MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Bangsamoro Government collaborates with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) to enhance efforts in sustaining lasting peace and good governance.
The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) met with USIP representatives on Feb. 13, 2025, in Cotabato City to identify areas of convergence between the two institutions in advancing peace, governance, and sustainable development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
MILG Minister Lawyer Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba expressed gratitude for the partnership with USIP, emphasizing its importance in strengthening governance and peace efforts in the region.
She stated that the engagement with USIP is a testament to their commitment to fostering sustainable peace and good governance in the Bangsamoro.
“Through meaningful partnerships, we aim to enhance our institutional capabilities and implement impactful programs that address the needs of our people,” Dumama-Alba added.
USIP Director Haroro Ingram reaffirmed the institute’s support for BARMM’s peace initiatives, particularly in technical assistance and capacity-building efforts.
“Future discussions and activities include joint capacity-building workshops, policy development initiatives, and collaborative research on governance and peacebuilding,” Ingram said.
“In collaboration with other relevant agencies, these initiatives are expected to lay the groundwork for a formal partnership, fostering knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and comprehensive policy support to further strengthen governance and peace efforts in BARMM,” he added.
Ingram also commended MILG’s key contributions to sustaining socio-economic development and restoring the region’s peace and order.
He underscored the importance of collaborative engagements in reinforcing peacebuilding efforts.
“MILG is a crucial partner in realizing the shared vision of stability and prosperity in the Bangsamoro,” he stated. (BIO/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
