In a recent post-dated October 7, 2025, Quraish D. Langcap, Deputy Director of the Office of the Other
Bangsamoro Communities (OOBC-BARMM), reflected on the critical contribution of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) in advancing the Moro struggle for self-determination and recognition of the Bangsamoro as distinct nation.
In his post, Langcap highlighted two key organizations, the Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc. (KFI) and the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) both headed by legendary and acclaimed by some as “Father of CSOs” Mr. Guiamel M. Alim. The two organizations have been instrumental in sustaining the Moro people’s advocacy amid both during the ups and down status of the GPH-MILF Peace Talks and the ongoing challenges within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Both KFI and CBCS traced their roots to earlier legal and democratic efforts during the post-EDSA 1 era, evolving from centralized national democratic networks into independent bodies that foster cooperation with various funding partners. These partnerships have enabled them to accompany the peace process through open legal endeavors in bridging gaps between the GPH and MILF in times of conflicts as well as in implementing peace and development projects while maintaining a non-partisan stance.
Langcap emphasized that many CSOs have grown their capacities through linkage with KFI and CBCS, gaining legitimacy and access to funding agencies that bolster their efforts in grassroots organizing and advancing rights-based advocacies for the Moro and other Bangsamoro communities.
Despite the current controversies facing BARMM’s governance and political developments, KFI and CBCS continue to assert their independence and commitment to the socio-political empowerment of the Bangsamoro people and continue assertion of their right to self-determination in the context of Bangsamoro as distinct nation and Islam.
Their role remains vital in bridging civil society engagement with regional governance to ensure inclusivity and sustained progress and the gains of the peace process. The Office of the Other Bangsamoro Communities, through efforts led by Langcap, continues to work closely with these CSOs to represent minority voices within BARMM and OOBC areas, reinforcing a comprehensive and unified push for Bangsamoro rights and development.
This post sheds light on the important and yet often understated roles played by civil society organizations in the complex dynamics of Bangsamoro peacebuilding and self-governance.
By: By Ebrahim D. Sandigan
CBCS-TAP-G Area Coordinator
For Sugoda Buayan Cluster
October 8, 2025
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