Background

History bears witness to the fact that, we, the Bangsa Moro have been relentless in our pursuit of development as manifested by our endless struggle to establish a society that is just, progressive, and most of all, peaceful.

And in our earnest effort to ensure the realization of our aspirations, we have always been steadfast in asserting our inherent Right to Self-Determination. Unfortunately, all our endeavors have, by far, been to no avail as our religion, rights, dignity, culture, and freedom persist to be transgressed.

True enough, other groups have initiated numerous attempts, both politically and militarily, to overcome such a situation. Needless to say, they too, have been unsuccesful.

Lessons learned and experiences gained from the past, however, have taught us that one of the main reasons for our failures was our inability to entreat and encourage the utmost participation of the people. Moreover, our previous undertakings lacked the complete cooperation and cohesive coordination amongst ourselves which, as we later found out, was necessary to effectively and objectively achieve our goals.

It is in this light that some of us, concerned BangsaMoro NGO and PO leaders, decided to convene and try to determine if it would be feasible for us to unite and organize our actions so as to be able to achieve something more substantial and meaningful.

Guided by our fervent adherence to Islam and bound by our common goal of improving the quality of life of the BangsaMoro, we agreed on collectively exerting our efforts towards advancing the social, cultural, economic and political agenda of the BangsaMoro and in the process liberate ourselves from all forms of deception, deprivation, oppression and aggression.

Enlivened by and committed to the fulfillment of these ideals, the Consortium of BangsaMoro NGOs and POs in Mindanao, an aggrupation of 31 NGOs and POs covering 13 provinces all over Mindanao was formally forged.

Objectives

We stand firm in our conviction to advance the social, cultural, economic and political agenda of the BangsaMoro; to free ourselves from the bondage of all forms of deception, deprivation, oppression and aggression; and to uphold our rights to live in a just, progressive and peaceful society. To be able to achieve these the Consortium of BansaMoro NGOs and POs in Mindanao have set the following objectives:

• To incessantly assert the BangsaMoro Right to Self-Determination;
• To develop a viable Alternative Development Framework that would protect the interests and truly benefit the BangsaMoro;
• To conduct massive educational campaigns that would elevate the social, cultural, economic, and political consciousness of the BangsaMoro;
• To launch campaigns to oppose all forms and types of aggression and oppression against the BangsaMoro;
• To actively but critically support all efforts to attain peace in Mindanao;
• To advocate and promote unity, cooperation and coordination among the Tri-People of Mindanao;
• To promote and uphold Gender Consciousness and to encourage the participation of Women in nation building;
• To protect and uphold Human Rights including the Rights of Children;
• To promote Environmental Awareness and participate in programs that would protect and preserve the environment;
• To push fo rthe efficient and sufficient delivery of basic social services and economic support due all the other constituents of Mindanao;
• To call for the immediate implementation of a genuine Agrarian and Urban Land Reform as well as a comprehensive Fisheries Law;
• To work for the recognition, respect, and return of ancestral domains;
• To advocate the revival and enhancement of cultures and traditionsthat cultivate good moral and spiritual values;
• To demand for a comprehensive re-orientation and de-commercialization of the prevailing educational system.

Programs

Cognizant of the numerous challenges and difficulties that need to be surmounted in doing our work, and aware too, of the pressing problems confronting the BangsaMoro that need to be addressed immediately, we the Consortium of BangsaMoro NGOs and POs in Mindanao proffer to implement the following programs:

• Policy Research and Advocacy. To call the attention of concerned entities and enlighten them on the essentiality of recognizing and responding to the clamors of the BangsaMoro. Through this program, it is also envisioned that issues and concerns that persist to plague the BangsaMoro could be propagated if only to be able to elicit valuable support.
• Networking. To establish and maintain a wide network of contacts among international organizations, support groups, parallel organizations, and concerned individuals who sympathize with the cause of the BangsaMoro and to nurture good working relations with them.
• Campaigns. To resist and oppose all forms and types of oppression and aggression waged against the BangsaMoro. In this program, however, massive educational campaigns and other relevant campaigns that would help the BangsaMoro deepen their understanding of their social, cultural, economic and political situation will likewise be undertaken in coordination with member organizations.
• Capacity Building. To develop the necessary expertise and degree of professionalism of member organizations in implementing their respective programs. Through this program it is envisioned that member organizations will be able to refurbish their competence and proficiency that would allow them to contribute more effectively in the overall struggle of the BangsaMoro.
• Technical Assistance. To provide member organizations with skilled services that could assist them in the conduct of their activities. Through this program a pool of dependable and competent consultants and resource persons who are committed to share their knowledge and talents with the BangsaMoro shall be organized.
• Program Development. To assist and support member organizations in enhancing and cultivating the programs and projects they are currently implementin gin order to guarantee its continued relevance and productiveness. In this program the identification, conceptualization, and formation of new programs that would address new challenges to the BangsaMoro will likewise be facilitated.
• Resource Generation. To help member organizations gain access to all possible sources and forms of support. Through this program member organizations with pertinent trainings that would eventually develop their capabilities to become self-reliant.

Management

The highest policy making body of the BansaMoro Consortium is the General Assembly. From it were elected a Council of Leaders who represent the collective membership of all the partner BangsaMoro NGOs and POs according to sub-region. From the Council of Leaders, an Executive Committee was formed comprised by the following officers: the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Coordinator General and the Finance Officer. On the other hand, the regular operations of the organization will be managed by the Secretariat composed of the Program Director, Administrative Officer, Finance Officer and Bookkeeper. The Secretariat will report directly to the Executive Committee. It will be supported by the Program Officers who will be responsible for coordinating the actual conduct of all targeted activities. Furthermore, in order to monitor and assess the developments in the organization, the Council of Leaders will meet tri-mestrally while a general assembly will be held annually.

For inquiries, you can contact us at: