Manila, 12 January 2024

Launching the Participatory Periodic Review in the Philippine

A Landmark Beginning for 2024 with Principles for Peace in Action, the P4P feedback loop and Participatory Periodic Reviews for peace has been launched and adopted in the Philippines.

We kicked off this year with a milestone event that truly exemplifies the power and potential of Principles for Peace as a framework for action and benchmark for progress. It was a privilege to co-convene the high-level Re-commitment Ceremony in Manila, marking a significant leap in the Bangsamoro Peace Constituency’s journey to consolidate peace and safeguard gains ahead of a key fork in the road next year.

In a ground-breaking move, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity and Minister Mohagher Iqbal, Chief of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Bangsamoro Transition Authority (MILF BTA), together with over 200 representatives, inaugurated the P4P Participatory Periodic Review for Peace. This initiative represents a paradigm shift, showcasing how diverse groups – from business leaders and academics to civil society, religious figures, and indigenous communities – can unite around a participatory measurement framework which allows course correction, joint action and accountability.

Each sector played a pivotal role, using the P4P diagnostic tool to assess progress and identify gaps. Their actionable pledges are a testament to power of inclusive dialogue around a common vision and framework:

• Academic Sector: Advancing trust and inclusion through institutional audits, peacebuilding initiatives, and research focused on moral governance.
• Business Community: Empowering the Bangsamoro through job creation and SME development, targeting economic disparities.
Civil Society Organizations: Strengthening the implementation of the CAB and ensuring continuous review and engagement.
• Indigenous People: Advocating for rights and formal recognition of ancestral domain claims.
• Religious Leaders: Promoting peace dialogue and re-establishing interfaith conferences.
• Women Peace Advocates: Ensuring women’s active involvement and safeguarding achievements in the peace process.
• Youth: Driving political education and integrating regional action plans for peace and security.

Our heartfelt thanks go to our partners, friends, and everyone involved in this journey. Your leadership and collaboration have been crucial. We especially commend the Philippine government, the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority, and all the leaders and representatives for their visionary leadership and commitment.

This initiative not only marks a significant step in the Bangsamoro peace process but also sets a global standard in participatory peace measurement. We are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, catalysing inclusive and sustainable progress. Let’s continue to build on this momentum, shaping a peaceful and prosperous future together.