The promised land is within our grasp

Some people think young Moros do not care about what’s happening around them. They assume that young Moros are so engrossed in self-indulgence as to ignore the advent of this new entity. But you know what, this is what I think.

Our ancestors envisioned this moment. Our warriors fought for it. Our people clamored and struggled for what is rightly ours. And now it is within our grasp, to hold and uplift: the promised land of the Bangsamoro.

The light at the end of the tunnel has never been as bright as it is today. Superficial it may be to casual observers, but for the Moro people who have been fighting for self-determination as well as those who have witnessed their struggle, there can only be overwhelming relief and joy.

The road to the Bangsamoro, including the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), has been lengthy and eventful—a history of hostilities, insurgencies and negotiations.

In between the twists and turns in the peace talks and before the game-changing Maguindanao massacre in 2009, the ARMM remained a controversial entity; it had been so starting from its conception. Apart from the conflicts that displaced tens of thousands of people, it was highlighted for its “weak” administration and “excessive” dependence on the national government, making it one of the most impoverished and underdeveloped regions in the country despite its abundant resources.

The infamous “ghost” projects involving livelihood, health, education, and infrastructure, among others, took their toll on the region’s socioeconomic situation. Gun possession was considered a status symbol and way of life, and the stockpiling of firearms became a confidence-booster in a twisted capacity. All these and more resulted in a dysfunctional government shrouded in impunity, prompting the degeneration of the supposed “autonomy.”

Many would say that the Maguindanao massacre was a wake-up call against depravity, but the truth is, people have been wide-eyed all this time. This was more of a push, an opportunity to realize that, indeed, we have been living in this system for too many years. It was time for the state to give the power back to the people.

Now, almost five years after the massacre, the spotlight is still on the ARMM—but this time for a different and pleasant representation. The reforms introduced under the direction of President Aquino have led to the new autonomous regional government. The change of leadership in the ARMM, like any other transition, is auspicious and crucial, as it demands the normalization of peace and security and the cessation of anomalies and irregularities that have blocked the region’s advancement. The administration of Gov. Mujiv Hataman is up to the task of regaining the trust of its constituents, who have witnessed the abandonment of public service for self-interest.

As part of the first phase of the reform agenda, the ARMM has been working to convert all “ghost” projects into concrete, effective and impeccable results. ARMM HELPS (health, education, livelihood, peace and governance, and synergy) Convergence is an approach to strengthen priority programs in barangays and to bring regional government services to the grassroots and remote areas. It must also be underlined as the sole office in the region that ensures and boosts the protection and promotion of human rights of all ARMM residents.

The second phase of the reform agenda is focused more on revitalizing the region in preparation for a smooth transition to the Bangsamoro. Considering the renewed confidence of the region and the strengthened linkages to partners, the ARMM’s investment generation went up in 2012 and 2013 with an outlay of P569 million and P1.46 billion, respectively. With the signing of the peace agreement, the Regional Board of Investment registered a record-breaking P1.45 billion worth of investments in the first quarter of 2014. And with the Bangsamoro Basic Law working its way through the legislative process, ARMM investments in the region have risen to an all-time high of P3.3 billion as of September.

The regional government has always been in support of the peace negotiations that eventually led to the new entity called the Bangsamoro. During the 2nd ARMM summit of local government units last February, which is probably the last for Governor Hataman, any doubt or apprehension was put to rest when he handed to President Aquino the LGU Resolution expressing support for the transition to the Bangsamoro government. The resolution stated that the status quo of conflict is unacceptable and that peace in Mindanao will benefit the Bangsamoro—and the whole Philippines, for that matter.

Still, as we look forward to these drastic changes as a political entity, the ARMM must remain faithful to its commitment of reform. The reform campaign must not end with the acknowledgement of the transition. As the regional government, it is mandated to ensure that the regional offices and LGUs perform their duties, that schools have sufficient classrooms and facilities, that health centers have proper equipment, that infrastructures are completed, and that the peace and order situation is normalized. The results should be seen and the impact should be felt, leading to individual and social advancement.

The region has not claimed a total reversal of its socioeconomic situation, but the changes are undeniably visible and tangible. Admittedly, there are still systems within the region that need change, but as long as the people get actively involved in this endeavor, the establishment of a critical civil society can be actualized.

The ARMM will not be a forgotten entity. The headlong surge for a holistic reformation toward a revitalized region is only a prelude to a better political entity that will serve and secure the welfare of its people. Peace, however you look at it, is not only an achievement but also a responsibility. Now, as we stand to witness these pivotal phases toward the Bangsamoro that hopefully will bring long-lasting peace and development, we can say that we have come to actualize that responsibility and that we have done something right by our people. Alhamdulillah (Praise be Allah)!

Maleiha Shahara D. Alim, 22, is a 2012 mass communications graduate of Ateneo de Davao University. She is currently working on a master’s degree in English at Notre Dame University and is employed as executive assistant at the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Regional Governor-ARMM.