Peace Governance Expands: SGA Municipalities in BARMM Adopt Resolutions Supporting DPCW

A powerful movement for peace is taking root in the southern Philippines. Local governments in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are successively adopting resolutions to support the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) and Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL).

By embedding peace into local policy, these communities are successfully expanding grassroots, community-centered peace governance.

A Growing Chain of Local Resolutions

The momentum has been building rapidly across different municipal governments:

• Municipality of Kapalawan: Officially adopted Resolution No. 40, Series of 2025 on October 27, 2025.
• Municipality of Kadayangan: Passed Municipal Resolution No. 2025-045, Series of 2025 during the 10th Regular Session of the Second Sangguniang Bayan on December 1, 2025.

Through these official measures, both local governments have formally committed to promoting a culture of non-violence, mutual understanding, and cooperation rooted in law, dialogue, and education.

Education at the Core of Sustainable Peace

These legislative victories are the direct result of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on July 31, 2025. The historic agreement paired HWPL with the Schools Division of SGA under the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE-BARMM).

Following the signing, a robust peace education program launched across 116 local schools. This massive educational rollout is being driven by the leadership of Superintendent Edgar Sumapal and championed by Dr. Ali Zumbaga, the Peace Education Focal Person of SGA.

"Peace must be built on law and cooperation. Institutional frameworks and community cooperation are essential to preventing conflict and realizing sustainable peace."
— Dr. Ali Zumbaga, Peace Education Focal Person of SGA

 

United for Harmony

The political willpower driving these changes reflects a deep community desire for long-term stability. Hon. Datu Prince Salman Karon, Chair of the Committee on Education, Culture and Heritage—who sponsored the Kadayangan resolution—stressed the urgency of these initiatives. He noted that strengthening peacebuilding efforts is vital for the harmonious development of the local community.

With members of the Sangguniang Bayan actively backing these measures, the region is proving that lasting peace is best achieved when local government, educators, and citizens collaborate toward a shared vision.

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