IAG Research and Publications

Ateneo Zamboanga-Mindanao Institute, in partnership with Institute for Autonomy and Governance, presents "𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗼: 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝟲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀,” a public forum that brings together policymakers, public officials, researchers and advocates to reflect on the gains, gaps, and governance lessons from the M**F-led transition.

🗓️ 27 August 2025
⏰ 9:00AM–12NN via Zoom
🔗 Pre-register: bit.ly/BARMMReportForum

This session features IAG’s newly released report, “The Bangsamoro Transition Authority and the Forging of an Autonomous Regional Government in Muslim Mindanao,” co-authored by David G. Timberman and Yasmira Moner.

📖 Download the full report: bit.ly/BARMMTransitionReview

This event is free and open to the public. We welcome your insights as we look toward the next chapter of regional autonomy.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗺 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 will be available in printed edition by September 2025. This timely publication offers a detailed examination of the BTA’s institutional evolution and the broader regional transition toward autonomy.
Intended for use in libraries, policy forums, academic institutions, and community dialogues, the print edition is designed to serve as an enduring resource for scholars, practitioners, and peacebuilding advocates engaged in the Bangsamoro.

Availability & Distribution:

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘀, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.

𝗖𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗔𝗚 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁.

𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁’𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲.

The digital edition remains freely accessible online: https://bit.ly/BARMMTransitionReview

𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗼

Cotabato City, Philippines – July 30, 2025 – The Institute for Autonomy and Governance released today an independent assessment of governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The report offers the first comprehensive review of the six-year transition under the M**F-led Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). The report examines a pivotal period in Muslim Mindanao’s journey toward autonomous regional governance, peacebuilding, and socio-economic development.

Co-authored by seasoned political analysts David G. Timberman and Yasmira Moner, “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗺 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼” provides nuanced insights into the complexities of “rebel-to-ruler” transitions, multi-layered political identities, and the performance of the BTA in delivering on its mandate. The report draws from over 50 interviews with government and civil society actors, extensive research, and a stakeholder validation workshop.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

The report identifies six broad achievements during the transition:

•The M**F-led BTA introduced moral governance and a parliamentary system, setting it apart from typical regional governance models nationwide.
•Despite crises such as the Marawi siege and COVID-19 disruptions, the BTA showed adaptability, resilience and continuity in leadership.
•Internal factionalism was contained, avoiding destabilizing splits within M**F ranks.
•The establishment of BARMM institutions—including the parliament, 15 ministries and numerous commissions—laid the foundation for regional autonomy. The BTA has enacted 6 of the 7 codes mandated by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) as well as annual budgets and numerous other laws,
•Inclusive governance saw gains through representation of youth, women, non-Moro Indigenous Peoples, and Christian settlers.
•Poverty reduction and a decline in vertical conflict has resulted in modest but meaningful progress in social development.

𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱

Yet the report warns of persistent challenges that could erode the progress made:

•Perceptions of Maguindanaon dominance and neglect of the “BASULTA” island provinces (Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi) threaten the autonomous region’s cohesion.
•Budget underspending, bureaucratic inexperience, and delayed normalization have hampered the delivery of government services, which has placed a drag on the region’s socio-economic development and damaged the credibility of the government.
•Heavy reliance on moral governance alone has proven insufficient to address corruption, requiring more robust accountability frameworks.
•Policies and programs to promote socio-economic development remain piecemeal and suffer from poor implementation.

The report also underscores that the success of the BARMM government depends heavily on the national government’s engagement. It applauds the successive administrations for their continued support for regional autonomy, including the passage of the BOL, the provision of the block grant and support given for the development of BARMM institutions. And it credits both the national government and the BTA for establishing a useful mechanism for ensuring productive inter-governmental relations. But the report also notes that the national government’s role has been marked by uneven supervision, a tolerance of legal ambiguity, delays in honoring its commitment to support normalization, and its willingness to intervene in the M**F’s factional politics.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱

With Sulu's recent exit from the BARMM and continuing calls for more inclusive representation, better governance and socio-economic development, the upcoming parliamentary elections present both a challenge and a chance for renewal. The new, elected BARMM government will need to successfully address a variety of challenges, including:

•Managing more genuine and complex parliamentary politics.
•Strengthening public financial management and the delivery of government services.
•Developing more cooperative and productive relations with local governments in the BARMM.
•Ensuring the meaningful participation of all Moro tribes, non-Moro Indigenous Peoples, women and youth.
•Designing and implementing pro-poor development strategies and programs.

𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

“This independent assessment highlights the successes within BARMM that must be sustained, the challenges that require attention, and the opportunities that the new regional parliamentary government alongside national government, the local government units and key stakeholders, must seize to fulfill the promise of peace and development enshrined in the peace agreements and public policies,” said Atty. Benedicto Bacani, Executive Director of IAG.

Funded by Australia in The Philippines, this study reinforces IAG’s commitment to informed political dialogue and inclusive governance in Mindanao.

DOWNLOAD: https://bit.ly/BARMMTransitionReview

A must-read for those who shape policy and those who live its impact. IAG's independent review of the 6-year BARMM transition launches soon. Want it in your inbox once it drops? PM us your email.

"The longer we hold off elections, the more we entrench a culture where people without public mandates feel entitled to public funds and to political office. Public funds are regarded more as 'war booties' than public funds. In this environment, moral governance is a slogan without structures and policies to enforce it. Autonomy is a privilege than a regime of accountability."

As the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) moves towards its historic first parliamentary election in 2025, the lessons learned from the ARMM's experience are more relevant than ever. This brief provides a critical analysis of the challenges and opportunities in establishing effective regional governance, particularly in the context of transitioning from a unitary system. It explores the essential components of regional autonomy, including the division of powers, fiscal management, and intergovernmental cooperation.

Download: https://iag.org.ph/think/2023-policy-brief-lessons-for-creating-regional-governments

"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐏'𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤" is the essential, user-friendly guide for anyone navigating the Bangsamoro parliamentary system, especially first-time Members of Parliament. As the BARMM prepares for its historic 2025 elections, this practical manual provides clear explanations of parliamentary procedures, roles, and responsibilities. Designed for accessibility, it empowers MPs and parliamentary staff with the tools needed for effective governance and meaningful contributions to the region's development.

𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲: https://bit.ly/MPgreenbook

NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD

Policy Brief: Harnessing Indigenous Storytelling for Advocacy and Cultural Preservation

Authored by Dr. Fraulein A. Oclarit, this policy brief delves into the transformative power of Indigenous storytelling in advocacy and cultural preservation. It highlights key learnings from the Institute for Autonomy and Governance Indigenous Youth Leadership Roadmap, emphasizing the importance of documenting and sharing Indigenous narratives to address pressing issues such as land rights, cultural preservation, and social justice. The brief advocates for policy support to institutionalize storytelling as a central component of advocacy strategies, education systems, and cultural preservation initiatives. By promoting Indigenous storytelling, the brief aims to ensure the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and empower Indigenous communities to reclaim their narratives and drive meaningful change.

Link: https://bit.ly/IPstorytelling

Also in print soon with the generous support of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Philippines Office.

This report assesses the viability of making the SGA a province in BARMM and its potential impact on the 2025 elections. The report stresses the importance of congressional approval and community engagement for this change.

READ: https://iag.org.ph/think/2015-elevating-sga-to-a-province

PANOORIN: Tinalakay sa Facts First ni Christian Esguerra kasama si IAG senior researcher Noor Saada ang resulta ng survey ng IAG Research kung saan lumalabas na karamihan sa mga boboto sa paparating na halalan sa 2025 sa BARMM ay kulang ang kaalaman tungkol sa bagong sistema ng pagboto sa halalang parlamentaryo sa rehiyon.

Survey: Most BARMM voters still clueless about 2025 parliamentary election

This comprehensive report presents findings from a survey conducted among 3,072 likely voters across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from April 29 to May 14, 2024. It includes essential insights into voter profiles, the electorate's readiness for the 2025 polls, sources of information regarding political parties, top issues and concerns of likely voters, reasons motivating party selection, and opportunities for election stakeholders based on these findings.

DOWNLOAD: https://iag.org.ph/think/1995-setting-baselines-preparing-the-barmm-electorate-for-the-first-ever-regional-parliamentary-elections-in-2025

IAG Research's survey of BARMM voters out June 20, 2024! Insights from groundbreaking report reveal profiles, 2025 election readiness, party info sources, top concerns, party selection reasons, and stakeholder opportunities. Crucial for BARMM's 2025 elections prep!