Basilan Province Implements Localized Normalization Program: A Step Towards Sustainable Peace and Unity

Diane Hora | iMINDSPH

Basilan Province Implements Localized Normalization Program: A Step Towards Sustainable Peace and Unity Diane Hora Basilan — The provincial government of Basilan, under the leadership of Governor Jim Salliman and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, led by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of the Normalization Program in the province through a localized approach referred to as Localizing Normalization Implementation or L-N-I.

OPAPRU said the Normalization Program is a key component of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, aimed at transforming former MILF combatants into peaceful and productive civilians and creating prosperous and resilient communities in their areas.

Secretary Galvez said the LNI demonstrates a collective commitment to advancing and continuously promoting the gains of the peace process.

The OPAPRU states that the LNI aims to establish an effective management and implementation structure capable of delivering the Normalization Program through a localized yet holistic and integrated approach. It will be led locally and supported by interagency and national agencies to ensure its effectiveness.

The LNI concept depends on the local structure, as stated by the OPAPRU. Its framework is designed to tailor-fit and adapt to the peculiarities of LGUs in terms of capacity and coverage areas.

For the successful implementation of the Normalization Program at the local level, OPAPRU said it is crucial to establish local ownership and accountability of Local Government Units (LGUs) to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and is vital in ensuring the coordination of local initiatives as mandated by Executive Order 79 of 2019, which aims to enhance the involvement of all stakeholders at the community level.

OPAPRU said the Localizing Normalization Implementation (LNI) program is an impactful initiative that enables parties to customize their initiatives according to each community's specific needs and characteristics.

The program empowers local communities through its community-driven approach, fosters inclusivity, and guarantees sustainable and effective development efforts.

Basilan Governor Salliman Hataman said that the inspiration behind the development of the LNI in the province came from the provincial government's campaign against the Abu Sayyaf group.

According to the governor, 4,500 firearms have already been stenciled in the province of Basilan, with hundreds of weapons recovered throughout the entire province.

The Philippine Army's Western Mindanao Command also expressed full support for the implementation of the LNI.