The Ateneo – Ricardo Leong Institute for Global and Area Studies (RLIGAS) with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Philippines, FES Germany, and Giga Foundation foreign personnel coordinated a meeting with Minister Engr. Aida Silongan, MAPDS at the Ministry of Science and Technology – Regional Office, Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City.
On February 16, 2023, the personnel present was Project Leader Dr. Sabine Kurtenbach, FES Philippines Resident Representative Dr. VinzenzHuzel, FES Germany Focal Person Ms. Tina Blohm, and four (4) other FES members.
The meeting aimed to discuss the various peace and conflict issues in the Bangsamoro region, highlighting the concerns of the sector ministerSilongan represented.
The foreign personnel shared that they are conducting a five-country study on people’s perception of peace, understanding conflict and peace, and contributing to enhancing engagement spaces such as policy recommendations, peacebuilding program development, and guidance to donors.
Minister Silongan, the new Chairman – Designate of the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC), shared some of the challenges encountered in the decommissioning process as part of peace stability in the region between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
She said that the TFDCC aimed to provide the full benefits to the 40,000 combatants through phases of the decommissioning process, such as training skills, scholarships, and cash assistance from DSWD as part of their transformation to civilian and productive lives.
Minister emphasized that the decommissioning body is doing its best to hasten the process and provide benefits to combatants to avoid conflicts that might arise in the future, as the promise of benefits is a concern.
Although she shared some challenges in grouping the combatants for orientations, the TFDCC still managed to conduct the phases with the adherence of many combatants to submission.
The discussion also shared some of the mechanisms in place to strengthen the coordination of joint groups further if there are violations between GPH and MILF that might arise.
The mechanism ensured resolving the issues about disagreements happening in the region quickly, guaranteeing the stability of peace in the Bangsamoro region. There are clear instructions and responsibilities for immediate action if challenges are encountered.
They have also discussed the participation of the young generation, their representation, and Minister Silongan’s programs.
Minister ensured that S & T scholarship grants were provided to sons/daughters of combatants who took up science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses through the MOST programs such as Mujahideen Assistance for Science Education (MASE), Bangsamoro Assistance for Science Education (BASE), and BASE-Merit.
She also added that research and development grants and other interventions were awarded to researchers to strengthen R & D collaborations further and provide impact for the benefit of people in the Bangsamoro region.
The meeting ended by thanking Minister Silongan for sharing her perceptions of the peace and conflict situations she represented.
FES Philippines appreciated the Minister giving FES journals with titles about their work in the Philippines, Reimagine a Bright Future, a Republic for the Common Good, and Towards a Just Transition in the Philippine Electricity Sector – Challenges and Opportunities.
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