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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 8, No. 7
Publication Date: July 25, 2021
DOI:10.14738/assrj.87.10441. Mayasa, S. D., Manalasal, A. S., Fiesta, M. D., & Butuan, O. S. (2021). The Implementation of Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (Armm) Programs and Projects for Moro National Liberation Front (Mnlf) Community in Maguindanao Province.
Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 8(7). 192-208.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
The Implementation of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
(Armm) Programs and Projects for Moro National Liberation
Front (Mnlf) Community in Maguindanao Province
Samsiya D. Mayasa
Mindanao State University-Maguindanao
Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
Abdulmanan S. Manalasal
Ministry of Labor and Employment, BARMM
Margie D. Fiesta
Mindanao State University-Maguindanao, Dalican
Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
Omar S. Butuan
Mindanao State University-Maguindanao, Dalican
Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
ABSTRACT
This study aims to determine the ARMM programs and projects implementation to
MNLF identified communities in the province of Maguindanao during the year
periods of 2013 to 2017. Specifically, this study attempts to determine the programs
and projects of ARMM to MNLF identified communities; how the implementing
offices and agencies of ARMM implement these programs and projects to the MNLF- respondents; the extent of benefits do MNLF respondents have obtained from these
programs and projects in terms of: (a) Livelihood (b) Health and (c) education; the
problems encountered by the MNLF-respondents during the implementation of
these programs and projects; and the prepared alternatives/solutions to these
problems. This study further used the combination of “Quantitative and
Qualitative” analysis of data. The respondents were the MNLF-Field Commanders
and identified MNLF community leaders in Maguindanao Province. The Purposive
Sampling was used because only One Hundred Fifty-Six (156) MNLF Commanders
and Leaders under Prof. Nur Misuari were used as sample respondents. The
findings show that there are serious problems that need to be addressed by the
national government on the implementation of the MOU signed by the OIC-GPh- MNLF tripartite process structure to monitor the implementation of the 1996 Peace
Agreement and the security, governance, economic activities, including the delivery
of social services in the conflict-affected areas. Thus, the government specially,
ARMM is tasked to formulate and oversee programs and projects implementation
in the cities, provinces and municipalities to improve the lives of the Moros and
MNLF combatants regardless of race, tribes and group or faction organization
affiliation. Hence as concluded further, various socio-economic activities of the
ARMM government found out failed or maybe failed again.
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Mayasa, S. D., Manalasal, A. S., Fiesta, M. D., & Butuan, O. S. (2021). The Implementation of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm)
Programs and Projects for Moro National Liberation Front (Mnlf) Community in Maguindanao Province. Advances in Social Sciences Research
Journal, 8(7). 192-208.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.87.10441
Keywords: Implementation, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM),
Programs and Projects, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Maguindanao Province
INTRODUCTION
The Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) formerly Office of the Regional
Commissioner (ORC) then to Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook (LTP) is a product of the efforts
of the Moro National Liberation Front. The countdown begins in the deaths and distraction
brought forth by the turbulent years from 1968-1971 and the climate of fear created by the
declaration of Martial Law had both its negative and positive effects upon the Moros and the
Students in particular.
The struggle was inevitable. As long as a man was aware of his obligation to the Almighty, to his
people and to himself, he would never be at peace even with himself. Men of this persuasion
first made a declaration to fight for their people, homeland and Islam. Then they went abroad
to train in military warfare. Third, after returning home, they effected an alliance with the broad
Spectrum of society and formed the MNLF. And fourth, they set the timetable to fight back and
start the war [1].
It was not long after that many Moro student organization began to sprout in metropolitan
Manila, the nerve-center of student activism. Some of these organizations were the Union of
Islamic Forces and Organizations (UIFO) under student leader and later lawyer Macapanton
Abbas Jr.; the Muslim Progress Movement (MPM) led by Dr. Alunan C. Glang; the Philippine
Muslim Nationalist League (PMNL) spearheaded by UP Instructor Nur P. Misuari; and many
other youth organization, very soon the disillusionment of these activist came to surface in
early 1970. They were particularly cynical and disheartened by the continued lip- service of
their leaders, both traditional and political stripes. In May 1970, the Moro youth activists
convened the first Muslim Youth Assembly in Zamboanga City, where they denounced the evils
of the day. They exhibited an anti- government posture and called on the Moro youths to take
the lead [2].
Overseas, the Moro students in Cairo, Egypt, despite being detached from their homeland by
thousands of mile, were in fact much ahead in the need to form themselves into an organization,
initially in response to their basic requirements as students. This later development into a
vehicle to bring forth to the international forum the sad plight of their people. In 1962, the
Philippine Students Union (PSU) was formed in Cairo, Egypt. The leading personalities were
Salamat Hashim of Cotabato, Abdulbaki Abubakar of Sulu, Mahid Mutilan of Lanao, Ibrahim
Abdulrahman and Khalifa Nando, also of Cotabato. Other organizations also cropped up later in
other Arab capitals, but were not as politicalized and representative as the PSU. Either the
membership was limited to an ethnic group or was purely religious in intention.
The 1968 in Jabidah Massacre easily was the main “eye-power,” which evoked much disgust
that revived the old fears that under Filipino rule the Moros were not safe. It was followed by
the founding of the Mindanao Independence Movement by Datu Udtog Matalam in 1968, the
1970-1971 series of massacres of Muslims in Mindanao and finally by the declaration of Martial
Law in 1972. All these incidents were highly exceptional circumstances that no rational person,
lest of all a Moro could ignore and leave everything to chance [3].
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Birth of the Moro National Liberation Front —It was not until early 1973 that the Moro National
Liberation Front (MNLF) was made public and started to claim credit for the series of fighting
in Mindanao and Sulu. In Cotabato, the early statements or press releases of the rebels were
issued in the name of the High Command of the Moro Fighters. Before that, the name and
identity of the Front was even more shrouded in mystery [6].
The founding of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was made in 1969 by young secular
minded Moro student and professionals in Manila. The decision was consummate for the stakes
were high and laden with dangers. But it was not a carelessly thought-out decision. In Fact,
under the prevailing circumstances, there was no other recourse except to organize, mobilize
and fight to survive. After a while, a seven-man Provisional Central Committee was organized
with Nur Misuari as Chairman and Abulkhayr Alonto as Vice Chairman. The other major
portfolios were given to Otto Salahudin of Basilan, Ali Alibon of Davao, Lumet Hassan (“King
Size”) of Cotabato and Sali Wali of Zamboanga. Salamat Hashim was tasked to head the
undivided Empire Province of Cotabato where a provincial committee was set up immediately
[3].
This study aims to determine the ARMM programs and projects implementation to MNLF
identified communities in the province of Maguindanao during the year periods of 2013 to
2017. Specifically, this study attempts to determine the programs and projects of ARMM to
MNLF identified communities; how the implementing offices and agencies of ARMM implement
these programs and projects to the MNLF-respondents; the extent of benefits do MNLF
respondents have obtained from these programs and projects in terms of: (a) Livelihood (b)
Health and (c) education; the problems encountered by the MNLF-respondents during the
implementation of these programs and projects; and the prepared alternatives/solutions to
these problems.
This study utilized the descriptive method of research. It is a research design which helped the
researcher to describe the respondent’s experience and perception on the implementation of
the programs and projects of ARMM government for the Moro National Liberation Front
(MNLF) combatants and communities.
This study further used the combination of “Quantitative and Qualitative” analysis of data
because there are data from the result of the “Focal-Grouped Discussion (FGD)” that answered
according to human experienced. As qualitative emphasized in-depth description of people or
events and their interpretation of experiences [4]. Furthermore, the mixed words, pictures and
narratives can be used to add meaning to numbers” [5] hence, it is appropriated in this study.
The respondents were the MNLF-Field Commanders and identified MNLF community leaders
in Maguindanao Province. The Purposive Sampling was used because only One Hundred Fifty- Six (156) MNLF Commanders and Leaders under Prof. Nur Misuari were used as sample
respondents. The researchers used the questionnaire as instrument of this study. Its First Part
was a checklist to identify the Programs and Projects of ARMM in terms of livelihood, health
and education. The Second Part was a narration of how the MNLF-respondents asked assistance
to the ARMM government. The open-ended statements of the respondents were indicated. It
interpreted as follows: “Most Common Testimonies”, “More Common Testimonies”, Common
Testimonies”, and “Only Few Common Testimonies” were used to describe the respondents’
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Mayasa, S. D., Manalasal, A. S., Fiesta, M. D., & Butuan, O. S. (2021). The Implementation of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm)
Programs and Projects for Moro National Liberation Front (Mnlf) Community in Maguindanao Province. Advances in Social Sciences Research
Journal, 8(7). 192-208.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.87.10441
distinction between majority and minority similarities of their narrated experiences. The Third
Portion was to determine the extent of benefits from the programs and projects.
The following descriptive statistical instruments were used to analyze the data obtained from
the respondents. Freqency and Percent were used to determine the programs and projects in
terms of livelihood, health and education of which the MNLF communities benefited. Weighted
Mean Statistics was used to determine the extent of benefits of MNLF-communities from the
programs and projects of ARMM government.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
I. Programs and projects of armm to mnlf community
The programs and projects presented below are among the mandates of the ARMM government
for the Bangsamoro propel particularly to MNLF combatants and identified communities.
Table 1. Table Showing the Programs and Projects of ARMM on Livelihood
Indicators Frequency Percent
(%)
Rank
1. Farm’s Rice, Corn, Vegetables and Fruits
Seedlings 55 35.26 1
2. Farm’s Chemical for Productions 33 21.15 2
3. Farm’s Equipment 21 13.46 3
4. Farm’s Facilities 16 10.26 4
5. Livestock & Animal Raising Assistance 10 6.41 5
6. Livelihood Assistance for Women 8 5.29 6
7. Assistance to Fisher Folks 6 3.85 7
8. Credit Access Assistance for Small
Entrepreneur
9. Other forms of assistance
4
2
2.56
1.28
8
9
10. Livelihood Assistance for Youth
1 0.64 10
Total 156 100.00
As shown in Table 1, the number rank livelihood programs and projects was to give farm rice,
corn and vegetables seeds and fruits seedlings which gained 35.26%, second in rank was on
giving farms chemicals for farms production with 21.15%, farm equipment with 13.46% and
farm facilities with 10.26%. However, it indicated that only small part of 156 total MNLF
respondents which is 55 or 35.26% benefited the said livelihood programs. In fact, only 10
(6.41%) MNLF individual had livestock and animal raising in the community. This finding
shows poor implementation of the MNLF-Government peace agreement for socio-economic to
improve the lives of the MNLF combatants upon returning to the fold of the government (GRP- MNLF Peace Agreement in 1996). This agreement continues to set up a fund mechanism to
pursue economic development in southern Philippines which is being supported by the Office
of the Islamic Conference (OIC). “It is in this light that Executive Order 872 creating the
Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund (BDAF) was signed by President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo on March 16, 2010 as the implementing arm for the economic catch-up plan on the
implementation of the 1996 GRP-MNLF Agreement”.
Also, the study’s findings are very much alarming to the genuine intention of the peace
agreement in terms of livelihood assistance for the MNLF women (8 or 5.29%) and youth (1 or
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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 8, Issue 7, July-2021
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0.64%) of which the government’s prime duty is to improve living conditions of the people
particularly youth since “Ang Kabataan ay Pag-asa ng Bayan” (the youth is the future of the
land) and it ranked last of the 10 item indictors of this study.
Thus, the data shows that the implementation of ARMM government programs and projects to
improve the livelihoods of MNLF combatants and communities have nothing to do their lives to
improve their living condition.
Table 2. Table Showing the Programs and Projects of ARMM on Health
Indicators Frequency Percent (%) Rank
1. Conducts Family Planning Forums 156 100.00 1
2. Conducts Training for Community
Health Workers
138 99.30 2
3. Free Medicines 136 97.80 3
4. Free Medical Check-up 130 93.50 4
5. Brgy. Nutrition Station 118 80.00 5
6. Free Regular Check-up 103 74.10 6
7. Functional Brgy. Health Center 102 73.40 7
8. Functional Health Care Centers 98 70.50 8
9. Brgy. Birthing Facility 64 46.00 9
10. Other Health Programs and Projects 2 1.40 10
Table 2 shows the second programs and projects of ARMM government in terms of Health
assistance. The findings indicated that the ARMM leadership gave more emphasis on Family
Planning Advocacy Program which has rated 100% and number-one in rank, followed by a
provision as stated as: Conducted Community Health Workers rated 99.3% which was second
in rank and a statement which gave free medicines with 97.8% rating and third in the rank. The
other programs on Health that rated above majority of the whole 156 MNLF-respondents were:
Free medical check-up (93.5%) fourth rank and Brgy. Nutrition Station (80%) fifth in rank. This
was justified by the result of the findings that free regular check-up (74.10%) and Functional
Barangay Health Centers (70.50%) obtained higher ratings which were sixth and seventh in
ranks. The good findings of this study maybe due to the 2016 Capacity Building Program
Cooperative Training-Workshop for Payapa, Masaganang Pamayanan for MNLF Communities
(PAMANA for MNLF) conducted by DOST-ARMM on September 19-28, 2016. One of the purpose
of this training-workshop is strengthening good Health Nutrition and Sanitation and to provide
Birthing Facilities, Provisions of Medicines, as well as informing them that there will be
deployment of Health Personnel and Midwifery in the area of Maguindanao Province.
However, other health programs and projects (1.40%) like birthing facilities (40%) was rated
the lowest percentage of the whole respondents. It means, not all programs related to health is
well implemented and people are benefited in the areas where MNLF communities are living.
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Mayasa, S. D., Manalasal, A. S., Fiesta, M. D., & Butuan, O. S. (2021). The Implementation of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm)
Programs and Projects for Moro National Liberation Front (Mnlf) Community in Maguindanao Province. Advances in Social Sciences Research
Journal, 8(7). 192-208.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.87.10441
Table 3. Table Showing the Programs and Projects of ARMM on Education
Indicators Frequency Percent (%) Rank
1. Supplemental Food Feeding Program 120 86.30 1
2. Madrasah Buildings and Facility 100 71.90 2
3. Functional Day Care Center 97 69.80 3
4. School Supplies for MNLF School
Children
95 68.30 4
5. Functional Community Learning
Center
77 55.40 5
6. Other Education Assistance 10 7.00 6
7. Scholarship Programs (Local/Foreign) 9 6.50 7.5
8. Education Programs for MNLF
Combatants
9 6.50 7.5
9. Technical Skills Programs for MNLF
Communities
7 5.00 9
10. Other members of the family 4 2.90 10
The third programs and projects of the ARMM government is on Education presented in Table
3. As indicated, the number-one implemented programs of the ARMM government was
Supplemental Food Feeding Program (86.30%), followed by Madrasah Buildings and Facilities
(71.90%), Functional Day Care Center (69.80%) School Supplies for MNLF school children
(68.3%) and Functional Community Learning Center (55.4%). The findings of this study
implied the goals of ARMM-HELPS in the construction of school facilities are validated true in
relation to implementation.
On the other hand, the MNLF communities rated very low to Educational Tour (2.9%), Training
for Technical Skills (5%), Educational Programs for MNLF combatants (6.5%) and Scholarship
Programs both local and foreign (6.5%). This could be implied again that there is still need to
strengthen the educational programs of ARMM government particularly stated above programs
on education of which the MNLF is need now.
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Mayasa, S. D., Manalasal, A. S., Fiesta, M. D., & Butuan, O. S. (2021). The Implementation of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm)
Programs and Projects for Moro National Liberation Front (Mnlf) Community in Maguindanao Province. Advances in Social Sciences Research
Journal, 8(7). 192-208.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.87.10441
Legend:
Most Common Testimonies (More than majority of the respondents are similar testimonies)
More Common Testimonies (Majority of the respondents are similar testimonies)
Common Testimonies (Some of the respondents’ testimonies are similar)
Only Few Common Testimonies (Less than 10 of the respondents’ testimonies are similar)
The result of the Focus-Grouped Discussion (FGD) among members of the identified MNLF
commanders and MNLF-Civilian leaders were presented on Table 4. As shown in the Table, the
“More Common Testimonies” of the respondents had said few supplies on farm chemicals
which means, majority of them has the same or similar testimonies. It implies that ARMM
government had given few supply of farm chemicals to MNLF identified communities in the
localities of Maguindanao Province. Thus, the FGD result stated that, there was “Common
Testimonies” of respondents on No program on education in farming, fishing and other source
of agriculture, No programs about livestock like carabao, cow, goat and the like, No supply of
seeds of corn, rice, vegetables and seedling of fruit trees.
The findings can be generally stated by the MNLF-respondents that these livelihood programs
of ARMM government were not implemented to the MNLF beneficiaries. As reflected in
PAMANA provision, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is focused on
providing development interventions and socio-economic packages to conflict-affected areas
in the region. One of its components is PAMANA for Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)
Communities with specific focus on the provision of socio-economic and development
interventions in support to the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between
the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro National Liberation
Front (MNLF) and ensuring security of the communities.
However, the FGD conclusively stated that, “Only Few” MNLF-respondents had testified that
programs and projects are well implemented. In fact, the ARMM government “directed us to
submit listing of families for assistance but no helped (groceries) came in. “We also organized
cooperatives to seek assistance but nothing happened. Also during FGD about “Giving of
pumboat engine in fishing, Kubota engine for farming, small bodega and solar drier “had only
few respondents confirmed the testimonies. Meaning, very small group of MNLF-respondents
availed these supplies.
On the programs implementation of ARMM government on Health, the FGD results stated that
there was “More Common Testimonies Saying: The Clinics have health workers to do their task
once a week” and for the 4Ps every group has leader that help every beneficiary and be given a
share in cash. Meaning, more than majority of the respondents have already experienced this
kind of system implementation program in the field.
However, as FGD results give further analysis that the “Common Testimonies” of the MNLF- respondents “that the government gave them PhilHealth for free hospitalization and giving of
free medicines such as colds, stomachache, headache and diarrhea had given to them with
condition. Meaning, the kamag-anak at kakampi system had given priority to enjoy the
program. On Education, the FGD results presented that there was a “Common Testimonies” that
school supplies such as notebook, papers, ballpens, colors and bag were given to the children
of MNLF and there was also teaching of parents including wife of MNLF combatants in terms of
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2.50-3.49- Less Evident (When the programs on health condition of people is observed
sometimes)
1.50-2.49- Least Evident (When the programs on health condition of people is observed
seldom)
1.00-1.49- No Evident (When there is no presence of health programs)
Table 6 shows the findings on the extent of benefits obtained by the MNLF-respondents from
the programs and projects of ARMM government. As indicated in the Table, the programs and
projects in terms of health was rated as “Less Evident” (2.38) meaning, the health programs of
the government have shown minimal when it comes to implementation. Further discussion
stated, they are hopeless to wait the promise of the government to improve their lives
physically healthy as every human being is longing for.
In fact, the respondents rated “No Evident” (1.35) on: Establishing Community Health Center in
the MNLF-Community and supplying facilities in sanitation (1.42). This finding indicates that
the program of the government to give accessible health care center to hinterland place is a
failure.
Other indicators such as: Provides free medicines for MNLF Communities (1.57) and puts-up
potable water pumps for drinking to MNLF communities (1.51) were rated as “Least Evident”.
Meaning, the health assistance of the government is seldom in MNLF communities.
However, there was “Evident” rating on, organizing community health sanitation (2.82) and to
ensure that they are PhilHealth beneficiaries (3.69). It means the education campaign on health
programs are observed in this area.