Author Archives: Admin02

We Strongly Condemn the double bomb blast in front of IIC in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines

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Press Release

7 May 2017

We, the International Fellows of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) strongly condemn the double bomb blast yesterday in front of Imamate Islamic Center in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines.

This attack, like other terrorist acts around the world, was cowardly done and there is no justification for this act whatsoever.

The best response for all Filipino Muslims is to be reminded of the Amman Message.

Started as a detailed statement released on the eve of the 27th of Ramadan 1425 AH / 9th November 2004 by H.M. King Abdullah II ibn al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the ‘Amman Message’ is reportedly the largest contemporary ijma (consensus) in the Muslim world, and it significantly highlights the following three (3) points: (1) Whosoever is an adherent to one of the four Sunni schools (madhahib) of Muslim jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali), the two Shi‘ah schools of Muslim jurisprudence (Ja‘fari and Zaydi), the Ibadi school of Muslim jurisprudence and the Thahiri school of Muslim jurisprudence, is a Muslim; (2) there exists more in common between the various schools of Muslim jurisprudence than there is difference between them; and (3) acknowledgement of the schools of Muslim jurisprudence (madhahib) within Islam means adhering to a fundamental methodology in the issuance of fatwas.

Our heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers go to the families of the victims.

Signed
KAICIID International Fellows
[Based in Vienna, Austria, KAICIID is an intergovernmental organization whose mandate is to promote the use of dialogue globally to prevent and resolve conflict to enhance understanding and cooperation.]

SHFC pushes for Islam-compliant housing policies

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SHFC pushes for Islam-compliant housing policies

Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) and Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) have formalized their partnership to respond to the need of providing innovative and affordable housing solutions for poor Muslim communities.

SHFC and ADDU represented by their respective presidents, Ma. Ana Oliveros and Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J., signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last February 20 to strengthen their commitment in the development of a culturally-sensitive housing model through joint research, capacity building activities, and trainings, among others.

ADDU, through its Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia, has provided its expertise to SHFC and to its pilot community for a culturally-sensitive housing in Zamboanga in the past capacity building and training activities.

Oliveros said that partnership with multiple stakeholders made it easier for the government to innovate its policies so that it can serve a lot of poor families. She added that SHFC is also working with several local government units to develop programmatic approaches in responding to their housing issues.

“Housing is a basic human right that’s why the government should address the problem of homelessness. We should develop inclusive housing finance so that we can cater to all sectors,” Oliveros added.

In an earlier statement, Al Qalam Exec. Director Mussolini Lidasan said that the entire ADDU community is grateful with their partnership with SHFC and treats it as a great opportunity to reach out to both Christians and Muslims who are in need of shelter solutions. Lidasan added that the partnership is another victory in upholding cultural diversity and promoting peace building in Mindanao.

“The integration of a Sharia’h based mechanism in the whole project development brings us closer towards our goal to promote understanding and religious diversity. And providing impactful social service, and creating an environment of peaceful co-existence,” he said.

SHFC has earlier forged partnerships with other educational institutions like Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Xavier University to promote multi-stakeholder collaboration
in developing pro-poor housing policies.

SHFC is the lead agency providing flexible, affordable, innovative, and responsive shelter financing solutions to underprivileged communities. For more info, call (+632) 750-6337 loc. 821 or visit www.shfcph.com, and facebook.com/shfcph.

International Month of Peace Celebration

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International Month of Peace Workshop

Image 1.1 As Mr. Simons starts to discuss his part of the program as one of the Guest Speaker

Image 1.1 As Mr. Simons starts to discuss his part of the program as one of the Guest Speaker

The Workshop on the Culture of Peace and Conflict Sensitivity was held on September 20, 2016 at the Training room, 8th Floor Community Center, Ateneo de Davao University. The workshop was conducted by Al Qalam Institute with the coordination of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP). Many attended coming from different Peace Partners who are made up of at least 48 Organizations. The event was also part of a week-long celebration of International Month of Peace.

The program began with the typical routine starting with an invocation, followed by singing of the Philippine National Anthem, then with opening remarks, the overview and introduction of speaker.

The speaker was Mr. Jeremy Simons, an American volunteer coming from a private organization iEmergence. To further understand what the workshop was all about, he started off discussing the definition and history of peace and the culture of peace, the integration of gender in peace process support on local conflict resolution, and the common conflicts between cultures and peace. The duration of the workshop went well since the speaker really had researched the topic thoroughly.

(1)Education (2) Research (3) Respect (4) Knowledge and (5) Creativity are the UNESCO Elements of “Soft Power”, he pointed out. It was nice knowing these elements and discussing the importance and relation of each to the conflict which the country is facing.

“It’s all about connections!” he added.

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Image 1.2 Mr. Guiani opens the program by introducing Al Qalam Institute to their partner organizations

The participants were keen at digging on how to resolve this unending conflict of the country. They did not just tackle about the peace and culture but also justice. This workshop helped them to see the reality. This workshop became the bridge of the speaker and some of the participants to share and exchange their thoughts and ideas.

 

CARD BANK INC. PARTNERSHIP

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August 5, 2016 – CARD BANK INC. set up a conference meeting with the Islamic Finance Team of Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia. CARD BANK INC. is a micro-finance oriented rural bank and a member of CARD MRI which is a multi-million institution.

One of the projects of Al Qalam Institute is the Islamic Finance Program which aims to

Image 1.1 This was during the meeting of Al Qalam Islamic Team and Card Bank INC. Officials

Image 1.1 This was during the meeting of Al Qalam Islamic Team and Card Bank INC. Officials

reach out those communities who need financial support with the guided principle of Shari‘ah Law. So far, Al Qalam Institute has implemented some of its programs through various help from local government units (LGUs) and private sectors like Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) as its main partner.

CARD BANK INC. aims to have an accreditation on Shari‘ah basic principle or Halal system process for their micro-finance program, and they decided to set up a partnership to Al Qalam Institute to gain trainings and workshop activities in order for its team to have a support knowledge on Islamic Micro-finance, as some of its constituents are Muslims. At the moment, the bank is setting up the qualifications and standards of Al Qalam Institute to have a finalization and signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), then as per agreement, the assigned team in each Institute will proceed to the guidelines and proper trainings and workshop under Al Qalam Institute.

Card Bank Partnership

Image 1.2 With the CARD BANK INC. Officials

Al Qalam Institute’s Official Statement regarding the Bomb Incident happened at the Roxas Night Market, Davao City

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We, the Salam: Ateneo Muslim Society, the Al Qalam Institute, and the Muslim community of the Ateneo de Davao University condemn the heinous attack at the Roxas Night Market last September 2, 2016, Friday, here in Davao City.

It was a sad and horrifying night for the Davaoeños and for the Philippines.

Fourteen (14) lives lost and more than 60 people injured.

On Saturday morning of September 3, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared a “state of lawless violence” in the Philippines following the deadly explosion in Davao City. The Filipino people, especially the Davaoeños are in a state of fear and grief.

This is the reason why we do and advocate dialogue among and between people of different faiths, ideologies, and cultural traditions. We strongly condemn this bombing attack because violence has no place in this world. Innocent people are victimized in this reign of terror and the future of our generation and generations yet to come are at stake. We, Muslims are tired of hearing terrorist attacks being carried out by inherently violent and ignorant people who hijack our religion.

The Abu Sayyaf Group who claim to be Muslims are not Muslims. What they do is not, in any way, according to Islam. This is not Jihad Fyi Sabilillah. Muslims too are killed by these same radicalized terrorists who show a clear manifestation of ignorance in Islamic teachings. Terrorism and Extremism has no religion.

Allah (SWT) forbids the killing of innocent people. According to the Qur’an, one of the greatest sins is to kill a human being who has committed no fault:

“…If someone kills another person, unless it is in retaliation for someone else or for causing corruption in the earth, it is as if he had murdered all mankind.” —(Surat al-Ma’ida: 32)

Will it take yet another news of a horrifying terrorist attack – supposedly carried out in the name of religion – to remind the world of the violence in our midst?

In this context, we find it impossible to practice tolerance in such forms of violence. We will not tolerate violence in the name of Islam!

We need now to unite ourselves, regardless of our differences, in condemning this act of violence. We join together to eliminate the evil plots of people behind these terroristic acts and the narco-pandemic in the country.

We will fix this country together with our President, to stand by him and to collaborate with him.

Let not this heartbreaking event make us helpless and overpowered.

We are stronger than this singular act of violence against humanity.


 

DUYOG RAMADAN

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COMMUNITY IFTAR

This year 2016, Ramadan 1437 begins at sundown on Monday, June 6 or on Tuesday, June 7, depending on the moon sighting. The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, with each month coinciding with the phases of the moon and lasting either 29 or 30 days. Traditionally, one marks the beginning of an Islamic month by looking at the night sky and visibly sighting the slight crescent moon (hilal) that marks the beginning of the next month. This is the method which is mentioned in the Qur’an and was followed by the Prophet Muhamad.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting in which Muslims around the world refrain from eating, drinking, that is in excess or ill-natured, from dawn until sunset. Fasting is meant to teach the Muslim patience, modesty and spirituality. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God (Allah) and to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

The dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards about ten days each year as it is a moving holiday depending on the moon.  Ramadan commemorates the month in which Prophet Muhammad received the first revealed verses of the Qur’an.

Muslim religious scholars believe that fasting has the following objectives:

  1. To develop and strengthen our powers of self-control, so that we can resist wrongful desires and bad habits, and therefore “guard against evil”. In fasting, by refraining from the natural human urges to satisfy one’s appetite, we are exercising our ability of self-restraint, so that we can then apply it to our everyday life to bring about self-improvement.
  2. To attain nearness and closeness to God so that He becomes a reality in our lives. As we bear the rigors of fasting purely for the sake of following a Divine commandment, knowing and feeling that He can see all our actions however secret, it intensifies the consciousness of God in our hearts, resulting in a higher spiritual experience.
  3. To learn to refrain from usurping others’ rights and belongings. In fasting we voluntarily give up even what is rightfully ours; how can then we think of taking what is not ours but belongs to someone else?
  4. Charity and generosity are especially urged during Ramadan. We learn to give, and not to take. The deprivation of fasting makes us sympathize with the suffering of others, and desirous of alleviating it; and it makes us remember the blessings of life which we normally take for granted.

The Ramadan celebration here in the Philippines and Mindanao, in general, and Ateneo de Davao University, in particular, is dedicated for fasting and reflection towards a better understanding of the facets of Islam among the Muslims and non-Muslims. Interreligious dialogue is one of the core principles of the Ateneo de Davao University’s vision, mission and goals. This month of Ramadan can be an active venue for both the Muslims and Christians in providing space for this VMG to materialize at the school level.

To demonstrate its aspiration of promoting peace and reconciliation during the Holy Month of Ramadan, Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia, and the Interfaith Youth Convergence of Davao City, with its partners distributed mineral water, dates, bread, fruits and coffee at day break during the end of fast every Friday within the Ateneo Community. There was also be film showing every Friday afternoon to raise awareness among the Ateneans the essence of Ramadan and why Muslims around the globe fast during this time of the year.

1st Community Iftar, Brgy. Tibungco, Davao City

The Al Qalam team arrived past 3:00 pm at Purok 14, Brgy. Tibungco, Davao City. People gathered in a Madrasah (school) for a conversation with Al Qalam Institute headed by

Attentive Sisters from the Community

Attentive Sisters from the Community

Datu Mussolini S. Lidasan. The meeting was also graced by Barangay Chairman

Hon. Merjade Calvo, Barangay Local Gov’t. Unit of Tibungco, Council of Elders/Traditional Leaders throughTribal Chieftain Datu Alex Madayan, and other Imams and Panditas (religious leaders of the local Kaagan Community

 

 

Common issues and concerns such as unemployment, education, settlement, youth empowerment, and discrimination were raised by residents during the meeting. Most of these concerns were addressed by their Brgy. Chairman while Al Qalam Institute discussed its identity, programs and projects for the development of Muslim Filipinos specifically on the introduction of the concept and principle of Islamic Finance.

The community in return expressed their support for Al Qalam Institute’s programs and projects and hoped that Ateneo de Davao University will help in a way, for their betterment and transformation.

The community engagement and exposure ended with a sumptuous meal as an Iftar in time for Muslims to break their fast as they observed Ramadan.

With the Elders of the community and Al Qalam Force.

With the Elders of the community and Al Qalam Force.

2nd Community Iftar, Brgy. Sirawan, Davao City

Al Qalam Institute’s second community iftar (breaking of fast food offering) service was held at Barangay Sirawan Toril, Davao City.

As everyone's waiting for the Azan (Call of Prayer), sign to break the fast

As everyone’s waiting for the Azan (Call of Prayer), sign to break the fast

Facilitated by no less than 10 persons coming from Al Qalam Institute’s Staff, AdDU’s SALAAM and AB Islamic Studies students, the activity started as the group arrived at 4:30 in the afternoon. Sirawan’s Council of Elders or the Kagan Tribal Council fetched the Al Qalam delegation as the food for iftar was collectively prepared. After the primary meeting with the community leaders, the group proceeded to the Masjid and unloaded the food in preparation for the iftar. The gathering started at 6:05 pm when the Community Leader called the adhan (call to prayer) which signals the time for breaking the fast. After the prayer, more or less a hundred members of the community benefited from the iftar offering.

After the evening event, the Al Qalam group went to the office of the Community Leader to give him a token of appreciation, and the gathering concluded with a group photo shoot.

Community in Sirawan

Force of Ateneo de Davao University with the Religious Leader of Brgy. Sirawan

 

 

3rd Community Iftar, Brgy. MAA, Davao City

MAA, DAVAO CITY, JUNE 24, 2016. It was raining when the group of Al Qalam Staff with joint participation coming from SALAAM Movement, Ateneo de Davao’s teaching staff and AB Islamic Studies’ Students arrived in the Community in MAA. Unfortunately, the group’s BLGU Transportation vehicle which was sponsored by the Barangay had an engine problem, and as decided by the whole group they rented a Public Utility Jeep. They arrived in the area at 5:00 pm while the community was having their Musabaqah (Contest) as part of their Ramadan round activity and it was their way in seeking nearness to Allah as Muslims.

The group facilitated the activity and introduced themselves individually and as part of Duyog Ramadan and Iftar Program, Al Qalam Staff asked everyone in the community to introduce themselves at the same time. After that, one of the Staff of Al Qalam introduced what Al Qalam Institute is and its function to the Community and Mindanao as a whole. They also introduced the overview of Islamic Finance program that leads to a Shari’ah-compliant industry in partnership with the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF).

Maghrib Prayer starts

Maghrib Prayer starts

While waiting for the proper time to break the fast for Iftar, Professor Abubakar Ali of AB Islamic Studies Department shared more about the Jesuit Congregation for being open to Islamic faith towards understanding and love for the neighborhood and love of God as a common word. Prof. Ali also expressed his gratitude to Fr. Joel Tabor, the President of Ateneo de Davao University for accommodating Muslim-based Community in their Institution. He also enlightened the community by saying that the Muslim Ummah should respect differences in faiths and ideological beliefs as he cited a verse from the Holy Qur’an about accusations and having a doubt to a fellow human being and create a space in dialogue so that everyone understands each other.

As the time for Maghrib Prayer arrived, everyone prayed and ate the foods that were served to them.

 

 

Consultation Meeting with BDA and ‘Ulama Leaders

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The Consultation Meeting

Mussolini Sinsuat. Lidasan, the Executive Director of Al Qalam, discusses some of the principles of Islamic Economic System

Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan, the Executive Director of Al Qalam, discusses some of the principles of Islamic Economic System

For the past three years, Al Qalam Institute has always been a partner organization of Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) in research studies on Islamic Finance with the general objective of helping uplift the economic conditions of the Bangsamoro people. On March 21, 2016, Al Qalam Institute and PEF have organized a Consultation Meeting with Bangsamoro Development Authority (BDA) and ‘Ulama Leaders held at Cotabato City. The consultation meeting aims to establish a strong working relationship with the BDA, PEF, and Al Qalam partners. The consultation gathered identified ‘Ulama from Bangsamoro areas who are experts in Islamic jurisprudence and knowledgeable in Islamic economics. The consultation meeting also widen the network of the proposed National Ulama Advisory Council on Islamic Financing that was initiated by Katiakap Incorporated. It was participated by eight (8) BDA officials, and twelve other ‘Ulama leaders and key Government and CSO leaders.

 

Al Qalam Institute Director, Datu Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan discussed the basic principle and concept of Islamic Economic System while BDA Director, Dr. Mohammad S. Yacob presented the BDA Plan on Islamic Finance. A situationer is also discussed by Director Lidasan on behalf of the Al Amanah Islamic Bank of the Philippines. Grand Mufti Abu Huraira Udasan presented the roles of religious leaders on Islamic funding. And during the open forum, the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute thru its Director, Sheikh Mahmod Ahmad, shared its perspective and institute agenda on Islamic Finance.

Open space workshop through Appreciative Inquiry was tooled during the afternoon session. The workshop aimed at creating a derived result on what are the roles and compositions of a Shariah Board, who appoints them, and the groups’ recommendations on the milestones of the Shariah Board.

Among other recommendations, the group strongly recommend that organizational development must be established, partnership with other substantial organizations or government offices must be strengthened and lastly, close monitoring and evaluation must be conducted.

Inter-religious and Intercultural Dialogue with Mindanao Peace Institute

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Hands-on Training

Image 1.1 Discussion of Joint partnership trainings of 25 international religious and public sectors

Image 1.1 Discussion of Joint partnership trainings of 25 international religious and public sectors

In partnership with the Mindanao Peace Institute (MPI) and the KAICIID, last May 23 – 31, 2016, we conducted trainings with 25 international religious leaders and teachers. The training is a capacity-building program that aims to facilitate dialogue encounters by giving these teachers the tools, experience, networks and knowledge to pursue inter-religious dialogue and further be able to prepare their own students to become facilitators and leaders in inter-religious dialogue. In addition to inter-religious dialogue training, Al Qalam also facilitated the training and orientation in conflict transformation, using Mindanao context as a case study.

Bityala sa Maguindanao (Maguindanao Conversation Series)

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Bityala Kanu Mapyan (Conversation for the Common Good)

Al Qalam Institute in partnership with Forum Civil Peace Service (forumZFD)-Philippines initiated a conversation that aims to provide a space for dialogue among stakeholders, civil society organizations (CSOs) and other sectors to connect, collaborate, and hopefully to work together as initial steps for an inclusive development in Maguindanao. This program is dubbed as Bityala sa Maguindanao. This is a series of five (5) focus group discussions that was conducted in the

Image 1.1 Together with the Al Qalam's Executive Director and Participants

Image 1.1 Together with the Al Qalam’s Executive Director and Participants

province of Maguindanao primarily because Maguindanao is the regional center of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The program ran from October 2015 – March 2016.

The series aimed to initiate discussion among key young Maguindanao Muslim and non-Muslim professionals to further enhance and strengthen the culture of dialogue and cultural discourse among middle class of the society. Moreover, the series focused on a small group of targeted individuals and organizations. Specifically, the series aimed to:

  • Open up ways of communication towards the traditional leading structures among representatives of traditional clans and societal structures, who are not the traditional and political leaders, but young persons who have been exposed to new ideas (intellectuals) and between these representatives and CSOs.
    • ‘Soften up’ the traditional structures of society, make them more inclusive, open for new ideas, make traditional structures more participatory; and
    • Win young intellectuals for support for dialogue needed for continuing the peace process.

The topics of discussion in the series were as follows:

  1. Defining the Bangsamoro Identity (Date: October 21, 2015/Lead Discussant: Prof. Alih Aiyub, Bangsamoro Transition Commission-JICA)
  2. Defining the Roles of Traditional Leadership in Governance and in the Bangsamoro Peace Process (Date: November 11, 2015/Lead Discussant: Bai Sahara Salazar, MSU-Maguindanao)
  3. The Concept of Maslaha and Ungaya (Date: January 11, 2016/Lead Discussant: Yusuf Roque Morales, Ateneo de Zamboanga University)
  4. The Role of Islam in Peace Building (Date: February 9, 2016/Lead Discussant: Aleem Abu Huraira Udasan, Grand Mufti of the Bangsamoro)
  5. Ways Forward towards Transitional Justice and Reconciliation of the Bangsamoro (Date: March 30, 2016/Lead Discussant: Ishak V. Mastura, Transitional Justice & Reconciliation Commission)

All of these discussions were actively participated by young Muslim intellectuals, traditional leaders and CSO leaders (Muslim & non-Muslim) around Maguindanao with the help of our local partner organization Action for Advancement and Development of Mindanao (AFADMIN).

The organizer hopes that the snowball effect would produce concrete programs and activities in the different sectors, institutions, and communities in Maguindanao.

Titayan Symposium – “Bridging for Peace: Inclusive Political Transitions in the Bangsamoro”

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A New Era for the Bangsamoro

Ateneo de Davao University thru Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia and University Community Extension and Advocacy Council (UCEAC) has recently played a major role in providing a venue for an ongoing conversation on peacebuilding in the Bangsamoro, and allowing stakeholders and civil society to participate in a sensitive discussion with experts in order to explore challenging issues in the peace process. The Titayan Symposium is a natural extension and expansion of the Pakighinabi

Partners

Image 1.1 Our Partners expressed their thoughts on the stage

series, maximizing the safe ground that exists in the Ateneo de Davao University, particularly important for such a delicate issue as political transition and the Bangsamoro peace process. The symposium was conducted on 21-23 April 2016, held at the Finster Auditorium, Ateneo de Davao University.

“Titayan” is a Maguindanaoan/Iranun word for “bridge” and represents our understanding that the current challenges need to be addressed through dialogue. The activity provided a space for genuine dialogue, hosted and convened by credible entities, the Friends of Peace headed by Cardinal Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI, and Ateneo de Davao University.

The event successfully achieved its goal which is to organize an inclusive and transformative dialogue with substantive stakeholders in the peace process in order to connect the achievements of the peace process so far with the next phase of peacebuilding after the national elections. This dialogue was actively participated by peacebuilders within and outside the Bangsamoro who gathered and

Performers

Image 1.2 As Performers played their acoustic role

had prepared, as an output of the 3-day activity, twelve (12) Titayan Action Plans that aim to create and contribute to the Political Process/Conversation, and these can be grouped according to the four(4) major platform themes, viz.: (1) Engaging the new administration to protect the CAB (Comprehensive Agreementon the Bangsamoro); (2) Bridging and binding for common ground/consolidated agreements; (3) Widening participation of women, religious leaders and IPs; and (4) Ensuring CAB implementation through TJR (Transitional Justice and Reconciliation), Normalization and Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP).