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Konrad Adenauer Stiftung sponsored a conference on Creating Mechanisms of Support and Cooperation with Muslim Local Government and Enhancing Development Intervention for Muslim Communities in partnership with the Muslim League of Cities, Municipalities and Communities of the Philippines. Secretary Angelo Reyes, Department of Interior and Local Government, gave the keynote speech on the first day of the conference. Reyes briefed the Muslim mayors on the National Government’s projects in Mindanao, particularly those in the Muslim areas. During the open forum, he addressed issues raised by the mayors on managing their own local governments, enhancing coordination between the Department of Interior and Local Government, as well as peace and security at the national and local level and simplification of processes and procedures for implementing development projects in Mindanao.

Secretary Rigoberto Tiglao, Head of the Presidential Management Staff, gave the keynote speech on the second day. As Representative of the Office of the President, Tiglao reiterated the continued interest and commitment of the President to promoting peace and development in Mindanao, highlighting the Muslim areas in as high on the current Administration’s list of priorities. The issues that were subsequently discussed included the on-going peace process, projects in and for Mindanao, issues of security and improving the relationship and enhancing coordination between Muslim mayors and the Office of the President.

Other speakers included Professor Federico Macaranas, Head of the AIM Policy Center, who gave a lecture on ways to improve the competitiveness of cities and municipalities, and Segundo E. Romero, Executive Vice President of the Development Academy of the Philippines, who gave a presentation on best practices for local governance.

This was the second capacity-building seminar held by KAS in cooperation with the Muslim League, an association founded in September 2003 with KAS support.

Pictured: Secretary Angelo Reyes, Department of Interior and Local Government