Review of Dinner Forum Lobbying on the Mindanao Concerns in "Imperial" Mindanao

Dinner Forum on Lobbying the Mindanao Concerns in "Imperial" Manila

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF) and the Mindanao Lobby, a Mindanao-focused, Manila-based advocacy group that lobbies for policy reforms that are favorable to Mindanao, held a dinner-forum entitled “Lobbying The Mindanao Concerns in Imperial Manila” on November 05 at the Mandarin Hotel in Makati City.

The gathering was designed as a coming together of concerned Manila-based Mindanaoans, key leaders of various Mindanao-based groups and friends of Mindanao who are interested in pushing the Mindanao Peace and Development agenda in their own sphere of influence. Basically, it was a meeting of peers and equals who all share a common interest of synchronizing efforts for better effectiveness in engaging the seat of power, that is now comfortably positioned in Manila.

Prominent Mindanaoans in the government also showed their support for the event. Among those who graced the occasion were Sen. Aquilino Pimentel, who was the keynote speaker, Agriculture Secretary Luis Lorenzo, Anti-Poverty Secretary Camilo Sabio, Telecommunications Commissioner Armi Jane Borje, Muslim Affairs Secretary Zamzamin Ampatuan and Presidential Assistant on Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles. Also in attendance were businessman Lito Lorenzana, MILF panelist Datu Mike Mastura, academic Dr. Antonio Roldan, Ms. Amina Rasul and ARMM Speaker Ibrahim Abubakar.

Mr. Klaus Preschle, KAF country representative, once again reiterated the Foundation’s commitment in helping Mindanao through their various Mindanao projects and programs. KAF partners like Federico Macaranas of AIM-Policy Center, Fr. Jojo Magadia, SJ of the Ateneo de Manila University and Mr. Benny Bacani of the Notre Dame University of Cotabato City were also present.

The forum was facilitated by Rey Magno Teves, Mindanao Lobby Convenor and TACDRUP Executive Director.