Localization of SCR 1325 and 1820 in the Philippines

By Kristine Lim Ang

The successful implementation of localization and capacity building workshops on United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1325 and 1820 in the Philippines in 2011 led the Global Network on Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) to conduct follow-up workshops, and introduce a new series of workshops in the country, between March 2012 and October 2012. In partnership with Women Engaged in Action on 1325 (WE Act 1325) and a number of other civil society groups and relevant government agencies, GNWP conducted follow-up workshops with municipal and barangay (village) officials and community-based organizations in the province of Real, Quezon from March 20 to 21, 2012, and with the aleemat and local government officials in Mindanao in collaboration with the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) and Noorus Salam on October 5, 2012. With the goal of reaching out to more local government officials and community-based organizations to advance the implementation of the Philippine NAP on UNSCR 1325 and 1820, a new series of workshops was conducted by GNWP and its partner organizations in the following cities / municipalities: Calbiga, Samar – March 23 – 24, 2012; Marawi City, Lanao del Sur – April 2 – 3, 2012; Tabuk, Kalinga – April 12 – 13, 2012; and Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija – May 3, 2012.

The workshops featured discussions on UNSCR 1325 and its supporting resolutions, the Philippine National Action Plan (P-NAP) on 1325, the Philippine peace and security situation, the development in the peace talks, women’s participation, as well as sessions on integrating provisions of the Philippine NAP on UNSCR 1325 and 1820 into barangay / municipal / provincial development plans. GNWP International Coordinator Ms. Mavic Cabrera-Balleza and WeAct 1325 Coordinator / Associate Director of Miriam College’s Center for Peace Education Ms. Jasmin Nario-Galace served as the main facilitators in the workshops, while representatives from different government agencies were invited to discuss the local peace and security situation, peace agenda and the local development planning process of their respective municipalities. As this local legislation and 1325 project is also being implemented in other countries such as Burundi, Colombia, Nepal and Sierra Leone, the participation of three members of Nepali Peace Support Working Group, namely Saathi President Ms. Bandana Rana, Secretary of the Nepali Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction Mr. Dhruba Prasad Sharma, and Joint Secretary of the Nepali Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction Mr. Sadhu Ram Sapkota in the local legislation and 1325 training workshop in Tabuk, Kalinga was part of the multi-country strategy of a South-South exchange which aims to foster a cross-learning component.

While “forging partnerships” with local government units, local women’s organizations and CSOs and other local leaders to ensure that all local actors are fully involved in the implementation of the National Action Plan on 1325 was the main focus of the workshop series, its desired outcome is the integration of the proposed legislations (Sangguniang Bayan / Panlalawigan Resolutions) crafted by the participants themselves during the workshops in the development plans of their respective communities to ensure the sustained implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 at the local level.