The Bangsamoro region has endured decades of conflict, displacement, and recovery efforts. Among the most painful chapters was the Marawi Siege of 2017, which displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, many of whom remain affected today. In response, the Bangsamoro Government, with support from civil society and humanitarian partners, has been working toward creating durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
One of the most significant milestones in this journey is the passage of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 62, or the Rights of the Internally Displaced Persons of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Act of 2024. This landmark legislation—the first of its kind in the Philippines and Southeast Asia—sets a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of IDPs. To ensure that the law is implemented at the local level, LGUs need to be equipped with the tools and skills necessary to translate this policy into practical, enforceable ordinances.
It is in this context that the specialized training on ordinance drafting for IDP protection was conducted, reinforcing the collaborative efforts of CBCS and UNHCR, in partnership with UNDP and IOM, under the SEEDS for PEACE Program of the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).
About the Training
The training was held on August 27–28, 2025, at the New Dawn Hotel Plus, Cagayan de Oro City, and brought together local leaders and technical staff from the LGUs of Saguiaran and Marawi City.
With the theme “Capacity Training on Ordinance Drafting for the Protection of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs),” the activity aimed to:
- Strengthen the ability of LGUs to draft municipal ordinances grounded in the principles of BAA No. 62.
- Equip participants with the knowledge to align local ordinances with national and international frameworks on IDP protection.
- Provide a platform for sharing best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to displacement challenges.
Special Session for Marawi and Saguiaran
Recognizing their central role during and after the Marawi Siege, a special session was held exclusively for Marawi City and the Municipality of Saguiaran—two communities that served as the epicenters and safe havens of IDPs at the height of the crisis.
This session gathered nine participants from their local councils, along with the SP Secretary and MSSD personnel. The focused discussion highlighted the continuing commitment of local governments to support recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term solutions for IDPs.
Policy Orientation: BAA No. 62
A central component of the training was the orientation on BAA No. 62 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). This law is groundbreaking in its explicit recognition and protection of IDP rights—a first in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
Key provisions of the law were discussed, including:
- The mandates of the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) and the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) regarding IDP protection.
- The integration of human rights principles into local governance frameworks.
- The responsibilities of LGUs in ensuring IDPs’ access to basic services, protection from further displacement, and participation in decision-making processes.
Key Topics and Discussions
Beyond the legal framework, participants engaged in sessions that broadened their understanding of IDP protection and durable solutions. Among the highlights were:
- An overview of SEEDS for Peace programs funded by the PBF, showcasing integrated peacebuilding and recovery initiatives.
- The IASC Framework on Durable Solutions for IDPs, which provides international standards for achieving sustainable return, integration, or relocation.
- PSEAH standards (Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment), which safeguard vulnerable populations in humanitarian and development contexts.
- Best practices of LGUs with existing IDP protection ordinances, offering practical models for adoption and replication.
The sessions culminated in the crafting of draft municipal ordinances, giving participants hands-on experience in designing local policies tailored to the realities of their communities.
The Writeshop: Building Toward Local Legislation
The Writeshop is envisioned as more than a training—it is a starting point for local lawmaking. The outputs are expected to evolve into fully developed municipal ordinances that:
- Reinforce the collaborative efforts of CBCS, UNHCR, UNDP, and IOM.
- Translate BAA No. 62’s principles into actionable policies at the municipal level.
- Equip LGUs with a robust legal framework to safeguard IDPs’ rights and address displacement challenges effectively.
Next Steps and Way Forward
Looking beyond the Writeshop, the initiative emphasizes three critical priorities:
- Community Engagement Programs
- Ensuring that IDPs are not only beneficiaries but also active participants in shaping decisions and policies that affect their lives.
- Educational and Awareness Campaigns
- Building public understanding of IDP rights and fostering empathy, inclusivity, and solidarity within host communities.
- Sustained Collaboration and Governance
- Strengthening partnerships between LGUs, ministries, humanitarian actors, and civil society organizations to ensure continuity, accountability, and innovation in addressing displacement.
Conclusion
The specialized training and Writeshop mark a significant stride in advancing local governance and protection frameworks for IDPs in the Bangsamoro region. By empowering LGUs with legal knowledge, technical skills, and collaborative networks, the initiative bridges the gap between policy and practice.
More importantly, it lays the groundwork for durable solutions—ensuring that the voices, rights, and dignity of displaced communities are upheld as they rebuild their lives.
As the Bangsamoro region continues its journey toward peace and development, initiatives like this demonstrate that inclusive governance, strong legal foundations, and people-centered approaches are vital in creating a future where displacement no longer defines lives, but resilience and dignity do.
By: Julie Esmael
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