional Mechanism

1. Volunteerism can be a very effective mechanism. When responsibility is replaced by response, more work is done.

2. It is good to provide another level of dispute resolution, specifically informal mechanisms, before referral to the KP Program.

B. Linkage

1. Judiciary. The Judge of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court has graciously agreed to be one of the resource persons in some of the municipalities.

2. Private sector. Some of the trainings were conducted in private resorts whose owners generously allowed free use of the venue.

C. Participation

Most number of and authentic results can be achieved when participation comes from the ground.

D. Integration

In a formal level, integrate BJPP in the community peace and development plan.

V. DILG Involvement / ParticipationDILG participation consists of sharing of human resource, particularly the MLGOOs. The MLGOOs were chosen as the focal persons who proved to be actively involved in the program. The project coordinator routed most communications through the MLGOOs who had direct contact with the LCE and the barangay captains.

As part of knowledge transfer, some MLGOOs were trained and became the resource persons in some of the trainings that were conducted.

The Provincial Government was not able to contribute financially to the project but it helped the project in certain ways. It is understood that the presentation is a rough estimate of the contribution of the ten municipalities. If such contribution can be translated into pesos it would amount to the following:



DIPOLOGA Recipe for Lasting Peace

in the Bottled Sardines Capital



I. Introduction

Amidst the volatile peace and order conditions in other parts of Mindanao, Dipolog has always taken pride in its sterling peace and has been able to effectively shield itself from acts of terror, atrocity and other forms of

criminality over the years. Through a healthy partnership with the local police force, other allied agencies and a vigilant citizenry, the City Government recognizes the fact that peace is fragile for which a high premium is paid and which needs to be collectively preserved lest it breaks into vicious if not violent conflicts.

This paper seeks to examine the importance of the BJP Project in maintaining peace in a relatively peaceful environment and attempts to dispel the notion that peace efforts should be confined only to conflict-stricken areas. With a commendable Katarungang Pambarangay system set in place much through the efforts of the DILG, we highlight the desire of the City Government in coming up with avenues to complement and further strengthen the efficiency and efficacy of barangay peace and development programs.

We likewise aim to evaluate the impact of the project in all 21 barangays of Dipolog City, the initiatives and activities the City Government has undertaken in the implementation of the project, and its plans of sustainability and expansion vis-à-vis its “Swigapore Vision” of a God-centered, Peaceful and Self-Reliant Supercity in the year 2030 and beyond.

Cultural History

Dipolog’s earliest recorded history started in 1834 when a civil government was organized by the Spanish Provincial Government of Misamis, under whose jurisdiction Dipolog belonged with the appointment of a “Captain” as town executive, a “Teniente” and an “Aguacil” to maintain law and order.

History says that in that year a Spanish Recollect Missionary arrived in Tulwanan believing that the townsite was still there. Upon meeting a native, he asked “Donde esta el Capitan?” Our unknown hero, understanding only the word “Capitan,” pointed to the west and said in Subano “Di-pag,” meaning “across the river.” Guided by his muchacho, a Tagalog boy named Antonio Subido, the Padre proceeded down river and upon reaching the townsite, named the place “Dipag.” Though the years, this was corrupted by mispronunciation and intermingling of Visayan and Subano words into what it is today – DIPOLOG.

The City Profile

Dipolog City is the capital of the Province of Zamboanga del Norte and it is situated in the northwestern part of the province. It is facing Cebu and Negros provinces and sits at the tip of Western Mindanao and is known as the “Gateway to Western Mindanao and Zamboanga Peninsula.” It has a total land area of 13,628 hectares of gently rolling hills with wide lowlands along its western coast facing Sulu Sea.

Dipolog is composed of 21 barangays including the poblacion which is divided into 5 barangay districts, namely: Barangay District No. 1 - Estaka; Barangay District No. 2 - Biasong; Barangay District No. 3 - Barra; Barangay District No. 4 - Central Barangay



and Barangay District No. 5 - Miputak. Other barangays are Cogon, Dicayas, Diwan, Galas, Gulayon, Lugdungan, Minaog, Olingan, Punta, Sangkol, San Jose, Sicayab, Sinaman, Sta. Filomena, Sta. Isabel and Turno. All these barangays are accessible by barangay, city and national roads from the poblacion.

The city has a little over 120,000 residents speaking mainly Cebuano/Visayan. English and Filipino (Tagalog) are also widely spoken. The original Subanen dialect is used in the highlands.

The Subanos were the original inhabitants and were later joined by Muslim traders and other migrants from Luzon and Visayas. A number of Chinese and Spanish were among the first foreign settlers.

Christianity is the dominant religion in the city.

Dipolog is basically an agricultural community. A few of its large agro-industrial establishments deal with rice and corn, fish, livestock and processing plants. A great majority of the small manufacturing establishments are also agro-industrial such as saw mills, bakeries as well as small and medium scale cottage industries. Its cottage industries’ activities involve metal craft, woodcraft, rattan craft, ceramic and food processing. Major products include coconut, rice, corn, fish, and sardines in oil. Major sources of livelihood are construction, fishing, agriculture and services.

The Political Timeline

In 1903, Judge William H. Taft, President of the Second Philippine Commission, decreed that Dapitan district which included Dipolog and the neighboring township must be separated from Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Province and annexed to the Provincia Mora which later became Zamboanga Province.

On March 4, 1904, Dipolog was converted into a barangay of Dapitan.

On July 1, 1913, General John J. Pershing, then Governor of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu, announced the township of Dipolog from the balcony of the Town Hall (now the present City Hall).

On June 6, 1952, Republic Act 711 created Zamboanga del Norte with Dipolog as the capital and Zamboanga del Sur with Pagadian as the capital town.

On June 21, 1969, President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed into law Republic Act 5520 making Dipolog a chartered city effective January 1, 1970. The signing in June 1969 coincided with the launching of Apollo 11 which carried the first men on the moon. This is the reason why there is a rocketship at the center of the Dipolog Seal.

The Present Political Milieu

Under Section 87, Article XV of its Charter, qualified voters of Dipolog City are entitled to vote in the election for provincial officials. This set-up has created a rift between the city and provincial governments considering that its slate of officials belongs to different political parties. Recently, this political row became more pronounced when the betterhalf of the present City Mayor, also the former City Mayor of Dipolog, ran for the gubernatorial post opposing the incumbent Governor in 2007. That election was plagued with allegations of extensive cheating and trickery especially that, at the

Dipolog CIty

The BJP Project, with its banner tid-ings of community peace and justice, has indubitably complemented our already func-tional Katarungang Pambarangay, and has in fact virtu-ally decongested our barangays from the resolution of petty conflicts which could have been lodged before them if not for the timely intervention of our Barangay Justice Advocates or BJAs, thereby diverting the attention of our barangay officials to other equally important develop-mental concerns.Concretely and for the past two years, we have seen the following project gains ultimately coming to fruition: 1. Increased public awareness and ac-ceptance of ADR 2. Strengthened barangay involve-ment in peace building 3. Enhanced capacity to handle petty conflicts 4. Decrease in KP cases

Mayor Evelyn T. Uy



last minute, another candidate was surprisingly fielded with the same name as that of the opposition candidate.

Greatly contributing to the political divide is the evolving “dynasty” forged by a well-known political bulwark in the province. With both the first and third districts under his political clout, he attempts to rule the second district also by infiltrating Dipolog which he considers as a major roadblock.

The BJP Project in Dipolog

The Barangay Justice for Peace Project (BJPP) came to Dipolog City when negotiation and social marketing with the Provincial Government failed. The City Mayor, seeing the positive benefits the project will bring to the city in helping resolve petty conflicts in the barangays, gladly and willingly accepted its implementation.

In February 2010, the project was launched in the City through the signing of an Executive Order declaring the 21 barangays as pilot project areas and designating a BJP City Coordinator. This move was supported by the local legislative council through Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 10-1092 adopting the BJP Project of the Gerry Roxas Foundation and USAID and endorsing its implementation in the twenty-one barangays of the City of Dipolog.

II. Project Highlights1. Community Assembly and Selection of BJA Nominees

Barangay assemblies were conducted in February to March 2010 in all 21 barangays with about 30-50 residents in attendance. During the assembly, participants were given an overview of the project by the LRP. Basic criteria were written on the board for everyone to see and the residents were allowed to provide additional criteria as bases for the selection of the BJA nominees of their barangay. Total nominees from all the barangays reached 131. Since only 105 will be shouldered by the GRF during the training, the LGU willingly shouldered the excess and also provided logistical support in terms of vehicle and security detail in far-flung barangays as these activities were conducted within the election period.

2. Barangay Profiling

To better understand the situation of the barangay, this activity was conducted to generate its socio-economic and peace profile. The LGU recommended competent profilers which gathered the necessary data from the barangay. Profiles from Dipolog City were even shown as model documents in other project areas.

3. BJA Basic Certification Course

The City Government and SANGSA’ held its BJA Basic Certification Training Course at Top Pensionne, Dipolog City in July 2010 after its pool of trainers successfully hurdled a 5-day Training of Trainers in Roxas City. The training ran for a total of 9 days and was participated in by 122 BJAs who were divided into 3 clusters with BJAs coming from 7 barangays per cluster. Dipolog was fortunate to be the first LGU in Mindanao to be given the green light to commence the said certification course with a training team that includes the Executive Director of SANGSA’, Inc., the BJP City Coordinator and the DILG Local Government Operations.



4. BJA Special Courses

This advance course on counseling, mediation and special laws was conducted on November 2010, with only two clusters, Cluster 1 with 10 barangays and Cluster 2 with 11 barangays. The said training was held at the same venue at Top Pensionne, Dipolog City and went on for three (3) days per cluster.

III. LGU Initiatives

1. Establishment of a workable organization for barangay justice advocates.

The Impetus

In order to effectively monitor and address concerns, continuously promote rapport, camaraderie, and personal enhancement, and ensure sustainability in the implementation of the project, the BJAs of Dipolog City were divided into three (3) clusters of seven (7) barangays each with their own cluster officers who were elected at-large during the conduct of the BJA Basic Certification Course.

This clustering allows for easier flow and dissemination of pertinent information as well as in the carrying out of activities which require BJA participation. This also encourages healthy competition among the clusters particularly in the conduct of activities, i.e., role-playing contest in mediation and counseling during the BJA City Congress. The said clusters are also expected to provide ease in monitoring BJA progress and in the conduct of livelihood activities once mechanisms are put in place.

Creation of the BJAAD

To effectively manage the clusters, a central governance body has to be created; thus was conceived the Barangay Justice Advocates Association of Dipolog or BJAAD. Officers of the federation were chosen by the cluster officers from among themselves in an election called for the purpose. The federation holds regular meetings once every third Monday of the month at the session hall of Central Barangay, Dipolog City, where the federation president holds office as Punong Barangay.

BJAAD Organizational Structure

Dipolog CItyLGU Initiatives in Barangay JusticeShowcasing LGU Gains in Conflict Management

BJA EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT BY GENDER IN DIPOLOG CITY


2. Boosting BJA morale through incentive packages

The Rationale of the PhilHealth Sponsored Program

Considered the heart of the National Health Insurance Program, this program provides health insurance coverage to less privileged families through a partnership where health insurance premiums for a year’s coverage are paid in behalf of deserving members.

The annual premiums of enrolled families are jointly shouldered by sponsors such as local governments whose thrusts include poverty alleviation as an agenda in their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

Said health insurance program offers the following health benefits:

a. Inpatient coverage

PhilHealth provides subsidy for room and board, drugs and medicines, laboratories, operating room and professional fees for confinements of not less than 24 hours.

b. Outpatient coverage

Day surgeries, dialysis and cancer treatment procedures such as chemotheraphy and radiotheraphy in accredited hospitals and free-standing clinics.

c. Special Benefit Packages

• Outpatient Benefit Package • Coverage for up to the fourth normal delivery • Newborn Care Package • TB treatment through DOTS • SARS and Avian Influenza Package • Influenza A (H1N1) Package

The BJA Health Incentive Program

This initiative came about as an offshoot of the desire of the City Government to reward the efforts and altruistic spirit of its citizen-volunteers who have made significant impact in maintaining peace in the barangays.

Originally proposed as an accident insurance program in consideration of the degree of exposure to risk of the BJAs, the City Government had to scrap the idea and change it into a health insurance program which is more adept with the unpredictable climate and the rising costs of hospitalization and medicines.

3. Conduct of a BJA City Congress

Considering that not all of the BJAs are given the peculiar chance and opportunity to attend the BJA Congress in Manila, the City Mayor initiated the move to conduct a city-wide City Congress wherein all the BJAs can attend. The idea of the City Congress was to follow a closely similar format as that of the national congress and invite officials from USAID, GRF and other allied agencies as well as personalities that advocate peace and development especially in Mindanao.



The City Government shouldered expenses for the food and venue. The City Mayor also doled out personal funds for the prizes which were given during the said affair while other funds were sourced from solicitations with private well-meaning citizens.

Initially, no less than the GRF Chair, Ms. Judy Araneta-Roxas was invited to attend the event after expressing her enthusiasm to visit Dipolog when Mayor Uy chanced upon her in Manila. USAID Deputy Director Alzaida Washington as well as Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Executive Director, Sec. Luwalhati Antonino, were also requested to grace the affair, although all of them backed out due to other pressing concerns.

Nonetheless, the first BJA City Congress was an astounding success with the presence of GRF Deputy Director, Ms. Ma. Rosamund Parado, and about a hundred in attendance.

Congress Preparations

The following activities were conducted in preparation for the event:a. Initial Planning by the BJP City Coordinator with the LCEb. Consultative meeting by the BJP City Coordinator with cluster officers and BJAAD officersc. Preparation and sending-out of invitations by Secretariat d. Attendance of the BJP City Coordinator at the Liga session to encourage full support and participation to the affaire. Preparation of purchase requests for food and venue and other logisticsf. Screening by the LRP of outstanding BJAsg. Barangay visitations by LRP to confirm attendance and to follow-up entries for the Peace Slogan and Poster-Making Contestsh. Solicitation of additional prizesi. Preparation of the audio-visual presentationj. BJAAD meeting with the BJP City Coordinator to finalize plansk. BJA Grand Parade and BJA City Congress

4. Boosting BJA morale through awards and recognition

In recognition of the altruistic efforts of the BJAs as citizen-volunteers in helping resolve petty conflicts in their respective barangays, the City Government in partnership with its local resource partner conducted a search for outstanding BJAs in Dipolog City. The awardees were chosen based on the following criteria:

a. No. of cases handled/settled/referred and documented; b. Attendance and Participation in BJA activities; c. Hospitality and Cooperation with the LRP in barangay visitations conducted.

Top 10 BJA Performers

The Top Ten Outstanding BJAs of Dipolog were honored in the midst of fellow BJAs during the BJA City Congress held at Top Plaza Hotel, Dipolog City. They were presented with Certificates of Award signed by the City Mayor. Cash incentives were also given to each of the awardees.



The awardees were composed of six (6) female and four (4) male BJAs. Aside from the awards given, the outstanding women BJAs were also guaranteed slots for the BJA Women’s Congress in Manila. From among them was chosen the City’s nominee to the Most Outstanding Woman BJA of the country.

Posthumous Awards

Considering that some of our BJAs are already in their golden years and in recognition of their contribution to community peace as trained BJAs, posthumous awards are also given to the family and/or heirs of deceased BJAs, including cash assistance. Dipolog City unfortunately has two (2) BJAs who joined our Creator early this year.

Partners of Peace (POP)

While there are sufficient funds expended for GRF-initiated activities, lack of necessary resources seems to be a problem for LGU initiatives as the City Government cannot immediately release funds for said purposes, especially without an appropriation made by law. Thus, we have resorted to availing of public-private partnerships to come up with the needed finances.

Mediation and Counseling Role-Playing Contest

To continuously harness the skills of BJAs in mediation and counseling, an inter-cluster mediation and counseling role-playing contest was conducted. Participants from the different clusters were made to portray a case which transpired in the barangay and act out the said case from the start of the conflict until its resolution, highlighting the mediation and counseling skills of the BJA who handled the case.

This is a good venue to exchange notes on how to handle cases referred to them as well as enhance their understanding and recollection of mediation and counseling techniques.

BJA Gains in Dipolog Audio-Video Presentation

To put visual appeal to the project and to serve as its local testament, Dipolog created its own version of the BJA Gains which it dubbed, “For the Love of Peace, Dipolog Style.” Said presentation showcased the impact and activities of the BJAs thus far with an interview of pre-selected BJAs such as the youngest and oldest BJAs, and BJAs who are incumbent barangay officials.

IV. Results and Outcomes1. An active and functional BJA Organization

The Barangay Justice Advocates Association of Dipolog or BJAAD became the umbrella organization of the BJP Project in Dipolog City. The federation provides for faster flow of information to and from the various clusters which in turn are responsible in disseminating them further to the barangays respectively under them. It likewise serves as the coordinating arm of the LRP and the City Government through the BJP City Coordinator in BJA-related activities. Headed by the Punong Barangay of one of the more progressive urban barangays in Dipolog and composed mostly of other Punong Barangays, the organization holds a direct link to the Liga ng mga Barangay (now Association of Barangay Captains or ABC) which provides for easy mobilization and ensures active participation of all barangays in project implementation.



The efficacy of the organization was put to test during the conduct of the BJA City Congress where it played an active role in the planning and preparation towards the success of the activity. The group became instrumental in ensuring the attendance and participation of 79 BJAs, with 13 Punong Barangays. Its linkage to the Liga also proved expedient when it paved the way for the inclusion of the BJA City Congress in the agenda and suspension of its rules to allow the BJP City Coordinator to make announcements, distribute invitation cards and entertain questions related to the planned affair.

2. Increased public awareness and acceptance of ADR

During the conduct of the community assembly, the participants present were informed about the features of the project. The LRP emphasized the fact that it does not overlap but rather complement the existing KP system by settling petty conflicts before they even reach the barangay level through mediation and counseling as forms of alternative dispute resolution. It did not create a buzz back then as the residents were already used to the present system. However, after the BJA Basic Certification Course was completed and when the trained BJAs eagerly and enthusiastically performed their tasks, they slowly gained public support as word-of-mouth spread of their presence in the community. It was not difficult for the BJAs to immerse themselves in the barangay as most of them are either Purok Leaders or members of the Lupon who have been performing similar functions, although with additional capacity-building insights and formal training that enhanced their skills.

The participation also of the BJAs in parades of the City Government as a distinct and separate contingent during the Alay-Lakad and Adlaw sa Dipolog celebrations as well as during the BJA City Congress wearing their dark-blue loafers and caps, the broadcast of BJA activities over the radio since one of the BJAs has his own radio program, and the publication of news articles about the project in the local paper and on the internet have helped a lot in encouraging the public to resort first to ADR in solving petty differences. The support the Punong Barangay and other barangay officials have given in advising complainants to refer first to the BJA residing in their area has exposed their constituents to such inexpensive and speedy extrajudicial means of settling disputes.

3. Strengthened barangay involvement and project co-ownership

The increase in the number of disputants availing of the services of the BJAs in the barangays shows not only the rising incidence of petty conflicts but more importantly the efficacy it has shown as well as the esteem it has earned in managing disputes. Parties who have undergone mediation and counseling with our trained BJAs now have a better appreciation and recognition of their personal capabilities to discuss and resolve their differences more openly as they also gain better understanding that solutions to their problems can only come from themselves and it is just a matter of letting cooler heads prevail through peaceful means.

Seeing these positive effects at the grassroots level, the barangay officials have become more participative in succeeding trainings and activities to further bolster the implementation of the project in their barangay. In fact, in one barangay, the Punong Barangay has designated a BJA Desk wherein complaints lodged in the barangay are first referred to as a “first aid” remedy.



4. Enhanced capacity to handle petty conflicts

The project has provided a venue for formal training and enhancement in their individual capacities of barangay officials, Lupon members, Purok leaders and even ordinary residents of the barangay who were nominated and chosen through the consensus of the community assembly. As frontline service providers of the project, the BJAs received training in both basic and advance mediation and counseling techniques as well as a working knowledge of special laws which are deemed necessary for them to effectively carry out their functions as peace advocates. The trainings given include developing of their communication skills through speaking and listening exercises. The participants were also introduced to different approaches in mediation and counseling. Role-playing and subsequent critiquing also provide useful insights in dealing with actual conflicts in the community.

5. Decrease in KP cases

Perhaps a more telling and tangible manifestation of the impact of the project on the community is the significant decline in the number of KP cases in the barangays. Based on the city report of the DILG on cases filed and actions taken, complaints filed before the barangay were reduced in the year 2010 when the project went on full swing. After the BJA Basic Certification Course and when the BJAs started settling and facilitating disputes, the project permeated most of the barangays and gained public acceptance and approval which prodded barangay officials to encourage their constituents to refer their differences and problems to the BJA before lodging their complaints with the barangay.

Cases Filed in the Barangays

V. Issues and Challenges1. Patent Refusal to Recognize BJAs by newly-elected Punong Barangays

In the recently concluded barangay elections, five (5) new Punong Barangays were elected. They defeated the incumbents who were previously trained and have been accredited as BJAs. This proves to be a problem as most of these new Punong Barangays now refuse to acknowledge the BJAs of their barangay since these are, according to them, not their “people.” While most, if not all, see the beneficial impact of the BJAs in helping resolve petty conflicts in the community, these Punong Barangays take a defensive stance by insulating the barangay hall from BJA activity. This is also to please their supporters who are now tending to lord over the affairs of the barangay.



2. Volunteerism under the USAID backdrop

The issue of summoning citizen-volunteers to advocate peace in the community through a project of the USAID proves to be a hard sell. They automatically translate USAID as “assistance in dollars.” So why volunteer? For them, being placed at the frontline in helping resolve conflicts, doing mediation and counseling to the point of sometimes risking their lives, investing their valuable time and effort, and leaving their livelihood in responding to the call of their duty, even to the point of spending their own money to serve snacks and sometimes address the needs of disputing parties, as well as documenting and submitting cases are but serious responsibilities by which they think they should be compensated for.

3. Marketing peace in a relatively peaceful environment

Others find peace advocacies such as the BJP Project in an already peaceful community as a superfluity. This is a challenge evident in the City of Dipolog which has a very strong and active Katarungang Pambarangay in all of its 21 barangays. Some barangay officials and residents became confused and skeptical about the project since they thought this would overlap with the existing KP system.

4. Color of authority

What posts as a major drawback in the implementation of the project is the want of authority or legal personality of the BJAs. As such, they could not impose themselves as legitimate partners of the barangay in handling disputes as they are not part and parcel of the legal system. This is considered a problem particularly in barangays with newly-elected Punong Barangays who do not recognize the trained BJAs. They are therefore discouraged if not harassed to continue settling disputes and the constituents are advised not to submit to them for mediation and counseling.

5. Sustainability

As has been observed in other foreign-funded or assisted projects in the past, the issue of sustainability poses a serious problem. Some projects become coterminous with the funding source which eventually dies down once the funding agency terminates its support.

The Dipolog “Swigapore Vision”

Dipolog City envisions itself to be known as a God-Centered, Peaceful and Self-Reliant Super City by 2030. It aims to possess the positive traits and attributes of two progressive countries, one in Europe and the other one in South East Asia. Thus, SWIGAPORE was coined from Switzerland and Singapore to serve as a reminder for the C



Under its Constituency perspective, the city will work out to maintain and sustain peaceful co-existence in the community which is one of the strong points of the city since whenever there is peace, a lively and business-friendly environment will thrive and people shall have equal access to basic social services.

With the positive raves the project is gaining, it can undoubtedly earn its place in the city’s strategic objective of a peaceful and self-reliant community. By tapping the network of trained BJAs and by continuously adapting the BJP concept in the barangays, the City can ultimately ensure lasting peace and progress.

VI. Lessons Learned The barangay being ideally an apolitical unit no longer holds water under the present political set-up. In any election, the barangay plays a pivotal role in cashing in the votes for political candidates or parties vying for city, municipal, provincial and even national posts. This fact has given way to political “petting” wherein incumbents secure their respective barangay slate which will perpetuate them in power. Consequently, a mutually symbiotic relationship is forged which could be viewed either positively or negatively. If untamed, it can create an unlikely polarity which could be a threat to peace-building in the community.



MaguindanaoGO-NGO Partnership

in the Sustainability of the BJPP in Maguindanao



I. Introduction

One of the global concerns is the mainstreaming of peace in the socio- political system, particularly in countries that have been continuously affected by conflict and this includes the Philippines. The United States

Agency for International Development (USAID) has been supportive of programs that promote technical and capacity building skills of the Local Government Units (LGUs) in facilitating conflict resolution at their own capacity level.

A. Historical Background

Maguindanao is one of the provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Its capital is Shariff Aguak. It borders Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east, and Sultan Kudarat to the south. In 1989, majority of its residents opted to join the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao but Cotabato City did not, which ironically, has since served as the provisional capital of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

On October 31, 2006, Maguindanao residents approved the creation of Shariff Kabunsuan excised from Maguindanao composed of 10 towns namely: Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Datu Blah T. Sinsuat, Sultan Mastura, Parang, Buldon, Matanog and Barira. However, in July 2008, the Supreme Court nullified the creation of the province on the ground that under the Local Government Code of 1991, only the Congress of the Philippines has the mandate to create new provinces. Maguindanao has a total of 36 municipalities after Shariff Kabunsuan was reverted.

B. The Coming of BJPP to Maguindanao

In 2009, the Gerry Roxas Foundation (GRF) through the funding support of USAID launched the implementation of Barangay Justice for Peace Project (BJPP) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). GRF took inspiration from its previous success in implementing the Barangay Justice Service System (BJSS) in this part of the country.

The BJPP implemented by the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS) is a package of social development-related interventions aimed at promoting family and community peace at the grassroots. It complemented the Government’s peace and development efforts by providing awareness and easy access to justice at the barangay level. It made justice accessible and inexpensive to poor individuals in the barangay without necessarily changing the established traditional approach and method to dispute settlement. It is a speedy and inexpensive means of dispute resolution, thus making justice accessible to poor individuals in the barangay and clogging of court dockets is avoided. BJPP has three training component programs such as: 1) Basic Certification Course Training, 2) Special Course Certification Training, and 3) Mediation and Counseling Skills Training for KP members.

During the BJPP implementation in the province of Maguindanao, the IBS management and program coordinators assigned in the fifteen municipalities which were identified as project sites had to deal with the political crisis in the province brought about by the Maguindanao Massacre on November 23, 2009. The government declared a state

of emergency in the province in response to the horrible massacre of 57 people, 32 of



whom were journalists while others were relatives of Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu now Governor of Maguindanao.

Leadership in the province underwent changes. First, Bai Nariman Ambolodto was installed governor in the province of Maguindanao due to the alleged involvement of the former Governor Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr. and his son Datu Unsay Ampatuan in the massacre. After three months, another OIC governor was installed in the person of Datu Gani Baraguir. Hence, the IBS management had to change again and again its strategy to penetrate the area due to ambiguity of political leadership in the provincial level. Meanwhile, the appointment of the provincial coordinator was also affected by the constant change of leadership in the province. The political leadership in the province became certain only after the May 2010 election.

Inspite of political instability, volatile peace and order situation and dynamics of the environment, the program was realized through the harmonious relationship between the IBS and the Department of Interior and the Local Government (DILG). Owing to its status as a permanent structure and partner agency in the government, IBS saw an ally in this agency. The Director of the DILG issued one Executive Order and two memoranda to ensure strong participation of the MLGOOs in their respective municipality. Thus, MLGOOs and IBS program coordinators worked together in the whole training activities as part of their commitment to ensure smooth implementation of the program on the ground.

II. GO and NGO Partnership in Sustainability InitiativesA. Implementation Mechanisms

IBS leadership worked hand-in-hand with the head of DILG Maguindanao in the person of Prof. Isa Romancap. Before implementation of the BJPP, a memorandum of agreement was signed between the IBS and DILG to support the program. After the memorandum was signed, both IBS and DILG personnel assigned in the fifteen municipalities covered by the project received the copy of the memorandum as the basis for the implementation of the program.

The conduct of courtesy call in the LGUs was initiated by both the MLGOO and the assigned IBS coordinator in the area. The MLGOO and the IBS staff worked closely and strategized steps to ensure attendance of the maximum number of target participants. The MLGOOs served as the front liner in the introduction of the IBS staff to the Local Chief Executive and facilitated the communication to the LCE including sharing of counterparts.

The Municipal Barangay Justice Advocates Officers (MBJAO), the organized BJAs of the BJSS program in the municipal level, served as the liaison between the MLGOO and the community. They served as source of information on whom and where to look for the right person to talk with in relation to scheduling of activities. MBJAO was also the local contact person working for communication and invitation to the barangays and LGU officials during the conduct of activities. When the LCE approved the implementation of the program, they proceeded to the barangay or to the ABC president for the scheduling of activities.

Maguindanao

I am proud to pro-vide the Barangay Justice People’s Court Building in the Municipality of Paglat. The Building is meant to be a venue for dispute resolution, and its use is not only lim-ited for traditional leaders and baran-gay officials but also for Maguindanao Barangay Justice Advocates (BJAs).

Gov. Esmael G. Mangudadatu



Process Flowchartof the Training Program

IBS conducted TOT training for MLGOOs and active MBJAOs to ensure collective participation in the entire process of the project implementation. MLGOOs were in-charge of the lecture on the Katarungang Pambarangay Law owing to their expertise on the subject matter. Capable MBJAOs were assigned to document the proceedings (e.g. MBJAO of Parang, Maguindanao). IBS leadership monitored the on-going activities to ensure the program was on the right track and to get feedback from the field. From time to time, IBS leadership communicated and gave updates to the DILG Provincial Director regarding the status of the program.

B. Issues, Challenges and Coping with them

One major challenge, the LRP had to contend with was the political situation in the area causing a constant change in the leadership. Prior to the social marketing activities, there were three appointed provincial coordinators in the past three administrations. In fact, one of the provincial coordinators was able to attend the Training of Trainers (TOT) in Roxas City. When there was another change of administration in the province, he was no longer the provincial coordinator. The IBS management had to deal with the provincial director of the DILG as the sole legal representative of the province.

The gathering of participants owing to the scattered barangays was costly and difficult. The mode of transportation was the “pakyaw” scheme. This was solved by the municipalities or the barangays themselves. They provided transportation allowance to the participants.

Since there was history of conflict among certain barangay officials in certain areas, and they could not be mobilized in one venue, training was done in a neutral ground or in the barangay itself. In the municipalities of Datu Piang and Datu Salibo, most barangays were unattended as an offshoot of the MOA-AD nullification. Sometimes, 100% attendance



was hard to realize. Another pressing issue was a convenient venue where the facilitators could fully conduct the training activities and simulations.

What IBS did was to make the most out of the things that were available. Instead of suspending the scheduled activities, the help of the LCE and the ABC president were sought and the possible outcome of the training, if most of the required participants would not attend, was explained courteously. The LCEs were very helpful; for example, the LCE of Datu Piang through a hand held radio called the barangay chairpersons to respond immediately to the matter. If trainings were held outside the barangay, expenses related to the training were shouldered by the LGU. Trainings in far-flung barangays and those with history of conflict were clustered.

III. DILG InvolvementThe DILG had a very crucial role in the program. The issuance of memorandum order was the first concern in the conduct of every activity. Aside from the Sanggguniang Bayan Resolutions that were drafted supporting the BJPP program, the LCE directed the barangay chairpersons through a memorandum order to attend the BJP program activities. This gave impetus to the implementation of the program.

Financial support was also given by the different municipalities. In Parang, Maguindanao, for example, the LCE provided P150 per BJA as transportation allowance since the training was conducted in Cotabato City, a neutral venue for the participants. The Municipality of Datu Abdullah Sangki also shouldered the transportation allowance of the BJAs when training was conducted in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. The same involvement of the DILG was observed in the municipalities of Mamasapano, and Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Aside from financial and logistical support, psychic support was given to the BJPP. The BJAs in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, for instance became the center of attraction when the local government sponsored an inter-barangay basketball tournament. The theme of the tournament was in line with the peace efforts of the municipality involving all stakeholders. This activity involved the old and new BJAs in the tournament.

In the municipality of Talayan, Barangay Kidate initiated the construction of a multi-purpose building, a venue for dispute settlement. As of this time, dispute resolution in the municipality has a centralized recording and documentation of the disputes referred (settled or not settled). Documents are available in the BJA multi-purpose building. Of course, the local government has been very supportive owing to the significant number of cases resolved in the municipality through unified efforts of the BJAs of Talayan.

The DILG was not able to contribute financially to the project but it helped the project in certain ways. The table below shows a rough estimate of the contribution of the fifteen municipalities, which if translated into pesos, would amount to the following: (see next page)

MaguindanaoLGU Initiatives in Barangay JusticeShowcasing LGU Gains in Conflict Management


IV. Lessons learned, Policy Implications and Recommendations

A. Lessons Learned

All sorts of challenges were faced by the IBS staff – distance between and among covered barangays, expensive and difficult mode of transportation, enmity among certain barangay officials, unattended barangays, lack of suitable venue – but they were not considered problems but just challenges. The staff learned that with persistence and coordination with the right government official or agency, task will be accomplished.

The program provided great exposure and experience to the BJAs. The issue of peace is highly regarded in this part of Mindanao where peace and order is volatile. The training helped the participants get acquainted with each other. The training gave participants ample time to share and showcase their knowledge and skills on dispute resolution. The facilitators learned a lot about the Maguindanaon and Iranon methods of dispute resolution. There were also innovations in their dealings with the dispute taken mostly from the KatarungangPambarangay Law. Some of the BJAs were also recipients of the DILG’s KP training. Indeed there is great benefit if GO and NGO work together.

Finally, tight budgeting was made to ensure success of the activity. The program was fortunate that the municipal government provided financial support for the extra barangays that participated in the program. Likewise, the barangay chairpersons also shared in the expenses particularly for the transportation of their participants. Even with a small budget for training and the absence of key personalities from the province, successful implementation of the program can still be achieved through coordination and teamwork.

B. Policy Implications

Policy implication of the BJPP is the adaptability of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to existing traditional practices among residents of Maguindanao cutting across different tribal and cultural settings. BJPP enriched the existing traditional practices by introducing a more systematic approach in dealing with cases and in documentation as well. However, BJPP could be improved further by adding cultural dispute resolution to make it more relevant to local traditions of the people in the community. To overcome confusion and duplication with the mandates of the DILG



which also conducts training on the same subjects, GRF can work hand-in-hand with the mentioned office to clarify the issue as pointed out by some Local Government Units.

C. Recommendations

Since the BJPP is a replication of the BJSS program, NGOs and POs involved shall fuse the two programs. BJAs of the BJSS were taken out of the BJPP, thus making them alien to the program. Instead, they shall be involved in future training of the BJAs to ensure sustainability of the past and present programs of the GRF. Some of the BJAs of the BJPP are now holding key positions in the local government while others have moved on to higher community positions like the barangay kagawad and barangay chairperson. They shall be utilized in any future undertakings of the LRPs given a small allocation for them to be reactivated. Likewise, the previously organized MBJAOs shall also be mobilized and be given importance in fostering peace in the community. Furthermore, sustainability of the program especially in Maguindanao, is essentially a collaborative effort of both the government and non-government organizations. Budget allocation for mobilization is very essential in the effective communication among the LRP, DILG and LGUs concerned.

The DILG shall be the lead agency in mainstreaming and institutionalizing the program since they have the upper hand over the local government units. IBS for instance, shall be and as it has been in charge of the training programs and other activities related to its sustainability.

Lastly, The Gerry Roxas Foundation, DILG, and House of Congress can collaboratively work together for the enactment of a law providing honorarium or living allowance to BJAs. The DILG and local government units should recognize the Municipal Barangay Justice Advocates by institutionalizing their partnerships in promoting justice and peace.

MaguindanaoLGU Initiatives in Barangay JusticeShowcasing LGU Gains in Conflict Management



pagadian“Handog ng Pagadian sa Mundo”

an inspiring story of a community’s journey towards the revival of citizen volunteerism in

community service


I. Introduction

Pagadian City, the regional capital of Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula), started implementing the BJPP in May, 2010 in only 20 pilot barangays out of the total of 54 barangays comprising the city. It was the last of the 8 local

government partners in Mindanao to do so. In the 7 other Project sites, implementation started in December, 2009. Today, however, Pagadian City has come abreast with the 7 other Project sites and boasts of its 283-strong organization of the Barangay Justice Advocates (BJAs) representing all 54 barangays of the city.

A. In the Beginning: Pre-Election Phobia

In January 2010, GRF and SOPREX had an audience with the Zamboanga del Sur Government as regards BJPP but the Province seemed not keen about it.

In February 2010, the same group went to see the mayor of Pagadian and he said, “Come back after the elections and you will be very welcome here.”

After the elections, GRF and SOPREX went back and this time, true to his word, Mayor Co warmly welcomed the Barangay Justice for Peace Project.

B. Post-election Breakthrough: Re-Connection through the BACO

After the May 7, 2010 elections, the election fever subsided and the political climate in Pagadian City, as in most other places, was soon returning to normal. GRF’s Senior Project Coordinator revisited the city and, serendipitously, this time sought an audience with Mayor Co through Rene Ebol, head of the Barangay Affairs Coordinating Office (BACO). Serendipitously because, as it turned out, Rene Ebol is a trusted middle-level management official of Mayor Co’s administration. The Urban Poor Association of Pagadian and Mayor Co’s Classic “David and Goliath” Victory in the 2004 elections. Upon Rene’s advice, Mayor Co agreed to implement the BJPP in Pagadian City.

Training of Trainors

The first action taken was the nomination in the last week of May of the local participants representing the city government and the DILG-Pagadian Office to join the SOPREX representative to the BJA Training of Trainers (Part 1) at the GRF Training Center in Roxas City on June 6-11, 2010. Rene Ebol, of the city’s BACO, Elmer Egama, administrative staffer of DILG-Pagadian and Yesnoy Macansantos, SOPREX Executive Director, formed the Pagadian BJA Training Team under the banner: “Pagadian BJAs, All the Way!”

Project Launch and Community Mobilization

The first big milestone was the successful Project Launch in Pagadian City on June 22, 2010. The highlight of this event was the issuance by Mayor Co on the very same day of his Executive Order (E.O. #17) which designated Rene Ebol as the BJP LGU Coordinator and authorized the implementation of the Project in 20 pilot barangays, namely: Sta.



Lucia, Dumagoc, Banale, Santo Niño, Tiguma, Tuburan, Muricay, Lumbia, Santiago, San Pedro, Danlugan, Kagawasan, Tulangan, Alegria, Datagan, Dampalan, Deborok, La Suerte, Lourdes and Lison Valley . The Sanggunian Paglungsod resolution (SP Res. #2010-0012) followed on July 20, 2010.

Fresh from their trainers training in Roxas City and re-invigorated by the successful Project Launch on June 22, the Pagadian training team of Rene, Elmer and Yesnoy (Team REY) conducted the community assemblies in the 20 pilot barangays on June 25-29. They were ably supported by the 30-strong BACO Boys and the SOPREX field staff.

The Community Assembly in Brgy. Dumagoc best illustrates this point. After a short opening program, the Punong Barangay, Judith Adal, joined the assembly as a citizen participant. Because she was keenly interested to be a BJA, she voiced her wish to be nominated and the assembly duly included her in the list of 5 nominee BJAs of her barangay. And today she is one of the outstanding BJAs of Pagadian and our nominee to the Best Woman BJA Award in the contest that was concluded in Manila on March 24, 2011 during the Women BJAs Congress.

C. Gains of the 20 Pilot Barangays

Building the local pools of Barangay Justice Advocates (BJAs)

The BJA Training Program is the 3rd component (“Capacity Building of BJAs and the Replication of the BJSS Model”) of the Barangay Justice for Peace Project (BJPP) of the Gerry Roxas Foundation (GRF) with funding support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID). It is also the 3rd step (“BJA Training”) in the BJP Project Cycle following “Social Marketing” which is the 1st step and “Community Selection of BJAs” which is the 2nd step.

First Harvest of BJAs

The Basic Certification Course (BCC) was held in the Farmers’ Training Center in Brgy. Macasing for 4 batches in August 2010 or 2 months after the BJA Training of Trainers at the Roxas City Training Center. The prior month of July was spent in refurbishing the training center which was deteriorating after years of non-use.

The BACO chief and his men did carpentry, repainting and other works to bring back the training center to its early state as a comfortable live-in training facility. The facility was furnished with new bunks and beddings in the women’s and men’s dormitories; comfort rooms were rehabilitated; the kitchenette was refurbished and new food service facilities were acquired.

A total of 98 of the targeted 100 BJAs completed the training and were duly certified as BJAs. The shortfall of 2 BJAs was later off-set by a Special Tutorial Course in December 2010 resulting in an aggregate number of 112 trained and certified BJAs or 12% higher than the target of 100 BJAs for the 20 pilot barangays.

Pagadian City

The USAID assisted Barangay Justice for Peace Project (BJPP) of the Gerry Roxas Foundation (GRF) together with the SOPREX Foundation as the Local Resource Partner through the Barangay Justice Advocates (BJAs) greatly helped re-solve cases involving domestic conflicts in the barangays of Pagadian City through counseling and mediation skills provided under the BJP Project. Ultimately, it will contribute towards attaining lasting peace in our communities. The BJAs in our city have exemplified selfless dedication to duty. In fact some of them are elected as barangay officials in view of their commitment to promote peace in the community.

Mayor Samuel S. Co



Initial Gains and Celebration at the September 2010 BJA Congress

After the BCC training, the first batches of duly certified BJAs commenced their work in late August and the later batches started doing the same in September. Their case management records were dutifully monitored by SOPREX field staff and reported to the GRF-BJPP Office in Davao City.

During the September 17, 2010 BJA Congress at the Gateway Suites, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, the early achievements of the Pagadian City BJAs were among those highlighted and celebrated. Two cases resolved by the active BJAs of Pagadian were among the 16 solved cases in the 8 Project sites that were showcased by way of tarpaulin posters.

A total of 14 BJAs of Pagadian City participated in this first gala event of the BJP Project, together with: the SOPREX Executive Director and some field staff ; the Provincial DILG Director of Zamboanga del Sur and at the time also OIC of DILG-Pagadian (while CLGOO was on vacation leave) and staff and the BJPP Coordinator of LGU Pagadian. Rene Ebol delivered the message of Mayor Samuel Co, who had to remain in Pagadian on the occasion of the Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur while BJA Ressan Dumamba, incumbent Secretary of Brgy. Muricay was among those who shared the BJA’s responses towards the end of the closing ceremonies.

Heightened Zeal of the BJAs

Upon the return of the BJAs to Pagadian City, the stories they spread by word of mouth about their experiences during the BJA Congress reverberated not only in the 20 pilot barangays but also among the 34 barangays of Pagadian that were then not yet covered by the Project. Their zeal as volunteer citizen advocates of family and community peace further heightened, the BJAs of Pagadian continued their voluntary service with increased fervor.

Growing Public Impact

By year-end 2010 or barely 5 months after the first batch of BCC training in early August, the BJAs chalked a remarkable record of 270 cases handled with 95% resolved. Almost all cases were resolved within only one meeting or within the same day. Overall, the BJAs began to make an impact in their respective communities.

And before long, public support was growing. In Brgy. Dumagoc, Punong Barangay and BJA Judith Adal re-assigned the rarely used SK Office for the use of the BJAs during their counseling and mediation sessions. In Brgy. Sto. Niño, Punong Barangy Dominador Yocogo, Jr. and the barangay council approved the inclusion of a BJA Office cum Counseling/Mediation Room in the re-construction plan of the Barangay Hall.

In the larger socio-political arena, the electorate demonstrated the growing public appreciation of the BJAs. In the October 2010 Barangay/SK elections, the voters of Pagadian:

· elected two BJAs as their new Punong Barangays: Brgys. Banale and Lourdes.· re-elected three Punong Barangays who are active BJAs: Brgys. Dumagoc,

Tuburan and Deborok.· elected or re-elected BJAs as Kagawads in 13 of the 20 pilot barangays.



Overall, within and even beyond the 20 pilot barangays, there was rising public awareness and appreciation of the value of the voluntary services being rendered by the BJAs. Among the most appreciative was no less than Mayor Co himself.

In December 2010, in the spirit of the Christmas Season, Mayor Co welcomed the request to provide incentives to the BJAs who are mostly low-salaried employees or low-income farmers or fishers. He gave instructions to prepare the necessary documents to include the qualified BJAs in the city government’s PhilHealth Medicare Para sa Masa Program. New year 2011 opened with one concrete action along this line: the program inclusion of the BJAs of Pagadian city via the Mayor’s Memorandum Order to Rene Ebol of the BACO dated January 18, 2011. In support of this decision, a portion of the Fiscal Year 2010 unexpended budget was earmarked for this purpose.

D. GRF-BJPP Special Report to Mayor Co and LGU-LED BJPP Sustainability Planning

Year-end 2010 BJPP Report to Pagadian Stakeholders

On January 21, 2011, the GRF-BJPP management, headed by GRF Executive Director Agnes Villarruz and Deputy Director Ma. Rosamund Parado, presented to Mayor Co and other city officials the Mindanao-wide 2010 year-end report of the Project.

In the local situation, the Report highlighted the gains of the Project, particularly the fact that Pagadian had come abreast of the 7 other Project sites in Mindanao, despite its 5-month late start relative to the 7 other Project sites. Also highlighted was the headway that the BJAs were already making in the speedy and amicable settlement of disputes in their respective barangays.

Sustainability Planning: Major Commitments

To summarize, the major commitments already made by Mayor Co during the BJPP Coordinator’s frequent consultations with the Mayor, are as follows:

· Annual coverage of qualified BJAs under the PhilHealth Medicare Para Sa Masa Program of the city government;

· LGU-led replication of the BJPP in the remaining 34 barangays of Pagadian City to attain city-wide coverage (to which GRF-BJPP management committed to supply the learning materials and the basic BJA paraphernalia consisting of chaleco, cap and pin);

· Technical and financial support to the SEC registration of the city-wide non-profit organization of the BJAs of Pagadian City;

· Accreditation of the BJAs as a non-government organization (NGO) with access to the city government’s livelihood support program;

· Representation of the BJAs’ NGO in the City Peace and Order Council.

Pagadian CityLGU Initiatives in Barangay JusticeShowcasing LGU Gains in Conflict Management


II. Delivering Goods: LGU-Led Sustainability InitiativesA. Replication in 34 Barangays

Initial Incentive: PhilHealth Medicare Coverage

As earlier noted (supra), before the January 21 meeting of GRF-BJPP management with Mayor Co and other city officials, the mayor had already approved the earmarking of a portion of the Fiscal Year 2010 budget savings for this purpose. The selection of the qualified, i.e., indigent, BJAs was tied up with the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), the massive conditional cash transfer program to the poorest of the poor families nationwide that finally, and for the first time, included the city of Pagadian. But spearheaded by the DSWD whose regional office is still based in Zamboanga City, the final screening and listing of the qualified indigent families was taking a bit too long to complete. And Rene Ebol worried that time was running out and the Fiscal Year 2010 savings earmarked for the BJA inclusion in the PhilHealth Medicare Para Sa Masa Program would be reverted to the General Fund.

Against these constraints, a total of 206 BJAs eventually began enjoying the PhilHealth medicare benefits effective Labor Day (May 1) 2011. The remaining 77 BJAs were not included for the simple reason that they were already covered by their respective employers.

This “minor” episode illustrates how the constituents of Pagadian, as well as other cities and towns distant from Zamboanga City, are disadvantaged due to delays in the delivery of national governmentprogram services.

Clamor for Expansion

As earlier noted (supra), the BJAs began “making waves” in their respective barangays as early as September 2010, with a goodly number winning the electorate’s approbation in the Barangay/SK elections the following month of October. In this context many Barangay Captains and other officials of the non-covered 34 barangays raised the question of their non-inclusion in the BJPP. They brought up this concern during their individual or small group meetings with Mayor Co, in their frequent visits to the BACO and chats with Rene Ebol, and during meetings of the Liga ng Barangay. This concern was heightened further after Mayor Co’s action to reward the BJAs of the 20 pilot barangays who are indigents with coverage under the PhilHealth Medicare Para Sa Masa Program.

Replication in 34 Expansion Barangays

Approving a sub-allocation of Php 427,538 of the budget of the Office of the City Mayor for this purpose on January 18, 2011, Mayor Co gave Rene Ebol the “go signal” for the replication of the BJPP in the other 34 barangays of Pagadian City Memorandum Order of Mayor Co Re: Replication in 34 Barangays). As Rene wryly punctuated: “when our mayor says ‘GO!’, we at the BACO go ALL THE WAY!”

With BACO leading the way and with only the minor secretariat/documentation staff support of SOPREX, the community assemblies were planned and implemented simultaneously, “blitzkrieg style” under 13 teams of the motorcycle riding BACO men. A day before the community assembly, Rene Ebol trained the BACO boys and assigned



one speaker and one secretariat staff in each team. Eleven teams held the community assemblies and two 2-man teams moved around to do the photo documentation. Hence, within one day, February 8, 2011, the community assemblies were accomplished in all 34 replication barangays. Indeed, when the BACO Boys go, THEY GO ALL THE WAY!

The Basic Certification Course (BCC) training for the 34 replication barangays was subsequently conducted in three batches on February 18-20, 2011. All training batches were held at the newly constructed BACO office that is fully air-conditioned and equipped with men and women comfort rooms and a kitchenette. A total of 171 additional BJAs were certified, bringing the citywide grand total to 283, or 183% higher than the Project target of 100 BJAs for Pagadian City.

True to its commitment at the previous January 21 meeting, GRF-BJPP supplied the training manuals and basic BJA paraphernalia. Stretching its budget for another activity, the training of non-BJA Lupon ng Tagapamayapa (LT) members, SOPREX provided the facilitators’ honoraria and secretariat/documentation staff support services.

Based on the records, LGU Pagadian spent for a total P175,598 or 80% of the total budget expenditures for the BJPP replication in 34 barangays. The remainder of 15% and 5% was contributed respectively by GRF-BJPP and SOPREX.

B. Challenges to Sustained BJA Performance of Justice Advocate Role Preponderance of Low-Income and Socio-Economic Status of the BJAs: Socio Economic Profile Analysis

Arguably the greatest challenge to the sustainability of BJA citizen volunteerism in Pagadian City is their low income and overall marginal socio-economic status. Major-ity of them are low-income wage earners or farmers and/or fisherfolk. Most have no education beyond high school. Their most valuable asset is their duly earned reputation as dependable persons to whom the troubled can bring their daily life problems for counseling or their petty quarrels for amicable settlement in the most expeditious and inexpensive manner. It is for this reason, in the first place, that they were nominated for the BJA trainings during the community assemblies. But thebig question remains: how can the BJAs sustain their dedication and zeal to help others in need when they themselves are also in need of help?

Legal/Policy Ambiguity of BJA role and status

Another difficulty that the BJAs of Pagadian City encountered was the question of their legal personality and status as citizen volunteer advocates of justice and peace. After four decades of the Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) law under Presidential Decree No. 1508 of 1978, and two decades of the Local Government Code of 1991 (R.A. 7160), a culture of legalism and bureaucratism had become entrenched nationwide including Pagadian City, contrary to the very spirit of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) policies and mechanisms therein embodied. Hence, during the BJA-BCC trainings at Brgy. Macasing in August 2010, these were the issues raised by several Punong Barangays (Barangay Captains), Kagawads (Barangay Councilors) and Lupon Tagapamayapa (amicable dispute settlement panel) or LT members who were nominated as BJAs:



· What is the difference between the BJA and the Lupon, is it not a duplication?· Do BJAs have any legal authority to settle disputes in the community?· Will the barangays not suffer decline in revenues due to reduced number of cases

handled by the LT?

Part and parcel of this legalistic-bureaucratic Gestalt is the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Supervision of the KP or the operations of the Lupon Tagapamayapa (LT) at the barangay level is the mandate of the DILG and, for the legalistic-bureaucratic personnel, it is the “turf ” of the department. The records of the LT of each barangay is monitored by the DILG Bureau of Barangay Local Government Operations (BBLGO) and among its annual activities is the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive (LTI) Awards for the best performing LTs at the local (city or municipality and provincial), regional and national levels.

In this context, the BJAs trained and certified under the BJPP in Pagadian felt the need for a clear-cut mandate or legal authority. In response to this issue, soon after the BJA-BCC trainings at Brgy. Macasing, Punong Barangay Lowell Y. Lalican of Brgy. Lison Valley expressed the intention to adopt a barangay resolution recognizing the role and status of the BJAs of his barangay and giving them full authority to settle disputes amicably before they are handled by the Punong Barangay and the LT in accordance with the Local Government Code of 1991.

Summary Profile of Pagadian BJAs


C. Personal and Organizational Empowerment of the BJAs

Gains in Policy Empowerment

As it turned out, it was actually Brgys. Datagan and Deborok which were the very first to craft and adopt a resolution recognizing the status, role and functions of Barangay Justice Advocates. These barangays adopted their respective resolutions on January 3, 2011. The other pilot barangays followed suit and adopted the same or similarly worded resolutions within the same month. In the months of May and June the 34 replication Barangays followed suit and today the BJAs are legally empowered in all 54 barangays of Pagadian City to serve as frontline counselors and mediators in the management of petty conflicts in their respective barangays.


Specifically the barangay resolutions commonly provide that:

· All cases of small disputes shall henceforth be referred first to the BJAs before they are handled by the Lupon Tagapamayapa.

· The Punong Barangay is enjoined to allocate material and financial resources out of the annual budget of the barangay to provide space, facilities and supplies for the counseling and mediation services of the BJAs as well as, if funds are available, to defray their transportation and related expenses.

· The BJAs are designated as “agents of persons in authority” with all the legal rights and powers appurtenant to such official status.

Organizational Empowerment

Building on the foregoing critical gains in policy empowerment, Mayor Co directed Rene Ebol to support and expedite the organization of the BJAs and their registration as an NGO with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This was in line with the mayor’s earlier pledge to accredit the BJA organization and thus pave the way for its representation the City Peace and Order Council (POC) and its inclusion in the City Livelihood Support program.

On February 4, 2011, taking advantage of his GRF-funded travel to Zamboanga City for a cluster meeting, SOPREX Executive Director Macansantos took the time to visit the SEC regional office and purchased the standard Articles and By-Laws (ABL) for non-profit organizations under the express lane. On March 10, the interim officials were elected and chose the name of Pagadian City Barangay Justice Advocates (PC-BJAs), Inc. as first priority. They accomplished the requirements for SEC registration and set March 12 for the first General Assembly meeting and election of the regular officers.

The 1st General Assembly of the PC-BJAs was a gala event. The event opened with a motorcade along the main streets of the central business district, which drew the surprised and amused attention of pedestrians and travelers alike who came to know about the BJAs for the very first time. It was truly a sight to behold — BJAs in their regalia of blue chalecos, caps and pins led by the motorcycle-riding BACO boys also in blue chalecos. The city of Pagadian considered this a major event in the lives of the people that merited a front page news account in the local paper, the Pagadian Times. It was “rap poetry in motion”, a stream of blue going up and down the sloping streets of Pagadian City.

The highlight of the morning program was the grant of awards to the 11 Outstanding BJAs of Pagadian City. The awardees were led by BJA and Punong Barangay Judith Adal of Brgy. Dumagoc, the city’s bet for the Outstanding Woman BJA contest during the Women BJA Congress in Manila on March 17.

Mayor Co personally handed out the awards and in his message re-affirmed his full support of the BJA’s outstanding service to the community towards family and community peace.

Organizational Strengthening: Strategic Planning and Project Implementation

In its first meeting held at the BACO on May 18, the Board of Directors of the PC-BJAs, Inc. conducted a quick strategic planning workshop. Facilitated by SOPREX Executive Director Macansantos, the officers prioritized the following projects and actions, as further clarified at the follow-up meeting on May 31 also held at the BACO:



a) Survey/Site selection and setting up of the Business Office of the PC-BJAs, Inc.

Pending the site selection, Rene Ebol offered space in the BACO for the temporary office of the PC-BJAs, Inc. Board Chairman and President Pericles C. Sollano took on the task of site selection, design and cost estimation of the business office, and the registration with the DTI and BIR as basic requirements for the business permit application and printing of official receipts.

b) Accreditation as NGO and Inclusion in the City Livelihood Support Program

The Board of Directors also passed a resolution (Annex 14) authorizing the Chairman/President to file the application for accreditation by the Sangguniang Panglunsod (City Council). Attached to the application are the Articles and By-Laws duly registered with the SEC. On this matter, Rene Ebol informed the officers of the PC-BJAs, Inc. that funds for livelihood support to qualified beneficiaries were available under the MRDP (Mindanao Rural Development Program) funded by the World Bank. However, the BJAs’ organization missed this opportunity because of its delayed accreditation. Rene informed the body that there are other funding sources that can be tapped by the BJAs and that the important action step is to secure the accreditation without further delay.

c) Representation in the City POC

Rene Ebol informed the body that Mayor Co has already approved in principle the representation of the PC-BJAs, Inc. in the City Peace and Order Council. Its accreditation is the basic requirement.

d) Enterprise Development Program

The Board of Directors adopted its enterprise development program to ensure its capacity to fund and pay for the basic office management operations of the organization and support services to the BJA members. The Board approved the e-Commerce short-term business plan presented by SOPREX Executive Director Macansantos which consists of:

· e-Loading of Cellular Phones· Airline e-ticketing· Commodities on-line trading

This will be a partnership between the PC-BJAs, Inc. and Rural-Urban Marketing Research and Services (RURBANMARKS), a newly formed business company established by SOPREX Executive Director Macansantos. Under this partnership, RURBANMARKS will put up the basic office equipment and initial working capital to pay for fixed and variable expenses, including the wages of at least two office workers and a 24/7 broadband internet access. The partners will share in the net operating income in accordance with their respective shares in the required capital contributions to start up the business.

The Board also approved the medium-term business plan to establish and operate the Southern Philippines Cooperative Institute of Technology (SP-CIT). The SP-CIT will eventually serve as the mother or umbrella organization of all the business activities of the PC-BJAs, Inc. Its basic concept is:



· a Pre-School in every barangay, · a Community College or Technical/Vocational School in selected centers of barangay clusters, and· a University in a selected urban barangay of Pagadian City as the main campus.

From this foundation, the SP-CIT shall branch out to all cities and municipalities of Southern Philippines. In every new campus, the parents of their schooling children are the co-owners of the school. Other targeted shareholders are the barangay, municipal, city and provincial LGUs. The LGU shareholders are thus provided a new modality to provide for the education on scholarship of their indigent but deserving youth and participate in the surplus revenues of their respective co-owned pre-school, vocational-technical school and community college.

In the organizational phase, the PC-BJAs, Inc. will serve as the lead organization in its development planning and implementation as the major institutional member, while individual BJAs can also directly be shareholders. The BACO will provide the venue for investment forums to recruit the core group of investors that will prepare and sign the registration papers with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

Personal Empowerment: Selected BJA Personal Stories

· BJA Inday Ranullo of Brgy. DumagocShe said that BJA has created a great impact on her life. She feels so overwhelmed every time people show respect to her just as they show respect to a barangay captain. (Details are in the Appendix)

· BJA Wevina of Brgy. Tuburan For BJA Wevina, her ID, handbooks and journal helped her gain recognition as a BJA in their community. BJA Wevina placed a BJA Table inside her house where she entertains and settles complaints or problems.

III. DILG Involvement/ParticipationA. Initial Engagements and Good Rapport

Support to the ToT, Community Assemblies and BJA Basic Certification Course Trainings

From the very beginning the Project enjoyed the full support of DILG-Pagadian Office. CLGOO (City Local Government Operations Officer) James Yañes dutifully nominated staffer Elmer Egama to the BJA Training of Trainers (ToT) at Roxas City on June 7-11, 2010. Elmer dutifully served as team member during the Community Assemblies on June 25-29, 2010 and as trainer facilitator of the BJA Basic Certification Course at Brgy. Macasing in August 2010. CLGOO Yañes attended the closing program of the 3rd batch of BCC trainings together with Mayor Samuel Co.

Support to the Barangay Profiling activities and the BJA Special Courses Certification Training

During the Barangay Peace Profiling activity, the DILG-Pagadian Office provided the digital and hard copy files of the KP operations in the 54 barangays of Pagadian City. This greatly facilitated the preparation of the Socio-Economic and Peace Profiles of the 20 pilot barangays.



When CLGOO Yañes went on leave, DILG Provincial Director Paisal Abutazil served as the OIC of the Pagadian City DILG Office. When the time came for the 2nd phase of the BJA training, Elmer Egama was transferred to the regional office and was no longer available to the BJP Project. Nevertheless, Director Abutazil cooperated with the Project by way of nominating a staff member of the DILG-Pagadian Office, Aileen Ortega, to the training of trainers for the BJA Special Courses Certification (SCC) Training on September 20-24, 2010 at the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS). Ms. Ortega was further allowed to serve as trainer during the 4 batches of the BJA-SCC trainings the following months of October and November.

In short, the BJP Project enjoyed the benefits of close rapport with the DILG-Pagadian office during the term of CLGOO Yañes and the continuing cooperation of then DILG Provincial (now Regional) Director Abutazil.

B. DILG Institutional Transitions and Re-Adjustments

A New Head of the DILG-Pagadian Office

In January 2011, the MLGOO of the municipality of Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, Ms. Paulina S. Gadiano, was designated OIC of the DILG-Pagadian Office, while Provincial Director Abutazil was named the new Regional Director. This required a new round of social marketing to secure the continuing support and cooperation of the DILG-Pagadian Office.

The Radio Drama Challenge and Response

The following month of February, SOPREX began preparing for the launching of its special peace communication project, a radio-drama-commentary entitled “Magpatambag Ka Sa BJA!” The scripts entailed a signing on and signing off spiel that mentioned the BJPP partnership with the city government and the DILG-Pagadian Office.

On February 7 SOPREX Executive Director Macansantos wrote to Ms. Paulina S. Gadiano for permission to include her office as a project partner of the radio-drama-commentary program (see attached Annex 16). Getting no response, Macansantos visited the DILG-Pagadian Office on Feb. 21 and met with Ms. Gadiano to follow up the SOPREX letter-request of February 7. However, Ms. Gadiano informed him that she needed to bring up the matter to the regional office for guidance. In the light of this ambiguity up to the end of February, SOPREX postponed the start of the broadcast to the 1st Sunday of March and was poised to decide that if, by then, Ms. Gadiano had failed to respond favorably to our long-standing request, DILG-Pagadian Office will be dropped as a project partner.

On March 4 the SOPREX BJPP-Pagadian staff received a text message from Ms. Aileen Ortega, staff member of DILG-Pagadian Office that her boss has a letter to SOPREX regarding the action of the DILG-Regional Office IX. Her letter was one that merely forwarded the letter to her of the Regional Director asking for more information about the drama scripts and the details of the budget. Copies of the drama script and the detailed budget were forthwith furnished her office by the field operations staff of SOPREX.

Still receiving no formal reply to his written request after one month, Macansantos again visited Ms. Gadiano at her office on March 5. It was clear that her biggest concern was whether the DILG-Pagadian Office would be obliged to allocate financial contributions. After verbal assurances of Macansantos that the project will not entail any financial



contribution from her office and would involve only institutional support, e.g., dissemination of information about the project to the barangay constituents during their own field visits, Ms. Gadiano finally gave her verbal consent. Furthermore, she authorized her staff, Aileen Ortega, to serve as trainer-facilitator in the special BJPP training for selected LT members of the 20 pilot barangays.

IV. Lessons Learned and RecommendationsA. Quality Local Leadership and the Struggle for Pagadian’s Ascendancy as

Regional Capital

The gains attained by the Project would not have been possible without the qualities of executive leadership embodied in the person of Samuel S. Co. It is thus imperative to understand his leadership style and his compelling vision of Pagadian’s ascendancy as the regional capital of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region.

It is not possible to make here a comprehensive analysis of the personality and leadership style of Samuel S. Co, the man and the mayor. But in one of his messages to the BJA trainees, Mayor Co revealed a facet of his philosophy of governance. Mayor Co recounted a “payabangan”1 session he recently had with other city mayors during a meeting of the members of the League of Cities of the Philippines, of which he is the Vice-President for Mindanao: “Some mayors showed around photos of their new city hall buildings and were bragging about how many millions they spent. In my case, I said, I could not brag like that because we are a small city with much lower IRA than yours. Pero kayo, meron ba kayong sarili ninyong Mol?”

This is in reference to the new C-3 (City Commercial Center) Project, a 4-storey commercial building constructed by the city government at a cost of P600 million on a commercial lot owned by the city government. Construction of three floors is complete and the fourth floor construction is targeted for completion in time for the Araw ng Pagadian on June 21. Reflecting Mayor Co’s business management acumen, the building was fully paid months ago by the tenant-owners, including Robinson’s department store that has occupied the entire ground floor.

Another major infrastructure project was completed last year, the P115 million modern fishport. The C-3 and fishport projects were funded out of a DBP Loan of P200 million originally only for the fishport. After quick calculations on the abacus, Mayor Co realized that the original fishport plan would be a financial fiasco as it could not pay back the loan and thus saddle the city government with amortization payments. Mayor Co negotiated with the DBP to split the loan fund to include the C-3 project and reduce the cost of the fishport after a redesign. Both are now big earning assets of the city government.

B. The Value of Strong Institutional Backstopping: Mini-Case Study of the BACO

The Barangay Affairs Coordinating Office or BACO is Mayor Co’s “eyes and ears” providing him direct communication links with his constituents at the barangay level. A total of 30 able-bodied men serve in this office under the leadership of Rene Ebol. All equipped with motorcycles and hand-held radiophones, the BACO men regularly visit the barangay officials bringing news or instructions from Mayor Co and returning with regularly updated information on the situation in the barangays.



On call 24/7, the BACO men are highly motivated workers, doing any and all chores assigned to them, e.g., setting up street decorations and streamers during special events, conducting “recorrida” style information campaigns, transporting participants to and from training sites, etc. Their motivation springs partly on their adequate compensation and their special worker status as exempt from accomplishing the standard daily time records. But their high morale is sustained by the leadership style of Rene Ebol who leads by example, e.g., doing janitorial tasks in the office, one of the practices of the Japanese work ethic he imbibed during his employment at several establishments in Manila.

The value of the BACO during elections is obvious. But between elections, the BACO provides the Mayor with updated information that allows him to exercise political control. Hence, with the “all around” skills and capabilities, they also proved very useful in extending the logistical support to the training and related activities of the BJP Project.

C. The Critical Importance of BJAO Leadership Resources and Continuing Capacity-building/ Management Development

During the 1st General Assembly last March 12, the interim officers were given a fresh mandate. The officers have a mixed background: 2 are women and 5 are men, and 4 are Christian and 3 are Muslim.

The President, Pericles Sollano, is the Punong Barangay of Brgy. Tuburan and is a civil engineer by profession. The Vice-President, Judith Adal, is the Punong Barangay of Brgy. Dumagoc and was selected the best woman BJA of Pagadian City; she has some college education in home economics and was active in women organizations. The Secretary, Antonio Almonte, is a Kagawad (councilor) of Brgy. Santo Niño; he finished his law studies and is reviewing for the BAR exam. The Treasurer, Norma Buttongah, is a businesswoman, having earned her BS in Business Administration. One Director, Nestor Commendador, is a former Kagawad of Brgy. Tuburan; he finished his law studies and serves as anchor/commentator of his own radio program. Another Director, Ressan Dumamba, is the Barangay Secretary of Brgy. Muricay; he finished college with an A.B. degree in Political Science and was actively involved in the political affairs of the MNLF in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

While individually the officers have their own strengths, they need to build up their teamwork and organizational management capacities. This is an urgent concern in view of their decision to engage in various income-generating projects in order to raise funds to support the continuing services of the BJAs.

D. The Need for Local DILG Personnel to Learn Lessons from other Project SitesThe support of DILG both at the regional and city level may be described as actually still cautious or non-committal. Nevertheless, significant gains towards partnership were attained when Ms. Gadiano consented to supporting the radio-drama program and the participation of her staff in the subesequent BJPP trainings. Notably, the letter from DILG Regional Director Paisal Abutazil no longer shows the dismissive opinion he had earlier held about the BJAs.



Just the same, the outlook towards the BJP Project of the city, provincial and regional DILG officials essentially remains to be bureaucratic, dismissive of non-government organizations or civil society in general, and “top-down” or ready to act only if there is “proper” clearance or direct orders from higher levels. The signal gains of the BJP Project in other areas in terms of DILG support, e.g., in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region, deserve to be disseminated from the highest level of the DILG down to the provinces, cities and municipalities. Hopefully, the organizational culture of DILG-Pagadian will thereby be transformed.

E. The Importance of LRP Capacity and Community Credibility

Working on a shoestring budget based on only 20 pilot barangays, SOPREX could afford no more than 3 field operations staff and had inadequate funds to set up a field office in Pagadian City. Apart from Jun Daculio, a civil engineer and experienced professional consultant, the Project staff relied on two greenhorns but who subsequently proved to be fast learners and dedicated workers.

But arguably, it was the simplicity and proven capability of SOPREX Executive Director Yesnoy Macansantos that earned him and SOPREX the admiration and respect, first of Rene Ebol, and subsequently of Mayor Co as well. The Mayor clearly expressed this at the January 21, 2011 meeting of the GRF-BJPP management team with him and other city officials. At one point during this meeting, Mayor Co announced that he would pirate Prof. Macansantos and hire him as a consultant of the city government.

F. The Critical Role of Overall Project Management

However, the success of the Project in Pagadian City is basically due to the goodness of the Project itself and its product — it is based on a real need of the people at the barangay level and its output of dedicated citizen volunteers undertaking a justice-based peace advocacy at the grassroots level is of genuine benefit to their respective village communities. The Project design was masterfully crafted to facilitate the step-by-step field implementation by local resource partners, the capacity building of which was built in to the Project design. It also contains a Monitoring and Evaluation Component that was tied in with the Financial Management System to ensure the timely delivery of the LRP/LGU partner outputs and the prompt release of funds upon delivery of the accomplished tasks.

But a Project design is just that. To bring the Project to life, a good management team is required. The team formed and headed by GRF Deputy Director Rosamund Parado had all the necessary skills and teamwork to manage the Project implementation very well.

G. The Bedrock of Project Success

In the final analysis, the bedrock of success of the BJP Project in Pagadian City is the enthusiasm and dedication to community service of the BJAs themselves. No better proof is necessary than the record of the number and variety of cases they managed and managed well: 95.0% of the cases solved (including 3% duly referred to higher bodies, e.g., Brgy. Captains/Lupon Tagapamayapa), almost all of which were solved within one session or one day. The remainder of 2% is still on-going. Indeed their genuine contribution towards family and community peace is their gift to the people of Pagadian City and the world — ang kanilang luntiang handog sa mundo!





SaranganiPublic-Private-People’s Partnership

4Peace Promotion



I. IntroductionA. A Brief Peace Situationer of Sarangani Province

Sarangani is home to diverse cultural groups: Muslim, B’laan, Lumad, T’boli and Christians. They co-exist in this province that is rich with natural resources. Its early inhabitants, however, were the indigenous natives, called “Munato”, a native term referring to “first people”.

Because Sarangani is a culturally diversified province, emerging conflicts in different places were inevitable. In the 1990s, hostilities were experienced in the province’s identified hot spots, endangering lives and properties. One of them was Barangay Malabod in the Municipality of Malungon which was known for lawlessness particularly banditry and castle rustling. Residents particularly women feared for their lives, families and properties. Because of frequent encounters between the bandits and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, government workers could hardly deliver basic social services in the area. Thus poverty and tension prevailed.

This situation alarmed religious group in Malungon that one of the priests in coordination with the local leaders volunteered to negotiate for the return of the bandits to the fold of the law. The negotiation paved the way for the surrender of thirteen (13) lawless elements in December 2001. After this, government services were once again evident and peace and order situation returned to normalcy.

B. Peace Efforts Before the Barangay Justice for Peace (BJP) Project

1. Provincial

To sustain the gains of the initial peace efforts, the Provincial Task Force for Peace & Development (PTFPD) was created to document peace negotiations and address issues and concerns of the local residents. To further strengthen and make the interventions holistic, the Province of Sarangani, UNMDP3, Military, Police and other Cooperating Agencies signed a Memorandum of agreement in 2002 to formalize their partnership on peace and development efforts.

Sarangani launched in June 2003 its first Provincial Peace Summit participated in by different sectors, the first in SOCSARGEN, to gather multi-faceted issues and concerns on peace and development. The results of the summit provided a blue print for the crafting of the Strategic Provincial Peace and Development Plan of Sarangani.

The membership of the Provincial Task Force for Peace and Development (PTFPD) was later expanded to include other key National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) by virtue of Executive Order No. 29 series of 2004. Under the Task Force was a Technical Woking Group (TWG) in charge in the project implementations.

From 2004 to 2006, the Special Concerns Unit of the Office of the Governor continued the coordination of all peace and development efforts in the province. The TWG of the PTFPD was still on top of the implementation. It was in late 2006 when the Act for Peace and the PLGU forged a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement. Thus, the Governor with the PTFPD decided to create a special unit to focus on peace and development initiatives. The creation of the KALINAW Sarangani as the provincial



Peace and Development Program under the office of the Governor was formalized by virtue of Executive Order No. 16 series of 2007.

2. The Kalinaw Sarangani Unit

Aside from being mandated to provide basic services to its people, Sarangani is also highly committed to the promotion of peace and the attainment of sustainable development, thus was born Kalinaw Sarangani Unit. A continuous effort is done by the province to combat high rates of conflict brought about by the diverse cultures. Guided by these principles, the province initiated its own Peace and Development Program and has implemented peace and development efforts. Sarangani believes that issues of poverty, lack of access to social services, unemployment, marginalization, cultural insensitivity, and other social problems are factors that should be addressed in the attainment of Peace and Development. Once accomplished, Sarangans who come from different ethno-linguistic groups can co-exist peacefully and harmoniously.

The key player in all the efforts on peace and development is the KALINAW Sarangani Unit of the Provincial Government. Banking on the history of peace and conflict and learning from the initiatives of other partners in peace and development, Sarangani found it highly imperative to establish a focus on local peace building. The Peace and Development Task Force packaged a Comprehensive Peace and Development Plan in 2004 which became the technical blueprint in the creation of a peace and development program for Sarangani Province called Kalinaw Sarangani. It provides opportunities to earn livelihood. The dynamic leadership of the province is sustaining its mark in bringing peace and development having articulated its priorities for closer connection, conflict mitigation and transparency.

Guided by the principle of transforming local communities that have been disturbed by strife and conflict into peace-loving communities meeting basic needs and providing access to basic social services, Kalinaw Sarangani generally aims to promote and preserve a peaceful Sarangani. Specifically, the program aims to:

(1) institutionalize peace and development efforts thru increased and strengthened networking and involvement of key partners in peace building, development planning, decision-making and governance in the Peace and Development Communities( PDCs);

(2) promote and popularize culture sensitivity practices and activities through conduct of series of Culture of Peace trainings;

(3) mainstream and facilitate the provision of sustainable livelihood assistance, skills development, infrastructure and other social services to include former combatants and immediate families; and

(4) operationalize and maintain a system of coordinating efforts and strategies between the government and civilians in public order and safety through community dialogues and consultations, formation of Barangay Peace Advocates (BPAs) and the assistance for the capability building of Lupong Tagapamayapa.

Sarangani

In partnership with the DILG and the Conrado-Ladislawa Alcantara Founda-tion, Inc., the BJPP has improved Conflict Mitigation in the following ways:

Speedy resolution of disputes at the grass-roots level;De-clogging of cases at the Katarungang Pambarangay level and in the RTC;Those minor conflicts may have turned into violence and may even cause public distur-bance had they not been averted. BJAs are our important asset.The process employed by the BJAs in conflict mitigation not only prevented the escala-tion of petty disputes in to violent conflicts but it also helped restore relationship of the conflicting parties.

The BJPP ADR Model engages and empowers community leaders in settling and transform-ing their own disputes thus promoting an enabling environment for better and harmo-nious relationships among tri-people of Sarangani.

We believe that the BJPP contributed in bringing our govern-ment's peace and justice initiatives closer to our people.

Gov. Miguel Rene A. Domiguez



II. The BJPP in SaranganiA. Provincial Initiatives

The coming of the Barangay Justice for Peace Project (BJPP) to the province reinforced the peace and development program in Sarangani. It is a project that upholds bringing peace and harmony to the rural poor community, pioneered by the Gerry Roxas Foundation through the funding of USAID. The project continues its mission of improving access to justice services. This is achieved with the participation of volunteer community members trained as peace counselors and are called Barangay Justice Advocates (BJAs). They perform appropriate mediation and conciliation among disputants, and encourage use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as means of settling disputes that would help lessen incidences of violent conflict.

In February 2010, the Barangay Justice for Peace Project was launched in Sarangani, with Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation as the Local Resource Partner. The Governor issued an executive order supporting the implementation of the project and appointing Jocelyn Kanda, Kalinaw Sarangani Program Manager, as the BJPP Provincial Coordinator. The seven component municipalities of Sarangani were identified as project beneficiaries with the Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs) designated as municipal coordinators.

Having a common goal, the Gerry Roxas Foundation, Alcantara Foundation and the Provincial Government of Sarangani, having Kalinaw Sarangani Unit (KSU) as the front liner backed up by the Provincial Legal Office, synergized their individual capacities to make the implementation of the BJPP in the province easier. Collaboration of all peace and development efforts led created a greater impact on the communities. Starting with the focused areas of KSU, the 50 Peace and Development Communities (PDCs), the BJPP increased the program’s coverage by adding 50 more barangays for the project. The BJPP received overwhelming acceptance in the communities which led to the project’s expansion to some other barangays.

To date, more than one thousand (1,000) Barangay Justice Advocates were identified, capacitated, and mobilized to help settle petty community disputes. Most of these disputes could have escalated into violent conflicts if not addressed earlier. The BJAs served as mediators, counselors, and most importantly, justice and peace advocates in their communities. They have proven to be effective arms of the community towards achieving community peace. They have helped in facilitating access to justice in the community.

The Provincial Local Government was impressed with the partnership with GRF when it saw marked changes resulting from the different BJPP trainings conducted. Having a parallel goal for peace and development, the BJPP was integrated into the Kalinaw Sarangani Program, as a regular activity in one of its component projects thereby further sustaining the initiatives and gains of the project.



Initiative 1: Integration of the BJPP Initiatives in the Provincial Peace and Development Program, the Kalinaw Sarangani Unit

BJA Training modules (BCC and SCCP) were integrated in the conduct of Culture of Peace (COP) trainings of KALINAW. BJAs were prioritized as participants of the COP trainings. They would later on become Barangay Peace Advocates (BPAs). BPAs are graduates of COP training who would be the frontliners in community peace building activities. BJAs are also prioritized as beneficiaries of KALINAW-funded projects on livelihood (Tindahan Para sa Kalinaw - women-led project).

The BJPP became a component activity of the PEACE (Peace Education and Alliance building through Community Empowerment) Project of the Kalinaw Sarangani Program and was given a budget allocation from the 20% Local Development Fund. BJPP activities are all included in the annual planned activities of KalinawSarangani. The program is also committed to sustain the activities even after the BJP Project of GRF will end.

To further strengthen the project implementation, a roll-out of Training of Trainers on Basic Certification Course was conducted in Glan with the Kalinaw Coordinators and MLGOOs. This was to capacitate the partners and project implementers. This initiative of Alcantara Foundation aimed to transfer the technology to the partners that would later become a tool to enhance their services to the Sarangans. The Kalinaw Coordinators (KCs) and MLGOOs were then mobilized as trainers. Moreover, the KCs were already employed to assist the LRP in social marketing, community assemblies, peace profiling and case monitoring activities.

The BJPP processes were also integrated in Kalinaw Sarangani’s activities. The community assemblies where the BJAs were nominated by the community were integrated in the regular PDC assembly and orientation of Kalinaw. Some topics of Basic Certification Course and Special Courses Certification Program like Peace and Conflict, Mediation, and Counseling were also included in the conduct of Culture of Peace Trainings. These were seen as effective tools to reinforce the local peace-building activities. To expand the coverage of the COP training, the Provincial Legal Office of Sarangani and Alcantara Foundation sponsored the conduct of such training in non-PDC barangays which were covered by the BJPP.

Kalinaw Sarangani allotted funds amounting to P150,000.00 for the training of Lupong Tagapamayapa members who were not able to attend the training conducted by DILG and CLAFI. The BCC module with an integration of the Special Laws was used for the training.

As acknowledgement of the participation of the BJAs, they will be recognized during the conduct of Kalinaw Awards in celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace. The recognition ceremony will be done in partnership with the DILG as members of the evaluating team.

SaranganiLGU Initiatives in Barangay JusticeShowcasing LGU Gains in Conflict Management


The table below shows non-monetary contributions of the KSU to the BJP Project

Issues and Challenges and How They Were Met

The integration of the BJPP in the Kalinaw Sarangani Program did not come easy. Several challenges were faced along the process of implementation.

1. Lack of government resources

One of the challenges was lack of government resources to fund the integration of BJPP activities in the program. Conduct of trainings, for example, requires high cost. Monitoring of cases managed by the BJAs also requires mobilization expenses like transportation and food. The 20% of the Local Development Fund which is used to support Local Government projects from different sectors- education, health, peace and development among others- is not enough. Apparently, resources are scarce and lobbying for fund allocation is never easy.

This, however, did not hinder the integration. KSU worked with meagre resource that was allocated for the activity. The trainings of the Lupong Tagapamayapa using the BCC module were community-based, instead of bringing the participants to some costly convention centers. Local resource mobilization was also done to augment the available resources.

2. Confusion of roles of BJA vis-à-vis Lupon and BJPP being tagged as political strategies of some candidates

The Lupong Tagapamayapa is the institutionalized body in the Barangay which is tasked to attend to, and settle community disputes brought before them. They apply Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as mediation and counselling in managing conflicts. On the other hand, the BJAs are community volunteers organized to facilitate access to community conflicts by employing ADR mechanisms when attending to disputes. Because of the similar roles the Lupon and BJAs play, confusion among the local constituents occurred. Some even thought of BJAs as competitors of the Lupon.



The misconceptions on the BJAs did not end on their roles. Since the BJP Project was introduced in the province at the height of election campaigns, it was unavoidable that it would be perceived with political color. Some candidates viewed the project as a political machinery of some politicians because the Gerry Roxas Foundation is associated with the then Vice-presidential candidate Mar Roxas; and Alcantara Foundation (the LRP) is associated with Gov. Dominguez who at that time supported another candidate. Thus, there were some local officials who, at first, hesitated to support the project.

The confusion and misconceptions were addressed mainly by proper orientation to the project of the communities and the leaders. The local constituents were made to understand that the BJAs are not competitors of the lupon, rather they are reinforcements. Meanwhile, the leaders were also made to understand that the project serves no political interest of any politician. It is sincere in its goal of facilitating access to community justice to have community peace. Its launching in the province at the height of election campaigns was but coincidental. After the Barangay local elections, another project orientation was conducted to newly elected barangay captains. The activity aimed at gaining the support of new administrations for the project.

3. Schedule of BJPP activities overlapping with the regular Kalinaw activities

Another challenge faced during the integration was the conflict of schedules of BJPP activities and regular Kalinaw activities. There were times that the Kalinaw Coordinators, the ones who were mainly mobilized for project implementation, had scheduled activities on the same dates with BJPP activities.

In order to address this challenge of conflict with schedules, joint programming and synchronization of activities with partners were done. The activities to be conducted were carefully planned out specifying the dates. This way, maximum participation of all concerned was attained.

The Results

After the successful integration of the BJPP in the Provincial PEACE and development Program, the Kalinaw Sarangani Unit, many activities which were not mandated by the project were conducted under the collaboration of the three teams: LGU, GRF and CLAFI. They were the following:

1. Culture of Peace (COP) Trainings of seventy (70) BJPP barangays. The expenses of the fifty (50) Peace and Development Communities (PDCs) were shouldered by Kalinaw Sarangani, fifteen Non-PDC by the Alcantara Foundation, while Provincial Legal Office sponsored ten (10) additional barangays. The Kalinaw Sarangani Unit took charge of conducting the community-based Culture of Peace Trainings where the BJAs were mandated to participate. This training was seen by the BJP team in Sarangani necessary to inculcate the Culture of Peace in the minds of the BJAs that will give them the opportunity to recognize the significance of peace and justice advocacies.

2. Sarangani BJAs as one of the key participants in the Mindanao Week of Peace Celebration in the SocSarGen area. This activity was participated in by BJAs and BPAs of the seven municipalities of Sarangani. One of the highlights of the event was the testimonies of the Peace and Justice Advocates in the communities. BJA Antonio



Beril of Kiamba spoke in behalf of all BJAs in the province.

Initiative 2: Integration of the BJPP in the Lupong Tagapamayapa Capacity Building Program of the Provincial Legal Office

The Provincial Legal Office headed by Atty. Arnel Zapatos had been involved in the BJPP even before the project was launched in the province. He served as the consultant of the BJP team in legal and important matters to be taken under the project. He served as the frontliner during courtesy meetings with the Municipal Local Chief Executives to prevent any affiliation of the project to any politician. His support was decisive in the acceptance of the LGUs of the BJPP.

Despite his very busy schedule, the Provincial legal Officer assured the LRP of his presence and support in all BJP activities. Whenever he was not around, he sent his staff whom he assigned as BJP Coordinator of PLO. The coordinator was also part of the trainer’s pool for the BJA BCC in his behalf.

In the conduct of the BJA trainings, all topics pertaining to laws were assigned to the Provincial Legal Officer, Atty. Zapatos, who gave the inputs when he was available. Thus, the contribution of the PLO is instrumental to the success of the BJP in Sarangani Province.

Issues and Challenges and How They Were Met

Few of the assigned tasks to the PLO during the planning were not performed during the actual trainings because they were under-staffed and the work load assigned to their office was quite heavy.

With the training team understanding this limitation, the group created a back-up plan for every team to have an alternate trainer whenever PLO was not available.

Initiative 3: PSWDO to advocate for the inclusion of BJAs in the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children

In the view of integrating BJPP to a wider range of recognition, there is a plan to advocate for the inclusion of BJAs in the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children through PSWDO. Jo Velasco, GAD Focal Person, PSWDO Sarangani, shall identify the BJAs to be invited and shall communicate with the concerned Barangay Captains to invite the BJAs to be members of the BCPC. The team will then invite, through the office of the Barangay Captain, the BJAs who are not yet members of the BCPC to be included in their rolls.

B. Municipal Initiatives

The seven Municipal LGUs of Sarangani showed support to the BJP Project equal to that of the Provincial and Barangay LGUs. The marketing of the BJP Sarangani team to the Local Chief Executives and key officials was not as hard as what was expected. During municipal launches, the mayors showed excitement for the implementation of the project to start and its possible help to the barangay justice system. They recognized



that there is a need to enhance the skills of the Lupon and other leaders in the barangay who help in conflict resolution because they believe that when the barangays of the municipality are not peaceful, the municipality in general will not most likely be peaceful either.

Initiative 1: Organization of Municipal BJA Federations

Recognizing the significance of creating a municipal federation of BJAs to consolidate the efforts of the BJA and to provide easier access to BJPP activities, the BJAs themselves organized a federation. This federation was organized right after completing the BJA Basic Certification Course. As of now, there are already seven (7) Municipal Federations of BJAs.

As a result, there is now an easier implementation of activities and communication in the community especially those in far flung areas. The federations of the BJA have become one of the strongest instruments to sustain the initiatives of the BJAs and to explore possible livelihood opportunities that will help the BJAs improve their present economic situation

Initiative 2: Expansion of Target Barangays as LGU Counterpart

Apparently, the MLGU of Glan is the most supportive among the LGUs. During the Social Marketing Activities, the Barangay Captain of Pangyan strongly expressed his willingness to include his barangay as BJPP area. He passed a resolution in the Sangguniang Bayan and lobbied for inclusion of the barangay after knowing that Barangay Pangayan was not identified as BJP barangay.

The MLGOO of Glan recognized the effort of the Punong Barangay. Together with the Local Resource Partner, she spearheaded the lobbying with the Municipal Local Chief Executive to consider Pangyan as MLGU counterpart. The Mayor approved this request and committed to give as counterpart food for the participants during the trainings and workshops.

In the municipality of Malungon, the ABC recommended for the inclusion of Barangays Lower Mainit and Talus as BJP barangays because they are known as having the most number of unresolved cases and relatively have a weak mechanism of ADR as lodged in the Katarungang Pambarangay. The LRP and the MLGU with the help of these two additional barangays will collaborate to provide assistance to include the two barangays as BJP area.

Initiative 3: Saturation of the Thirty-One Barangays of the Municipality in Glan as Participants in the Lupong Tagapamayapa Training on KP, Mediation, and Counseling

With the active support of the Municipal Local Government Officials of the Municipality of Glan together with its MLGOO, all thirty-one barangays of the Municipality of Glan were mandated to send all the Lupong Tagapamayapa members to the BJPP training of Lupong Tagapamayapa on KP Law, Mediation, and Counseling.



Councilor Atty. Cyril Yap being the Chairman of the Committee on Justice and Peace first-handedly participated in the activity by volunteering to be one of the resource speakers to discuss primarily on KP Law and other Special Laws commonly experienced in the communities of Glan.

The Barangay LGU for its counterpart provided for the food of participants beyond what was required by the BJPP. The Municipal Council of Glan expressed its commitment to support the project and continue the initiatives of the BJPP by creating an effective monitoring and evaluation tool of the efficacy of the Lupong Tagapamayapa and the BJAs. This mechanism will also ensure proper implementation and strict compliance of the KP and BJA policies.

C. Barangay Initiatives

Initiative 1: Expansion of BJA Membership

The resources of the BJP project limited the membership to only five (5) BJAs per barangay. After understanding the mechanism of the project, some Punong Barangays expressed their desire to expand their BJAs including all members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa, Tribal and Muslim Leaders, and Purok Leaders during the community assemblies. This initiative entails financial requirements from the Barangay as clarified by the LRP and understood by the barangays before granting their request.

During the Basic Certification Course, the following barangays had additional BJAs:



These mentioned barangays were some of the barangays that increased their BJA membership and gave counterparts for necessary expenses not covered by the project.

Initiative 2: Replication of the BJA Module

Recognizing the benefit the BJA trainings brought to enhance the skills of the peace advocates in ADR, there were barangays that replicated the /module to thirty (30) Purok Leaders, members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa and Barangay Officials

Barangay Poblacion of Alabel requested the BJP team of Sarangani to conduct the BJA training having all Lupong Tagapamayapa members and barangay officials as participants. The Barangay Council spent for the food and other expenses necessary for the training. The Alcantara Foundation also distributed some of the excess materials from regular BJA trainings.

Initiative 3: Provision of BJA Building, Desk / Space inside the Barangay Hall

More than fifty percent (50%) of the 100 barangays covered by BJP in the province provided a space or desks inside the barangay as the venue of BJAs in entertaining or managing conflicts brought to their attention for resolution. This effort was primarily orchestrated by the Punong Barangays who were also BJAs themselves. The Punong Barangays recognized the significance of the BJA’s role in declogging the KP with cases filed. The BJAs were given the sole responsibility of doing the first level of resolution. When the BJAs started their volunteering, the Punong Barangays had more time to perform other functions aside from their role as Lupong Tagapamayapa Chair.

In barangay Tapon in Glan, the BJAs united to establish a BJA center accessible to the greater constituency because the barangay hall is not built in a strategic place. This initiative was headed by BJA Nimfa Ferolino, the provincial nominee for the most outstanding woman BJA, also the Punong Barangay of Tapon. She allowed her “bodega” to become the BJA mediation center. The Barangay Council also donated one (1) unit of desktop computer to be used in documenting cases and in writing settlement agreements.

Initiative 4: Allocation of Fund for BJA initiatives

To sustain the efforts of the BJAs, there were Barangay Councils that allocated funds for BJAs and LupongTagapamayapa. The Punong Barangay of Lumasal in Maasim, for example, allocated P 20,000.00 specifically for the BJAs and to think that Punong Barangay Parras was not the Barangay Captain when BJPP started and he was not able to participate in the BJA Basic Certification Program. The impact of the BJAs of Barangay Lumasal on the peace and order situation led the Punong Barangay to do such action.

Initiative 5: Appointment of BJAs as members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa

Being a BJA, a volunteer and a peace advocate is not an easy task. In reality, the BJAs are wearing not only one but many hats in the barangay. When the project started, many of the BJAs were recognized as good and potential leaders. This led to their election as barangay officials. Later, when the new barangay administration took over, the newly elected Punong Barangays appointed the BJAs as members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa.



In every barangay, at least two (2) BJAs who were not previously appointed as members of the Lupon were eventually appointed after they were capacitated in the trainings they had undergone as BJAs. This was not due to the recommendation of the DILG but to the contributions they voluntarily gave to the barangay to promote family and community peace.

The table below shows monetized contributions of different LGUs:

III. The Significant Role of the DILGThe Sarangani DILG headed by the Provincial Coordinator Mr. Flor Limpin was directly involved in the planning and preparatory activities of the BJP Project in the province. Director Limpin after understanding the mechanism of the BJP showed appreciation and recognition of the possible contribution of the project specifically to enhancing the Barangay Justice System.

A. Appointment of MLGOOs as BJP Municipal Coordinators

Unlike other provinces, Sarangani does not have the DILG Provincial Director as its BJPP Provincial Coordinator. This undertaking did not make the PD DILG less participative or less involved in the project. During the presentation of the BJP to the provincial DILG team, the Director suggested the appointment of all seven (7) MLGOOs as BJPP Municipal Coordinators since Barangay Councils are directly under their supervision and they have an established relationship with the Municipal Mayors.

During the Social Marketing Activities, the MLGOOs were already part of the BJP project team helping Local Chief Executives have a buy-in of the BJP. They showed equal level of support to the project by making themselves always available in all BJP activities.



B. Mobilization of MLGOOs as BJA Trainers

The conduct of the BJA trainings in Sarangani Province was considerably successful due to the collaborative effort of the local key players who shared a common goal of capacitating the barangay justice providers. Sarangani DILG officers though were not able to participate in the Training of Trainers for the BJA Basic Certification Course but expressed willingness to take part in the provincial roll-out. PD Limpin proposed to Alcantara Foundation to sponsor a special training that will include not only MLGOOs but also some KALINAW Coordinators who were not yet trained.

After the training, the PD appointed LGOO Carmen Hijara as the point person for BJA Training from DILG’s end. Aside from the MLGOOs who were mandated to facilitate in their respective municipalities, Ms. Hijara was tasked to oversee the over-all conduct of the BJA trainings and monitor the involvement of the MLGOOs.

C. Integration of BJPP to the customized program of Sarangani Provincial DILG

Sarangani DILG has prioritized BJP project as one of its customized programs. Moreover, the Provincial Director issued a directive to the MLGOOs and Municipal LGUs to actively participate in all BJP activities. Even without a memorandum from the Regional Office, Sarangani DILG exhausted its human resource, which they admitted, was the only contribution they could give to the project. Despite this limitation, the overall success of the one and a half years of BJP implementation was achieved because of their commitment and passion to achieve peace and harmony in every community of Sarangani Province.

D. Linking the BJP Project down to the Barangays

In every activity under the BJP, the DILG was always the conduit for the direct beneficiaries of the project, the barangay. The DILG took the responsibility of making communications that would ensure the compliance of all BJPP areas. The Provincial Director issued a memorandum to the MLGOOs to channel the communication direct to every barangay under their jurisdiction. The MLGOOs facilitated the distribution of the communications. They mobilized their staff to hand the letters to the Barangay Captain.

DILG linked the LRP and the community beneficiaries by providing the LRP an opportunity to consult with the Punong Barangays and get feedback as regards the project. This has been an easy way for the LRP to monitor the efficacy of the activities and the project as a whole and orient them of the incoming activities and their roles.

E. Institutionalization of BJA Initiatives Through Issuance of a Regional Memorandum Circular recognizing the roles of BJA in the Barangay Justice System

The Provincial Director of Sarangani has been actively involved in lobbying with the DILG Regional Director for the issuance of a Memorandum Circular providing guidelines in the implementation of the BJP Project in the province. This will ensure uniformity in the project implementation that will later be institutionalized and sustained after the end of the GRF project.



F. Monetized Contributions of the DILG

The Provincial DILG of Sarangani because of its financial limitations maximized its manpower to participate in the BJP project implementation. The following table is an estimate of the DILG’s non-cash contribution.

IV. Lessons Learned, Policy Implications and Recommendations

A. The Need To Institutionalize KALINAW Program Through a Provincial Ordinance

Though the KALINAW program has been implementing peace building initiatives in the province for over six years now, its sustainability is still one of the main concerns the program faces. Kalinaw Sarangani is a special program of the Governor that entails possible termination after his term of office. To continue the efforts and the initiatives of Kalinaw in different communities there is a need to institutionalize KALINAW structure and process through a provincial ordinance. This will ensure the sustainability of the program regardless of changes in administration. Though KALINAW has a current executive order as its basis of existence, a legislative support is highly necessary.

B. Participation

With the community as the most challenging part in any program, the success primarily relies on their willingness to become the most important partner who would embrace the project’s core objectives.

To boost mutual trust and harmonious co-existence, a tri people approach must always be observed. This will leave no feeling of apathy to any ethno-linguistic grouping living in the community. Community development efforts must increase awareness of the culture-sensitive practices proven to be an effective way of answering any issues or concerns.

For the community to grow and embrace their own initiatives, it must be inculcated in them to comprehend, discover and execute solutions to achieve their objectives. Coordinators and facilitators are there only to lead the way in achieving the objective thru education and empowerment.



C. Linkages and Integration

1. Priority and Focus

To create positive impact on the community, beneficiaries and implementers must have passion for peace. They must give high priority and focus on serving the community to achieve justice thereby creating a peaceful community. This will be achieved if the key players will work harmoniously together directed to a common goal of providing a healthy and peaceful environment the members may enjoy.

As a peace builder, the leader does not decide for the people. He is there to help them see their own issues and arrive at the best solutions. He motivates his members to make their dreams come true.

Before these goals will be achieved, any development interventions including capacity development of our BJAs, a peace space must be pre-conditioned. This emphasizes the readiness of the community to accept any interventions.

2. Integration of BJPP activities to the regular program of KALINAW and the Sarangani DILG

The initiative of the Barangay Justice for Peace Project was proven to be an effective enhancement of the Barangay Justice System. The initiatives give opportunity to ADR key players in the community aside from the Barangay Captain to participate in community justice and peace efforts. Kalinaw Sarangani as the peace and development arm of the province will ensure in sustaining the initiatives of the BJA. The BJAs as Culture of Peace Training graduates will also later become Barangay Peace Advocates of Kalinaw because both are there to help promote family and community peace.

The Sarangani Provincial DILG, on the other hand, as the designated arm of the government to oversee matters of the Local Government Units and to ensure that all laws and policies are properly implemented down to the barangay level will ensure that the BJA initiatives will be sustained by the LGUs. This will be achieved by providing local policies to recognize authorities of the BJAs. The DILG to enhance the skills of the Lupong Tagapamayapa will spearhead capacity building activities. DILG will also help in developing, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to improve the implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay and the BJA in the Purok level.

3. Strengthening the Synergy of Public-Private-People’s Partnership for Peace Promotion

In the Province of Sarangani, the public-private plus the people partnerships has been used as an effective tool in the implementation of any community development interventions. As the Governor is popularly known to say during project launches to encourage multi-level approach: “I will bring coffee and sugar, our private partners will bring creamer, and the community hot water”, this way our coffee will be perfectly blended that will give satisfaction to everybody. This encourages everyone to mobilize whatever resources he may bring in for the initiative. This will also ensure that everyone is accountable to the success of the project and each role is very important that if one person will not perform his responsibilities, the whole project will be compromised.



The sustainability of the BJP project relies on how strong the collaboration of the stakeholders will be molded. The best approach to ensure success of the project not only within the project life, is the synergy of not only public and private partners but most importantly with people’s participation as what our Governor has been advocating.



SOUTH COTABATO

Mainstreaming the BJPP for Sustainability in the Province of South Cotabato



I. IntroductionSouth Cotabato is located in the southern part of the island of Mindanao. It is bounded by the province of Sultan Kudarat in the north and west, in the east and south by the city of General Santos and province of Sarangani. It is one of the progressive provinces in Mindanao.

The people of South Cotabato have diverse culture. Ilonggos from Panay and Negros in the Visayas settled in the municipalities of Norala, Banga, Surallah, Sto. Niño and Koronadal City. The Visayan languages Hiligaynon and Kiniray-a are the province’s most common medium of communication. On the other hand, people from the Ilocano speaking regions of Luzon settled in Tampakan, Tantangan and Tupi, and the Ilocano language may still be heard spoken in these towns. The Visayan language, Cebuano is also the main language of the municipality of Polomolok and is one of the main languages of Tupi (along with Ilonggo and Tagalog, which slightly differs from Manila Tagalog).

The Maguindanao tribe is the major Muslim Filipino tribe in the province. Although many of them still wear their traditional costumes and practice their native customs, others have come to adapt the more liberal lifestyle of Christian neighbors such as wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts, eschewing the use of the headscarf, and attending dances/mixed gatherings. Other indigenous Filipino tribes are the T’boli and B’laan tribes in Lake Sebu and T’boli municipalities, famous for their brass works, beadwork and t’nalak weave. The people of these tribes wear colorful embroidered native costumes and beadwork accessories. The women of these tribes, particularly, wear heavy brass belts with brass ‘tassels’ ending in tiny brass bells that herald their approach even when they are a long way off.

On August 16, 2000, Republic Act No. 8803 was approved converting the municipality of Koronadal into a component city of South Cotabato. This marks another milestone in the history of South Cotabato. Thus, at present the province is left with ten (10) progressing municipalities and the City of Koronadal remains as its Provincial Capital. It has a total of 199 barangays and two (2) more are being proposed and still waiting for the approval of the Commission on Elections. In terms of Local Governance and Programs, the province is relatively ahead of the others.

The Coming of BJPP

South Cotabato was among the eight areas in Mindanao to implement the Barangay Justice for Peace Project (BJPP). At first there were hesitations on the part of the Local Government to accept the project because this might duplicate the Katarungang Pambarangay process. But in the long run the project was accepted and formally launched in the province on January 13, 2010 at the Protech Building in Koronadal City. Former Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes issued and signed an Executive Order as evidence of support for the implementation of the Barangay Justice for Peace Project in the entire province of South Cotabato and appointed the Provincial Director of DILG Josephine C. Leysa as the BJPP Provincial Coordinator. The project covers 10 municipalities namely: Polomolok, Tupi, Tampakan, Tantangan, Banga, Noala, Surralah. Sto. Nino, Lake Sebu and T’boli and one (1) city, Koronadal City.



Issues and Challenges Along the Way

When BJPP was introduced, there was hesitation because the Katarungang Pambarangay Law was in place and practiced in the Barangay level. The persistence of Gerry Roxas and Mahintana Foundation to lobby the project was being tested. After series of consultations and negotiations with the provincial government under the leadership of the former Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes, BJPP was accepted but with certain conditions. One of these was that the project must not compete with the mandated KP instead reinforce and strengthen the capacity of the Lupon members in managing community conflict. Governor Fuentes endorsed the project under the supervision of the Provincial DILG Office to ensure that the project would not duplicate the present set up of conflict resolution mechanism in the Barangay level.

The challenges did not end here. When the project was presented to the Provincial DILG staff, majority of the MLGOOs were reluctant to act on it because they viewed it as additional workload and duplication of the existing KP System. This behavior prevailed until they attended the Training of Trainers for BJA Basic Certification. The training was the turning point for the shift of attitude and mindsets of the DILG staff. From duplication issue, DILG viewed the project as innovation that would reinforce effective and efficient process of settling community conflicts.

The shifting of mindsets among the DILG staff paved the way for a fruitful collaboration of the Local Government Units, Local Resource Partner and Gerry Roxas Foundation in the implementation of the Barangay Justice for Peace Project in the province. Such new perspective resulted to the strengthening of Barangay governance and empowerment of community leaders to manage community conflicts.

II. Impact and Sustainability of BJPP in the ProvinceThe Barangay Justice for Peace Project has gained a major achievement with the initiatives of the Local Government Units to mainstream the project in the local government operations and activities. Currently South Cotabato has a total of 1,021 trained Barangay Justice Advocates who effectively manage community conflicts and promote family and community peace in their respective Barangay.

A. Local and Regional Initiatives for Sustainability

Local Government Units and the Provincial DILG played an important role in sustaining the project in the province. In fact there were Local Government Units like Tupi and Polomolok that used their own funds to complement the implementation of BJPP in their locality.

Initiative 1. Roll-out of Trainings

The roll-out of Basic Certification Course had a great impact on the Local Government Units and their constituents which encouraged the remaining barangays to replicate and adopt the BJPP project in their areas. The Local Government Unit of Polomolok, for example, allotted 100, 000 pesos for the conduct of Mediation and Counseling

South Cotabato

The Barangay Justice for Peace Program, implemented in South Cotabato by the Mahintana Foundation, Inc., has complemented the DILG efforts in strengthening the Katarungang Pambarangay. On record, some baran-gays have reported that no cases have been filed in their KPs. This doesn’t mean the absence of community conflicts, rather it showed that the efforts extended by the Barangay Justice Advocates have been effective in resolving conflicts at the purok level.

Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr.



trainings for all Lupon Members covering the 17 non-BJPP barangays in their municipality. Tupi also provided funds to include the six non-pilot barangays in the BJA Basic Certification Course Training which was conducted in the municipality on August 3- 5, 2010.

Initiative 2. Amendment to Purok Empowerment Ordinance

BJPP reinforced the operationalization, mobilization and empowering of puroks in the province. The BJPP was endorsed as one of the amendments to the Purok Empowerment Ordinance. The trained Barangay Justice Advocates are recognized to mediate and counsel community conflicts in their respective Purok. This kind of set-up is very much appreciated in the Barangay level because it facilitates closer access of the community to conflict resolution mechanism. It has also lessened the workload of the barangay officials particularly the Punong Barangay, as the chief executives in their community.

Initiative 3. Incorporation of BJPP Modules in KP Manuals

In the provincial level, the provincial government through the DILG helped in mainstreaming BJPP initiatives in LGU operations and activities. The present governor, Hon. Arthur Y. Pingoy, approved the drafting of KP Manuals for the KP Training incorporating the modules used in the BJA Training particularly the modules on mediation and counseling.

Initiative 4. Integration of BJPP in the Operational Plan and Budget of Provincial DILG

Because the BJPP was integrated in the Operational Plan and Budget of the Provincial DILG, Local Government Units have been encouraged to mainstream the programs and activities of BJPP in their annual plans, budget and AIPs.

Initiative 5. Memorandum Circular for Fund Allocation and Provision of Space or Facility for BJAs Use During Mediation and Counseling Session.

Barangay Justice Advocates created an extraordinary impact in the community and this is recognized and appreciated by the Department of Interior Local Government and the Local Government Units. Thus, the Provincial DILG Director issued a Memorandum Circular urging LGUs particularly the Barangay to allocate funds for the incentive of BJAs such as Red Cross and PhilHealth Insurance Coverage. In addition, Director Leysa strongly enjoined the Barangay Council through the Punong Barangays to provide space or facility to be used during mediation and counseling session.

Initiative 6. Memo Circular on the Guidelines in the Implementation of BJPP in the Region

At the regional level, Regional Director Buagas B. Sulaik issued a Memorandum Circular for all Provincial Governors, City/Municipal Mayors, Punong Barangay, DILG Provincial / City Directors, C/MLGOOS and other concerned concerning the guidelines in the implementation of BJPP in Region XII. This initiative demonstrated positive rejoinder for the province of South Cotabato being one of the pilot areas of BJPP that wanted to mainstream the project in local government processes.



Initiatives in the Pipeline

Initiative 1. Recognition of BJAs Contribution

Most Outstanding BJA will be added as one of the categories in the Lupong Tagapamaya Incentive Awards purposely to give due recognition to the exceptional performance of BJAs in managing community conflicts.

Initiative 2. Association of Barangay Justice Advocates

The BJAs of the component LGUs will be organized into an Association of Barangay Justice Advocates. BJAs at the municipal level will also be organized through the facilitation of MLGOOs and they will choose their own set officers. The province will be federating the said association into an Association of Barangay Justice Advocates – Provincial Level. The main objective of this initiative is to develop their leadership and administrative capabilities for a more independent and self-sustaining entity. Association of BJAs will be accredited in their respective Sanggunian to become members of Local Special Bodies.

The Association of BJAs – Provincial Level will become the training arm of the BJAs who will be responsible for the skills development of the members. The long term direction for this will be the accreditation of the BJA provincial association at the Local Government Academy.

Initiative 3. Scholarship Program for BJA Beneficiaries

Another motivation for the BJAs is the provision of scholarship program for their qualified primary beneficiary. It is a ladderized medical course at UP School of Health Sciences. This is a consortium of the University of Manila and the provincial government. The provincial government will tap NGOs and private sectors to provide counterpart funds for the said scholarship.

B. Community Awareness and Empowerment of BJAs at the Grassroots Level

One of the remarkable realizations of the community on the BJPP was community awareness on accessible conflict resolution services, empowerment of community leaders and strengthened Barangay governance. These realizations have created positive results and favorable atmosphere for the sustainability of the project.

As a result, several barangays funded the capacity building training of Purok leaders, Barangay Council Members, Lupon Members on mediation and counseling. This effort is a clear step towards the building of constituencies of peace at the grassroots level.

III. DILG Involvement and ParticipationA. Partnership Building and Collaboration

At the onset of BJPP, the participation and involvement of Provincial DILG was evident. The Local Resource Partner had established strong partnership and collaboration with the team not only in project implementation but also in mainstreaming the project in the local government’s operation. One of the facilitating factors for this was the

South CotabatoLGU Initiatives in Barangay JusticeShowcasing LGU Gains in Conflict Management


appointment of Provincial Director Josephine Leysa as the BJPP Provincial Coordinator and the MLGOOs as the BJPP Municipal Coordinators. This set-up hastened the process of project implementation up to the Barangay level. The Provincial DILG Team had a big contribution in the implementation of the project. The team was actively involved in the conduct of community assembly for the selection of BJAs, capacity building activities, case monitoring and documentation, and the promotion of peace communication strategies. As partners they willingly performed tasks valuable to the project and the community in general.

B. Monetary and Non-Monetary Contribution

The Local Government of Polomolok spent One Hundred thousand Pesos for the BJA Basic Certification Course of 17 remaining barangays which were not covered by BJPP. The municipality of Tupi also spent 15,000 as counterpart for the conduct of BJA Basic Certification Course Training which included the Lupon members of six non-BJPP pilot barangays in their municipality.

The provincial government also provided monetary contribution of twenty thousand pesos for the conduct of peace event in Barangay Upper Sepaka. This activity was in line with the promotion of peace message in the province.

The Provincial and Local Governments of South Cotabato, Department of Interior and Local Government as well as private sector and corporation spent a total of Nine Hundred Eighty Thousand Two Hundred Fourteen Pesos as contribution to Barangay Justice for Peace Project.

It is understood that the presentation below is a rough estimate of the DILG contribution of the ten municipalities and one city. If such contribution can be translated into pesos it would amount to the following:



IV. Lessons Learned / Policy Implications and Recommendations

Mindset is the most important tool which allows us to achieve the success we desire. This is one of the most important lessons learned from the Barangay Justice for Peace Project. The shifting of mindsets of the people involved in the project produced extraordinary results. New mindsets successfully produced new paradigm for the Provincial Government and its Local Government Units of looking at the project not as duplication rather as an innovation. This new outlook has become the driving force for sustaining the project in the province.

The sustainability of the project can be compromised if stakeholders promote different mindsets, agenda and interest. Thus it is very important to mainstream BJPP LGU initiatives in the Provincial / Municipal Executive and Legislative Agenda.

Integration of the project in the local management structures has better prospects for promoting sustainability than establishing new or parallel structures. The effort of the provincial government to integrate BJJP in the existing government programs and mechanisms helped create favorable venue for sustainable implementation of the project.

The provision of appropriate training for the BJAs and partner agencies involved is one of the key strategies for achieving sustainable benefits. It is fascinating to note that the training provided does not only educate but also motivate them to commit themselves as community volunteers.

Projects such as Barangay Justice for Peace operate within a wider context of government policy environment. Policy framework which is compatible and supportive of program objectives is one of the key factors in promoting sustainability.

One of the critical factors in promoting sustainability is the role of the stakeholders. It is very important to consider the involvement and participation of the partner government agencies and those directly concerned with the program. Sustainability cannot be achieved without their active support. Consequently it is important to mainstream the project in the local government operation and build-up community awareness to gain genuine participation and commitment.

Some development interventions fail to deliver sustainable benefits due to lack of attention given to social, gender and cultural issues. Accordingly, to introduce appropriate new skills and knowledge there must be an understanding of the socio-cultural makeup and gender division of labor.

South CotabatoLGU Initiatives in Barangay JusticeShowcasing LGU Gains in Conflict Management



Tawi-tawiLeadership: Key to BJPP Sustainability

The Tawi-Tawi Experience


I. IntroductionA. Historical Background

Tawi-Tawi is an archipelagic province, composed of 207 islands and islets. Created in 1973 by virtue of PD 302, it is home to many ethnic groups. The Sama group makes up 50 percent of the population; the Tausug, 40 percent; the Badjao and Jama Mapun, 5 percent; and the other 5 percent the Christians, mostly Bisaya, Ilonggo, Bicolano, Zamboangueño and Tagalog.

Islam first came to the Philippines via Tubig Indangan, Simunul, Tawi-Tawi in 1380. More than 90 percent of Tawi-Tawians today are Muslims. Religiosity, therefore, is deeply rooted. The love for peace and justice is borne out of that religiosity.

There exists in the islands and barangays a sort of informal and extra-judicial justice administration. Religious, traditional and political leaders play central roles. In cases of murder, for example, the most common practice is the payment of blood money, after which an amicable settlement is reached by the contending parties. Here, the religious leader who very often is also the political leader, serves as intermediary between the contending parties.

The Local Government Code of 1991 governs the establishment in every barangay of the Katarungang Pambarangay (KP), or barangay justice. However, when the BJPP was introduced in the area, no KP had been properly or formally organized yet. In most cases, light or not so serious conflicts in barangays were being resolved and settled through the intervention, negotiation and/or leadership of traditional (e.g., datu, panglima, salip, etc.), religious (e.g., imam, khatib, bilal, etc.) or political leaders. For the more serious and bigger ones, it was only with the active involvement of the Provincial Governor that any peace settlements were made possible.

B. The Coming of the BJPP to Tawi-Tawi

The Barangay Justice for Peace Project (BJPP) which was introduced in Tawi-Tawi in February 2010 was something new in Tawi-Tawi but was easily accepted in the communities. This was because for them it was more systematic than what they had and anchored on guiding principles and mechanisms that complemented the existing local justice administration.

Aside from this reason, they felt there was a need for peace initiatives because there were barangays with existing tensions or conflicts like family feuds, election-related violence, serious land disputes, vendettas and even mutual distrusts and animosities between tribes. This was and is still true in 11 municipalities namely: Tandubas (in, at least, 4 barangays), Sibutu (in at least 2 barangays), Panglima Sugala (in at least 2 barangays), Languyan (in at least 2 barangays), South Ubian (in at least 2 barangays), Bongao (in at least 1 barangays), Mapun (in at least 1 barangay), Sapa-Sapa (in at least 1 barangay), Simunul (in at least 1 barangay), Sitangkai (in at least 1 barangay) and Turtle Islands (in at least 1 barangay).

Of the 203 barangays, only 51 are presently covered by the BJP Project. Only five of the eleven municipalities that comprise Tawi-Tawi are covered. There are now a total of 255 BJA members, mostly elected barangay officials. Thus, replication of BJPP in other barangays and municipalities is urgent although it is on-going.



C. Leadership Role in Sustainability Initiatives

BJPP is bound to succeed in Tawi-Tawi for several reasons. It has the financial and logistical backing of USAID through the Gerry Roxas Foundation (GRF). The experience of GRF as regards peace initiatives has been tested by the forerunner of this project which is the Barangay Justice Service System (BJSS). Training materials and methodology have been greatly improved from the lessons learned through the years.

A respected NGO is the current Local Resource Partner. This NGO has been in development activities for several years now. This group has a good working relationship with the Local Government Units in Tawi-Tawi.

The most important reason, however, is the Governor’s belief in the ideals and objectives of BJPP. He did not hesitate to support the project. He knew it would bring much benefit to the barangays, particularly, the piloted ones. The Governor’s family members, their political allies and supporters from the municipal down to the barangay levels shared his enthusiasm. They committed to make the program in their respective locality a success. This has something to do with the Muslim culture where respect for the leader is very strong.

II. Sustainability Initiatives and their Implementation Mechanisms

A. Immediate Inroads brought about by the Leadership Fifty-one (51) barangays in five (5) pilot municipalities namely: Panglima Sugala, Languyan, South Ubian, Sibutu, Tandubas were identified. There were two hundred fifty five (255) trained BJAs. BJPP local focal persons participated in the trainings and seminars. They also attended meetings of the Provincial Development Council and the Provincial Peace and Order Council, upon the invitation of the Provincial Governor’s Office.

The Governor made sure that the Provincial Government and the mayors of the five piloted municipalities provided assistance by making available their facilities like SP/SB session halls, land vehicles, motor launches, speed boats, and equipment like computers, laptops, video cameras, projector, printer, copier, fax machine, landline phone. To promote BJA in Tawi-Tawi, the broadcast media were used, including the family-owned radio station. Technical employees from the Provincial Governor’s Office were actively involved and helpful in the project by developing a database of BJA members.

On a personal capacity, the Governor provided financial assistance and made available the use of their family facilities like their residence and resorts, boat landings, cars, speedboats, and their equipment like computers. The appointment of the Governor’s Secretary and son as the designated BJPP Provincial Coordinator was a major driving force.

Tawi-Tawi

Because of our participation in the Barangay Justice for Peace Project of the GRF and USAID:

1. People are aware now of the existence and usefulness of a barangay justice system

2. Barangay leaders,elders,women are now organ-ized, trained and coordinated to handle cases and to dispense justice or settle disputes

3. Many cases-crimes,offenses, etc.have been success-fully resolved at the barangay level even without the involve-ment of municipal and provincial officials

4. Less crimes and less offenses are observed in pilot BJPP area

5. BJPP reinforce LGU capability and resources in pursuing holistic peace and development in the island of Tawi-Tawi.

Gov. Sadikul A. Sahali



There was, however, an issue as regards the people working with the BJPP. Many BJA members were and are still supporters and sympathizers of the Governor. There is one question that bothers those who are critical of the leadership: Are there political undertones in the project? Regardless of what the answer is, the fact remains that there were many initiatives in the sustainability of the project because of the leadership role.

B. Sustainability Initiatives

Initiative 1: Rollout of BCC Trainers’ Training

Realizing the need for more trainers since Tawi-Tawi is an island with many islets, a BCC Training of Trainers was conducted in Hotel Juana, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on July 22-24, 2010. There were 18 participants in that training. This was just the beginning for there are additional trainings planned.

Issues and Challenges

There were constraints in the conduct of the activity. For instance, of the 5 pilot municipalities, only 2 are completely contiguous, namely: Panglima Sugala and Languyan. The rest are island municipalities where inter-island travel is difficult, expensive and time-consuming.

Another big challenge was some newly elected barangay chairmen or officials did not include BJAs whom they perceived to have voted for their opponent during the last barangay election. There is also fear that the ARMM election period (June – August, 2011) may adversely affect the schedules of BJPP activities. Many BJAs are also campaign or election workers or volunteers.

Addressing the Issues, Meeting the Challenges

On the part of the BJAs, trips to the barangays were limited. BJAs came to Bongao, the province’s capital town for training. Travel expenses were reimbursed. The Provincial Government, as usual, provided technical and financial help. The Municipal Mayors also convinced their barangay officials to be less political or half-hearted when supporting BJPP. They convinced the officials that BJPP is good for the barangay. Orientation programs for BJAs were conducted right in the barangays.

Initiative 2: Integration/Representation of BJA in the Provincial Development Council (PDC) and Provincial Peace and Order Council (POC)

Eight (8) MBJAOs are federated into a marginalized sector worthy of representation in the local Development and Peace and Order Councils. At the provincial level, the Governor has already issued Executive Order No. 19 which stipulates BJPP representation in the PDC and POC.


At the local Development and Peace and Order Councils, BJPP representation must be meaningful and effective. There has to be a template through which the BJPP issues and concerns can be systematically formulated and presented or integrated into the agenda of the meetings so as to be properly addressed by the councils.



Addressing the Issues and Meeting the Challenges

BJPP representative to such meetings was always in touch with the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO), the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) which acts as both PDC and POC Secretariat, and the Provincial Vice-Governor’s Office for any information on peace and development. BJAs were mobilized to help with the peace initiatives in their respective barangays. Major BJPP issues and concerns are always part of the PDC and POC.

Initiative 3: Securing PhilHealth Insurances for 250 BJA Members

The Governor has already issued Executive Order No. 20 which stipulates sponsorship by the Provincial Government of the Philhealth contribution of BJAs. The BJAs have already filled out and submitted their Philhealth membership forms. The MOA between Philhealth and the Provincial Government is being prepared.


There were two major issues namely: many BJAs still lack full understanding of the BJPP and the Philhealth. There were also those who even didn’t know they are members. Their names were submitted without their being given information or orientation on the Philhealth.


Orientation seminars on Philhealth are already scheduled. In addition, the LGUs concerned and Philhealth must have to meet to formalize such noble undertaking after the MOA shall have been signed.

Initiative 4: BJPP replication in 2 non-BJPP Municipalities

The municipal mayors of Turtle Islands and Mapun approved in principle and in writing the coming of the Barangay Justice for Peace Program to their municipalities. There will be two (2) target barangays for Turtle Islands and eight (8) for Mapun. The Governor has already been apprised of this. Although the activity has not yet been conducted, the groundwork has already been prepared. This is going to be a Basic Certification Course (BCC) to increase the number of trainers and BJAs.


Running this training is not going to be easy. Organizers are aware of certain challenges. On top of the list is a geographical problem. Turtle Islands and Mapun municipalities are remote areas, not easily accessible by any transportation from Bongao, the province’s capital town where the BJPP holds its provincial office. The barangays at Turtle Islands are also islets and remote from one another. That means that one has to use sea crafts extensively to go from one barangay to another.

Also, many of these prospective BJA members belong to the rural poor. They are mostly low-income farmers and fisher folks. Many of them have not had any formal schooling at any level. There is fear that they and the facilitators might be operating on different levels and so the prospective BJAs might not be able to fully understand the BJPP. They need special care during the orientation.

Tawi-TawiLGU Initiatives in Barangay JusticeShowcasing LGU Gains in Conflict Management


Addressing the Issues, Meeting the Challenges

As stated earlier, the Provincial Governor is expected to make available the facilities and equipment needed for the activities. The Provincial Coordinator has committed to be personally involved in the project, just like before. The BJPP Tawi-Tawi prime movers will be engaged more deeply and dedicatedly. The generous support and hospitality of the municipal mayors are indispensable and are greatly anticipated. Formal and effective communication with them is on-going. BJA/BJPP promotional materials will be posted in advance in conspicuous areas of the target barangays.

Initiative 5: Integration of Outstanding Woman BJA in Tandubas in the Municipality’s Development and Peace and Order Councils

The municipal mayors concerned provided leadership in urging their respective Sangguniang Bayan to pass municipal resolutions on representation of Outstanding Women BJA in the municipal development and peace and order councils.

Issue and Challenge

There is a tendency for barangay or municipal officials to favor certain BJAs to be the BJA representative to the local development and peace and order councils. Very often the basis is personal knowledge of the BJA.

Addressing the Issue and Meeting the Challenge

After proper orientation and motivation, the BJA members were advised to hold meetings to decide by popular vote their representative to their local development and peace and order councils. In this way, the representative is endorsed by the BJAs themselves and therefore will be able to get their support.

Initiative 6: BJA Cooperative

Many BJA members are interested in organizing themselves into Cooperative. Initial consultative meetings with CDA in Tawi-Tawi have already been conducted. The legal documents, including by-laws and articles of incorporation, are now being prepared for submission to CDA.


There were bad experiences pertaining to cooperatives before. BJA members fear that they will be used only or manipulated by the few for vested interests. Another issue is on the danger that the BJAs would lose track of the real purpose of their existence – that it is for peace and not so much for income generation.


As soon as possible, a proper orientation on BJA/BJPP and another on cooperative development must be conducted. There has to be Coordination between CDA/Provincial Cooperative Officer and BJA. Also, the real purpose of the BJAs’ existence should always be emphasized.



III. DILG Involvement and ParticipationRight at the start of the BJPP implementation in Tawi-Tawi, BJPP personnel have had courtesy calls and subsequent meetings with local DILG executives and staff. To date, BJPP has maintained an open line of communication with the agency.

There were radio programs over Radyo ng Bayan, Radyo Natin, DXGD, Powermix FM where the Provincial Government and DILG were given the opportunity to introduce BJPP and shed light on it. DILG provided BJA some guidelines, advice and recommendations. They even participated in trips to the barangays to organize, strengthen and/or replicate BJPP trainings.

If DILG contribution can be translated into pesos, it would amount to the following, although this could only be a rough estimate:

To date, there is still a clear working relationship between DILG and BJPP with support from other agencies like the following:

• Power Mix FM allocates a one-hour program known as the BJA Hour at nine every Saturday morning. Guests of the programs discuss issues as regards the BJPP activities and issues on peace in the community.

• DILG and the Office of the Provincial Governor closely monitor the status of the project implementation in the different areas.

• DILG provided technical assistance to the project through information dissemination especially in the implementation of the BJA training.

• The Provincial Coordinator of BJPP updates from time to time the status of the activities in pilot site and provides necessary assistance to sustain the activity in form of cash and kind.

IV. The Road Ahead: Action Plan on Replication and Development of BJPP There are more barangays/municipalities where the BJPP will be replicated. These include Turtle Islands (with at least 3 conflict-affected barangays), Mapun (with at least 2 conflict-affected barangays), Sapa-Sapa (with at least 3 conflict-affected barangays), Simunul (with at least 5 conflict-affected barangays), and Bongao (with at least 3 conflict affected barangays).

Tawi-TawiLGU Initiatives in Barangay JusticeShowcasing LGU Gains in Conflict Management


BJPP personnel know that there has to be extensive and continuous coordination with the Provincial Governor and the Municipal Mayors concerned. That is because they will provide technical and financial support. BJPP needs their facilities and equipment.

The overall plan includes the conduct of clustered orientation programs and BJA trainings on administering justice at the barangay level and a Provincial BJA Congress before the end of 2011.

It is also part of the plan to print and display tarpaulins that promote BJA/BJPP ideals and objectives, programs and activities, and involvement with other organizations.

As part of the Provincial Peace and Development Council, the BJA representative shall propose infrastructure which may contribute for the betterment not only of the pilot site but for the Tawi-Tawi constituents as a whole.

Part of the plan is to lobby for the proposed integration of the BJPP in the Municipal Peace and Development Council not only in the pilot municipalities but also in all municipalities after the replication of the BJPP.

V. Lessons Learned, Policy Implications and RecommendationsA. BJPP is seen as supportive of the peace and development efforts of Tawi-Tawi to make it (Tawi-Tawi) as an economic center in the BIMP-EAGA. BJPP’s efforts support Tawi-Tawi’s taglines as the Country’s Emerging Southern Frontier, the Seaweeds Capital of the World, the Seat of Islamization in the Philippines. As such, it was not difficult to get the support of the leadership of the province.B. Because the Tawi-Tawians are peace-loving, God-fearing and law-abiding, it is not surprising for the community to support the BJPP.

C. Leadership in the community greatly determines or influences the progress and success of any undertaking. It is therefore important that BJPP focal persons or coordinators in the project sites must have good relationships with the ruling politicians.

D. There is also no argument that LGU support and collaboration are absolutely necessary for the successful implementation of any development undertakings in the province, either funded locally or by international organizations.

E. BJPP stakeholders as well as LRPs must have individual courage, dedication, expertise, creativity and pleasing character to be more effective and fruitful in their implementation of BJPP.

F. There is a need to fully orient not only the barangay officials but also the whole community on what BJPP is. That is why community assemblies have to be continued.

G .In replication activities, BJPP Tawi-Tawi needs to take inspiration and guidance from successful implementation of BJPP activities and projects in other provinces, cities or municipalities. Therefore the network has to be continued.

H. The people in the barangays by merely being aware that there is BJPP in their midst feel obliged to be good and responsible citizens. As a result they now care for peace and development. What is important is to sustain this kind of concern.



ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY

Institutionalizing the LGU BJPP Initiatives



I. IntroductionA. Brief History of Zamboanga Sibugay

Attempts to divide the Province of Zamboanga del Sur into two independent political jurisdictions by separating its 3rd District from the mother province date back to as early as the 1960’s. Several bills were filed in Congress, started by the late Rep. Vincenzo Sagun (HB 17574) until that of Rep. Belma A. Cabilao (HB 8546). Other prominent political leaders who figured in the entire effort are Cong. Vicente M. Cerilles, Parliament member Antonio Ceniza, Manuel M. Espaldon, Hussein Loong, Kalbi Tupay, and Minister Romulo Espaldon. Unfortunately, all their bills and efforts were disapproved. Their efforts became futile and their bills archived.

In 1993 however, there was a renewed political consciousness among the people of the 3rd District of Zamboanga del Sur which eventually resulted in a People’s initiative that was conducted simultaneously with the May 1997 Barangay Elections. In this Political Exercise, an overwhelming majority signed in favor of the creation of a new province.

Rep. George T. Hofer, MD, sponsored HB No. 1311 and lobbied for its approval in Congress and the Senate and finally convinced the former President Joseph E. Estrada to approve its creation by signing Republic Act 8973.

On February 20, 2001, a resounding yes vote was delivered by the supporters of the “Movement for the Creation of Zamboanga Sibugay” and on February 24, it was done, and Zamboanga Sibugay was proclaimed the 79th province of the Republic of the Philippines.

B. How the Province Got its Name

It happened many years ago when the only inhabitants of this place were the natives called Subanen. One day, a datu who was the chieftain had an American visitor.

“What’s the name of this river?” The American asked while they paddled and cruised down the river. Since the paddling was making too much noise in the water, the Datu did not understand the question. Thus, he asked the visitor to come closer to him so he could hear him clearly. In native Subanen tongue, the Datu told him “Sibug ari bagay” which in English means “Come closer, my friend”. Through the years, as the visitor understood it, the river was then known as “Sibug-Gay” and eventually evolved to what it is known today…..the Sibugay River.

Now, the 79th province of the Philippines is known as Zamboanga Sibugay, from the mother province which is Zamboanga del Sur and from Sibugay River.

C. The Coming of BJPP to Zamboanga Sibugay

The Alternative Center for Organizational Reforms and Development (ACORD) launched the Barangay Justice for Peace Project (BJPP) in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay in January 2010. Said activity was attended by top provincial officials.

It was a special event since the Deputy Director of Gerry Roxas Foundation and the Senior Coordinator of the Barangay Justice for Peace Project (BJPP) came to witness the event.



C.1 Birth Pains of BJPP

The coming of the BJPP to Zamboanga Sibugay was coupled with challenges. First, It came at an inopportune time. The 2010 Presidential and Local Elections were coming. It was campaign period and the politicians, as expected were busy and hard to find. The only thing on their minds was to win the election.

Second challenge was the distance and the geographical location of the municipalities. The thought of implementing the project province-wide composed of sixteen (16) municipalities, with three (3) towns located in Olutanga Island, was enough to deter ordinary mortals. While Ipil is the capital town of the province, the municipalities covered by the project are located far from it: Tungawan is 40 kilometers away; Buug is 85 kilometers away; Alicia, an interior town, is 72 kilometers away. One can only imagine how difficult it is to go from one town to another and travel from one barangay to another just to implement the project.

In addition to the distance, it would also be difficult to travel to remote barangays because some don’t have passable roads and the only means of transportation available is either a motorcycle (habal-habal) or a horse. In certain cases, even if the barangay is not that far, a traveler would spend a lot for transportation. This includes some form of “toll fee” since one would be forced to pass through a private road where the owner would collect fees from passers-by.

Third challenge was the feeling of insecurity of the implementers of the project. There was one incident that happened during the organizational stage in a barangay in the municipality of Naga. When the staff from ACORD and her driver were on their way home, they were tailed by unidentified men from the interior barangay going to Ipil. Nothing happened though but they interpreted it as a way of harassment.

They reported the incident to the ACORD office and when they went back to that barangay, they were informed that similar incidents happened especially to first timers in the area. Because of that, they treated the incident as an isolated case and continued in implementing the project.

Fourth and the biggest challenge at that time was the non-cooperation of certain local government chief executives. The project was supposed to cover eight (8) municipalities in the Province namely: Tungawan, R.T.Lim, Ipil, Titay, Naga, Kabasalan, Siay and Diplahan and a total of 116 barangays out of the 391 barangays of the province.

Unfortunately, during the initial stages, out of the eight municipalities, only five namely: Tungawan, R.T.Lim, Ipil, Naga, and Kabasalan welcomed the BJPP. In other municipalities, lots of reasons were given for non-acceptance of the project. The most common reason was the hesitance on the part of the Local Chief Executive to support the project. In other towns, the mayors were not around to give referrals and it was very difficult for the LRP to start from zero.

Finally, after numerous attempts, the LRP withdrew the project from the municipalities of Titay, Siay and Diplahan.

Zamboanga Sibugay

I believe that Peace and Development should be approached simultaneously.

In Sibugay, we designed two approaches to peace and order problem - the cold and the hot. The cold approach is seeking peace in the barangay level by the active participa-tion of local folks such as through the Barangay Justice Advocates (BJAs). The hot approach is by the military way.

From our experi-ence the BJAs have done a significant role in solving conflicts in their barangay level. This is why we want to expand the program to other areas as this will significantly facilitate not just our pursuit for peace but for development as well.

Gov. Rommel A. Jalosjos



A few months later, the LRP received a TASK ORDER from the Gerry Roxas Foundation to increase the number of municipalities covered by the BJPP after the cancellation of the three (3) towns. The new identified municipalities were Alicia, Imelda and Buug which would cover 30 Barangays.

These new municipalities gave the impression that they were interested in the project; however, when the implementation started, only Alicia and Buug acknowledged and welcomed the project. Because of this, the seven barangays intended for Imelda; 11, for Titay and 2, for Siay were all transferred to the Municipality of Alicia.

C.2 The Breakthroughs of BJPP

One important breakthrough of the BJPP was the result of the 2010 elections. If earlier LCEs were hesitant of the project, this time they were excited. It was because the new governor was supportive of all types of development projects in the province. The LRP fondly refers to the Governor as the wind beneath their wings. He makes sure that projects are really implemented during his term of office by giving counter-part funds.

The election of the new Governor as the chief executive of the province after the 9th year of its existence was timely. The young province needed young blood pulsing with energy and throbbing with desire to implement projects that would bring about development into the communities. But eager as he was and intense was his desire was, the province’s resources were limited.

Indeed with the Gerry Roxas Foundation’s Barangay Justice for Peace Project (BJPP), the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay found a partner in development with the common thrust that is to maintain peace in the communities and to start creating development.

Another breakthrough happened when after the governor’s assumption into office, he found himself a partner in development. On January 17, 2011, with a memorandum, he appointed a Provincial Coordinator of the BJPP and gave him the blessings to do all things possible to help out in assuring the BJPP that the Provincial Government is giving its all out support for the success of the project.

The appointment of the BJA Provincial Coordinator had a domino effect and such enthusiasm was felt not only by the people in the municipalities and in the barangays but also among all those involved in the project. The partnership between the Governor and the Provincial Coordinator augured well for the implementation of BJPP in Zamboanga Sibugay.

The coming of the BJPP in the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay is considered a blessing especially by the provincial officials because its goal, activities and programs are in accordance with the province’s vision, mission and goals.

To date, out of the sixteen (16) municipalities of the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, the BJPP covers seven (7) municipalities serving 116 barangays. This comprises 44% of the towns in the province and 30% of the total number of barangays. Apart from this, there are 6 barangays with LGU counterparts; 1 barangay in Ipil and 5 barangays in Alicia.



A few months later, the LRP received a TASK ORDER from the Gerry Roxas Foundation to increase the number of municipalities covered by the BJPP after the cancellation of the three (3) towns. The new identified municipalities were Alicia, Imelda and Buug which would cover 30 Barangays.

These new municipalities gave the impression that they were interested in the project; however, when the implementation started, only Alicia and Buug acknowledged and welcomed the project. Because of this, the seven barangays intended for Imelda; 11, for Titay and 2, for Siay were all transferred to the Municipality of Alicia.

With the Governor’s persistence and 100% support, coupled with the LRP Coordinator’s persistence, the local chief executives have seen the difference. To date, the BJPP Provincial Coordinator has been receiving requests to expand the project in many other communities. Other municipalities and barangays are now requesting to have the project implemented in their communities. This is a journey the people of the province will travel together for many more years to come even after the end of the project.

II. Sustainability Initiatives and their Implementation Mechanisms

A. Sustainability Initiatives Implemented

Initiative 1. Conduct of Training of Trainers (TOT) in Unserved Communities

With the success of the Barangay Justice for Peace Project in the communities, other barangays and municipalities started to consider implementing same project in their areas. The Local Chief Executives have seen the effects of the existence of the BJA in the barangays and realizing that they actually are a big help in maintaining peace in their communities and finding out that the number of cases recorded in the Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) has dramatically decreased, they want to implement the BJPP in all their barangays.

This encouraged the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay through the persistence of the BJPP Provincial Coordinator who is also the Acting Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator and the full cooperation of the Governor to allocate the amount of three hundred thousand (P300,000.00) for the conduct of Training of Trainers scheduled the 27th of June to the 1st of July.

Since the ultimate objective of the conduct of the Training of Trainers is the replication of the same to maximize trainings and implementation of the project in all the barangays of Zamboanga Sibugay, the participants include the following:

1. Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators of the 16 municipalities2. Municipal Local Government Operations Officer of the DILG3. Provincial Legal Officer and Staff4. PPDO Staff

After the 5-day training, the graduates are then expected to conduct trainings in unserved barangays to expand the BJPP all throughout the province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Zamboanga SibugayLGU Initiatives in Barangay JusticeShowcasing LGU Gains in Conflict Management


Initiative 2. Conduct of Annual BJA Provincial Congress (Every First Monday of July which is also the anniversary of the corporate existence of the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay)

The first BJA Congress was held on February 20, 2011 in time for the opening of the 10th “Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay” Celebration. It was also this time that the idea of holding an annual BJA Congress was conceived.

The governor acknowledged the Barangay Justice Advocates (BJA) as his representatives in the remotest part of the province. He stated that through the BJAs, the efforts of the Provincial Government will be felt.

Aside from celebrating the creation of the province every month of February, the province is also celebrating the anniversary of her Corporate Existence. Originally, the province of Zamboanga Sibugay first came into existence as a new province on July 2, 2001, but today it is commemorated every first Monday of July. This is also the time when the Chief Executive of the Province delivers his State of the Province Address. The anniversary of the province’s corporate existence is a perfect time for the congress and said proposal was approved by the Governor.

The Governor had already approved the allocation of funds to finance the conduct of the BJA Congress and the Office of the BJPP Provincial Coordinator is now in the process of coordinating with his municipal counterparts so that before the scheduled Congress, they can submit their accomplishment results which in turn the Coordinator will consolidate and submit to the offices of the two (2) congressional representatives of Zamboanga Sibugay. The Office of the BJPP Provincial Coordinator is currently coordinating with the local counterparts and is about to send out communications for the information and dissemination to all the BJAs in the barangays regarding the conduct of the BJA Congress.

The first BJA Provincial Congress was held in coordination with the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) and the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Initiative 3. Recognition of the Provincial Federation of BJA by the PPOC Governance Sector

In the most recent update, some DILG Officers in the municipalities have already included the accomplishments of the BJA in their reports. This development is an indication that the BJAs are already recognized as co-agents in maintaining peace in their communities. Said development as well is one indication that the project has become successful.

Aside from the satisfaction that the BJPP is a success, empowerment of the BJA by being recognized in the Provincial Peace and Order Council is highly desired. There already was an initial discussion with the DILG Provincial Director regarding such move. However, since we are dealing with government offices, there are certain steps to be followed.

Before the Provincial Peace and Order Council’s recognition of the BJA as part of the Council, first, it has to be registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This is now being processed. At the same time, there is a need for an



accreditation which will take effect after a Resolution from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the legislative body of the Province.

The Office of the BJPP Provincial Coordinator is now in the works of preparing the necessary documentations for submission to both DOLE and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. After this, the BJA will already be recognized by the PPOC. An Executive Order will then be issued by the Governor to finally allow the BJA a seat in the Council.

Initiative 4. Allocation of Funds for PhilHealth Enrollment of All BJAs of the Seven Municipalities (Supplemental Budget No. 1)

During the first BJA Provincial Congress, the governor found that the BJAs are all volunteers and are not getting any incentive or honorarium at all. He felt that the BJAs have a good heart; they are ready to serve and offer a part of themselves for the good of others. It was because of this that the Governor expressed his desire to allocate funds for the purpose of the BJAs enrolment to PhilHealth.

As of this writing, the Office of the BJA Provincial Coordinator is asking the BJA Municipal Coordinators to send in a list of the names of the BJAs who are not enrolled with the PhilHealth yet. As soon as the BJA Provincial Coordinator receives the complete list, he will consolidate and submit it to the Provincial Local Finance Committee, together with a request letter for funding allocation.

Since this has already been pre-approved by the governor, the Provincial Local Finance Committee will have to source out such fund and give the approval to allocate funds for the enrolment of the BJAs in the PhilHealth on an annual basis. After being assured of funds, the BJAs can already be enrolled in the PhilHealth.

B. Sustainability Initiatives in the Pipeline

Initiative 1. Recognition and Awarding of Outstanding BJA in Every Municipality

One of the highlights of the BJA Provincial Congress will be the awarding of the seven (7) outstanding BJA. These awardees will be coming from all the municipalities served by the BJPP. This too shall be conducted on an annual basis.

Among the criteria considered in the selection process would be the number of cases handled and managed by each candidate and the promptness of the action on the management of cases. These criteria are yet to be finalized by the committee. After finalizing the set of criteria, the committee will send information on all Municipal Coordinators which he will in turn disseminate to all the BJA in his area.

Said awardees will be selected from the accomplishment reports which are to be submitted by the Municipal Coordinators by an evaluation team which shall be selected two weeks before the BJA Provincial Congress.

The Outstanding BJA from all of the 7 municipalities will be receiving cash of three thousand pesos (P3,000.00) from the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay, and Plaques of Recognition whose design will be the result of a competition by elementary and high school students of the Province which will be launched very soon.



Finally, aside from recognizing the Outstanding BJA from each of the seven (7) municipalities, Best BJA Awardee will be named each year and will be given a plaque and cash gift. Aside from the annual awarding of the Outstanding BJA, the one who will be awarded for three (3) consecutive years shall be considered a hall of famer and will be given a separate award of a perpetual trophy. The solo awardee each year will also be the automatic entry of the province in the higher level of a similar search.

This initiative is for the purpose of making the BJAs more effective in their handling of cases in their communities and to inspire them more to do better each time.

In the past, there was already that special BJA who got the Outstanding Woman BJA in the Province and was awarded during the Women’s BJA Congress in March 2011. Said event encouraged the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay to identify the BJAs who have performed well each year and saw that this could be a way to sustain the BJPP in the province.

Inspiration was drawn from the first awardee, Vicenta Aperido.

Initiative 2. Accreditation of the Provincial Federation of BJA by the Provincial Development Council in Governance Sector

Aside from recognizing the BJA in the Provincial Peace and Order Council, it is also an aim to have it recognized with the Provincial Development Council where they will be among the Non-Government Agencies (NGA) who will have a say on the 20% development fund of the Province. It is important that the ideas of the BJAs be heard by allowing them a seat in the PDC.

Meanwhile, the BJPP will seek for accreditation from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to allow them at least one (1) seat in the Provincial Development Council. After acquiring the accreditation from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the BJA, with the guidance of the BJA Provincial Coordinator’s Office will then send a letter to the chairman of the PDC who is also the Governor of the Province to consider them as an active member of the PDC in the Governance Sector.

By getting a seat in the PDC, the BJA will then be assured of a regular funding allocation for the Barangay Justice for Peace Project annually.

Initiative 3. Establishment of a Monitoring and Evaluation System for the Improvement of BJA Performance

In every organization, there has to be an established set of guidelines in its effort to sustain the group. Since the BJPP is a short term project and the Local Government is set to sustain it, the office of the BJA Provincial Coordinator is in the process of coming up with a set of implementing guidelines. The objective in setting up these guidelines is to sustain the project even long after the term of the incumbent Governor is over.

After establishing such implementing guidelines, the Office of the BJA Provincial Coordinator will schedule a quarterly dateline as to when the BJA Municipal Coordinators are to submit their quarterly reports so that in turn they can inform the BJA in the barangays to submit their accomplishment reports on a certain date for them to consolidate such reports before they submit to the BJA Provincial Coordinator’s Office.



Upon receipt of the accomplishment reports, the Office of the BJA Provincial Coordinator will set a time frame to do the validation of the reports. After validating the reports, they will be evaluated and consolidated, and from there, the established guidelines shall be amended to improve the performance of the BJA each time.

Said amended Policies and Guidelines shall be implemented all throughout the province until another round of evaluation takes place and it goes on and on while the BJPP is in existence.

Initiative 4. Integration of National and Provincial Projects and Programs for Livelihood Opportunities in the BJPP

Another initiative that needs attention is the integration of national and provincial projects in the BJPP. At the moment, the Office of the BJA Provincial Coordinator is identifying the different Provincial and National Government Offices to check if there are projects and activities or even trainings that would suit the BJAs without jeopardizing their duties and responsibilities to their communities.

Initially, it has identified the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) being handled by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) Project and the Technology and Resource Center (TRC). This is an important agency because soon enough the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay will be establishing the Technology Livelihood Development Center.

After having identified the Provincial and National Projects and Programs which can be integrated into the BJPP, the communities will have to undergo trainings and seminars to equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes.

This is also helpful to them in carrying out their duties as BJAS because if and when conflicts arise during the implementation of the projects, they would know how to deal with it having been immersed into it during past trainings. This is called the social preparation stage when they need to undergo trainings, workshops and seminars

During the implementation of such projects, the PPDC who is also the BJA Provincial Coordinator will see to it that the presence of the BJA will be among the top priorities.

Finally, the possibility of establishing livelihood projects in coordination with the Provincial and National Government will also be explored to help out in empowering our BJAs in the barangays. It cannot be denied that financial stability gives the BJAs the confidence and self worth they need.

III. DILG Involvement and ParticipationThe most important driving force in the BJPP implementation as recognized by the LRP was the Governor of the Province. The DILG of course was an ally. As stated in the Province’s “Galing Pook” documents, the DILG Provincial Director Wilhelm Suyko, acknowledged the role of the BJAs when he said, “Indeed, the presence of the BJA has made a remarkable decrease in the cases filed before the Katarungang Pambarangay.” Also, some DILG Officers in the municipalities have already included the accomplishments of the BJA in their reports.



In the Financial Profile for year 2010, the contributions to the project were the following:

The above data show that the biggest contribution came from the province.

IV. Lessons LearnedOne important lesson learned was the importance of leadership in the area. It greatly determines or influences the progress and success of any project. Because the Governor was supportive of the project and his presence was felt in important gatherings of the BJAs, the project was given a big boost. The LCEs of the municipalities followed the Governor.

Persistence and courage are important qualities of organizers. If the staff from ACORD had given up the project when they felt harassed due to an incident during their visit to one of the project sites and when some LCEs turned down their request to include their municipalities in the project, the BJPP would not have been implemented successfully in Zamboanga Sibugay.


