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Kusog Mindanaw, a socio-political and multi-sectoral formation with its roots as far as back as 1994, held its annual roundtable conference discussing the peace and development agenda for Mindanao (Mindanao 2020). This year’s activity was held last July 8 – 10 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City.

According to newly appointed Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), newly-elected President Benigno Aquino III, even before being elected, had Mindanao in his priorities. In President Aquino’s “Social Contract with the Filipino People” under Peace & Order states: “14. (of 16 points) From a disjointed, short-sighted Mindanao policy that merely reacts to events and incidents to one that seeks a broadly supported just peace and will redress decades of neglect of the Moro and other peoples of Mindanao.” She reminded participants that “OPAPP will not be an implementing agency but will work closely with the different agencies to carry it (President Aquino’s directives) out.” Secretary Deles shared President Aquino’s questions posted during their meeting: “Can we make a difference in people’s lives? Can they (the Filipino people) feel a difference early enough in his administration?”

During the workshop on “Mindanao 2020: A Peace and Development Framework Plan for Mindanao”, Ms Ella Antonio, project coordinator of Mindanao 2020 Team, facilitated discussion with more than 40 entities represented in this year’s roundtable conference. Participants were given the opportunity to input in the current draft of the agenda which is divided into five thematic areas: 1) Peace and Security, 2) Economy and Environment, 3) Human Development and Social Cohesion, 4) Governance, Institutions and Politics, and 5) Enabling Environment.

Participation included representatives of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Executive Secretary Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo), Mindanao Legislators Association (Congresswoman Maria Isabelle Climaco, Congressman Maximo Rodriguez), Confederation of Mindanao Governors, Municipal and City Mayors (CONFED-MINDANAO) (North Cotabato Governor Lala Talinio-Mendoza, Barira Municipality Vice-Mayor Alexander Tomawis), Mindanao Business Council (MBC), Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Networks (MINCODE), Bishop-Ulama Conference (BUC), Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW), academe, military (Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer and MGen. Anthony Alcantara), media, and indigenous peoples, among others.