As its continuing commitment to advancing sustainable development in Bangsamoro communities both
within and outside the BARMM, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), through the Transforming Alliance for Prosperity and Good Governance (TAP-G), continues its advocacy by organizing orientations on livelihood project implementation for civil society organizations and local communities. These sessions were conducted in the Kutawatu cluster: at MILF community-site 2 in Brgy. Makasandag, Parang, Maguindanao del Sur on July 20, 2025, and at MNLF community-site 1 in Sitio Kubungo, Brgy. Muti, Upper Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur on July 16, 2025.
To further strengthen community participation in sustainable development, TAP-G also extended its livelihood orientation efforts to its four clusters: Samboangan, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi—focusing on communities of former MILF and MNLF combatants.
In Zamboanga City, the Samboangan cluster kicked off with sessions in Brgy. Baluno Proper on June 28, 2025 (MNLF community- Site 1), followed by a session in Brgy. Arena Blanco on June 29, 2025 (MILF community- Site 2).
Moving to Basilan, orientations were delivered at NASCOM Camp, Brgy. Semut, Akbar municipality on July 1, 2025 (MNLF community- Site 1), and at 114th Camp Ali in Brgy. Lebbuh, Lamitan on July 2, 2025 (MILF community- Site 2).
While in Sulu cluster, communities participated actively during sessions held in Brgy. Kanmindus, Luuk
municipality on July 5, 2025 (MNLFcommunity- Site 1), and in Brgy. Latih, Patikul on July 6, 2025 (MILF community- Site 2).
Finally, in Tawi-Tawi, the program concluded with an orientation session on June 10, 2025, in Brgy. Panglima Mastul, Simunul municipality (MILF community).
The sessions, with active participation from ex-combatant communities and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across the designated cluster areas, were primarily designed to foster a shared and coherent understanding of the project between the beneficiaries and the Civil society organizations. By bringing together both CSOs and target communities, the sessions created a collaborative environment where the project’s goals, operational processes, and anticipated outcomes could be clearly communicated and aligned.
A central focus of the discussion was the implementation of livelihood assistance, an initiative of the Ministry of
Social Services and Development (MSSD) through the CBCS-TAP-G program. This assistance is set to be rolled out to selected communities within the identified clusters, and the sessions provided a critical opportunity to clarify how the support would be delivered, as well as the expectations of the beneficiaries and the requirements on sustainability throughout the implementation of the project.
During the session, TAP-G Project Manager Ismael Kulat provided a detailed explanation of the vital role that Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play in the implementation of the project. He underscored that CSOs serve as key partners in bridging the initiative with the grassroots communities, acting as facilitators and advocates for the project’s success. Their primary responsibility is to assist communities in identifying their livelihood needs, ensuring these are addressed throughout the project’s implementation, and helping build the necessary systems and support mechanisms for long-term sustainability. Where he said, “Ang pinaka-purpose nitong ating orientation ay ang maghatid ng pagkakaunawaan sa pagitan ng CSOs at communities. Kung saan, nais natin na malaman ng bawat isa ang mga role nila sa proyektong ito. Na ang mga CSOs ay syang kaakibat ng communities upang tulungan sila na makipag-affiliate sa mga sangay ng gobyerno. Upang makapag-avail ng government services and benefits, at anumang mga maitutulong ng gobyerno sa communities ay makakatulong sa pag-sustain ng organization sa kanilang livelihood project na natanggap mula sa MSSD through CBCS-TAP-GG.”
Mr. Kulat further emphasized that CSOs are not merely implementing partners but are expected to actively
promote the development and progress of the livelihood initiatives. By guiding, mentoring, and mobilizing local resources and stakeholders, CSOs contribute significantly to the empowerment of the communities. Their sustained engagement is seen as instrumental in helping improve the overall quality of life within the targeted areas, particularly by supporting income-generating activities and fostering community resilience.
“Wala tayong ibang goal dito kundi ang naisin na maging produktibo, masagana at may pagbabago o improvements ang communities bago natin sila iwanan. Ang TAP-G project ay magtatapos na, at nais natin na mag-iiwan ito ng makabuluhang marka sa ating Bangsamoro communities, Nais natin na ang mga naituro ng CBCS, ng TAP-G na mga trainings ay magagamit at mapakikinabangan ng communities sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay, mai-apply nila iyon upang makakatulong sa kanila sa pagpapalago ng kanilang kabuhayan. Kaya naman gusto natin na ang project na ito ay magiging daan tungo sa masagana nilang pamumuhay at nawa’y masustain ito nang maayos.” The Project Manager added.
He also discussed the five core objectives of the TAP-GG project, aiming to enhance the participants’ understanding by sharing insights into the project’s ongoing initiatives and planned programs for the target communities. Highlighted the significant impact of the capacity-building trainings conducted for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Which equipped CSO members with practical knowledge and essential tools, which have played a crucial role in strengthening their ability to support and promote development efforts within the Bangsamoro communities.
This particular CBCS-TAP-G project activity is aligned with Objective 2 of the program, which seeks to enhance the socio-economic well-being of communities located in former MILF/MNLF areas. The focus is especially directed toward supporting ex-combatants and their families by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities. As part of this objective, a range of proposed livelihood interventions has been identified across the various cluster areas. These include vegetable production, halal goat farming, fishing, mini-grocery operations, goat raising, arts and craft, dressmaking operation, and bigasan wholesale store—each selected based on the unique needs, available resources, and economic potential of the local communities. These interventions aim not only to generate income but also to build self-reliance and long-term stability for the beneficiaries.
It was also emphasized that: “The project instills ownership of the projects by the concerned CSOs and
selected Communities and be sustained even after TAP-G Project ends. More over, the project also instigate the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) of implementing important provisions of the Annex on Normalization under its “Gradual Decommissioning of MILF Combatants” which states among others; “3. To achieve the above goal, a comprehensive needs assessment shall be undertaken for the members of the BIAF and their communities as a basis for a comprehensive socio-economic development program. It is where these projects is based”, the Project Manager stressed.
In essence, the sessions served not only as an orientation on the project’s technical aspects but also as a strategic effort to cultivate a community-driven approach to development—one that is inclusive, sustainable, and anchored in shared responsibility.
The successful conduct of the field orientation was made possible by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), under the leadership of its chairman, Guiamel M. Alim, whose guidance continues to play a critical role in advancing the goals of the CBCS. The orientation was led and organized by Ismael Kulat, TAP-GG Project Manager, together with the project secretariat, who ensured the smooth flow and documentation of the activity. With the local coordination and organizing field engagements that were facilitated by Ruben Umal- Kutawatu cluster area coordinator, Bhenhur Haimider- Samboangan cluster area coordinator, Mistiri Tarami- Basilan cluster area coordinator, Al-khalifa Jillah- Sulu cluster area coordinator and Tony Said- Tawi-tawi cluster area coordinator. Who played key roles in coordinating efforts on the ground.
By: AISA L. TINA
TAP-G Advocacy and Information Officer
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