In line with its commitment to promoting sustainable development within Bangsamoro communities inside and outside the BARMM, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) through the project Transforming Alliance for Prosperity and Good Governance(TAP-G) organized a series of orientation for CSOs and Communities on livelihood project implementation. The orientation sessions were conducted across three key cluster areas, targeting both former MILF and MNLF combatants’ communities.
For the Shariff Alawi cluster, the first session was held on June 11, 2025, in Big Banisilon, Tangcal, Lanao del Norte (MNLF community – Site 1), followed by a second session on June 12, 2025, in Brgy. Abaga, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte (MILF community – Site 2).
In the Ranaw cluster, sessions took place on June 13, 2025, in Madamba, Lanao del Norte (MILF community –
Site 1), and on June 14, 2025, at Camp Ali, Brgy. Rantian, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur (MNLF community – Site 2).
Meanwhile, the final sessions under the Sibugay cluster were held on June 16, 2025, in Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur (MILF community – Site 1), and on June 17, 2025, in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur (MNLF community – Site 2).
The said sessions which were attended and participated by the ex combatants’ communities and Civil Society organizations from the said cluster areas, was primarily intended to harmonize the understanding of the project between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the target communities. It served as a platform to link the objectives, processes, and expected outcomes of the initiative, particularly focusing on the provision of livelihood assistance by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) through the TAP-G program. This assistance will be extended to selected communities across the designated cluster areas.
Moreover, the session sought to embed the value of project ownership within the minds of both CSOs and community members. Encouraging a sense of responsibility and active participation was emphasized as a critical component for long-term success.
Finally, the session highlighted the importance of sustainability and community-led continuity of the project. In which, it aimed to ensure that beneficiaries clearly understand their role in maintaining and managing the project outcomes, particularly after the formal turnover of the project to the community stakeholders.
In the course of the activity, the TAP-G Project Manager, Ismael Kulat elaborated the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the livelihood initiative supported by MSSD BARMM, aimed at selected Bangsamoro communities affiliated with the former MILF and MNLF combatants, as facilitated through the TAP-G project of the CBCS.
The TAP-G project manager, Ismael Kulat expressed. “Ang ating pinaka-goal sa orientation na ito ay upang magkaroon ng pagkakaunawaan at matibay na koneksyon sa pagitan ng CSOs at ng communities na napiling beneficiaries sa livelihood assistance na ito na ibibigay ng MSSD sa pamamagitan ni CBCS TAP-G project. Nang sa ganon ay maiintindihan po ninyong lahat ang role ng bawat isa, lalo na pagdating ng araw ng pag-turn-over sa proyektong ito.”
He also enunciated the five core objectives of the TAP-G project, aiming to deepen the participants’ understanding by sharing details about the project’s ongoing initiatives and planned programs for the communities. And emphasized the impact of the capacity-building training conducted for CSOs, which equipped them with practical knowledge and tools that have significantly contributed to their work in advancing development within Bangsamoro communities.
Furthermore, the TAP-G project manager encouraged CSOs and community members to support one another in
engaging with government agencies to access available government programs.
“Kinakailangan ninyong matugunan o ma-sustain ang assistance na aming iiwanan sa inyo dahil sa inyo na po iyan. Kailangan po ninyong magkaunawaan at gumawa ng paraan upang makalapit o dumulog sa mga government agencies upang mapabilang at maging bahagi din kayo ng mga programa ng gobyerno. Marami pong programa ang gobyerno, na maaaring makatulong sa inyo na ma-sustain ang project na aming maiiwan sa inyo.” Mr.Kulat added.
This TAP-G project activity falls under Objective 2, which aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of
communities in former MILF/MNLF areas, particularly focusing on ex-combatants and their families. In which, the proposed livelihood assistance in the identified cluster areas includes vegetable production, white scallion (Palapa production), mini-grocery operations, goat raising and many others.
The said field orientation and visitation was made possible by the CBCS, headed by its chairman, Guiamel M. Alim, facilitation led by the TAP-G project manager, Ismael Kulat and secretariat, and the Shariff Alawi cluster area coordinator, Seimia Domato. Ranaw cluster area coordinator Johary Ayo and Sibugay cluster area coordinator Mohaiya Pua.
By:
Aisa L. Tina
CBCS-TAP-G Information and Advocacy Officer
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