Everybody knows that after the conclusion of the GRP-MNLF negotiation in the course of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement another negotiation had took place. Almost ten years of negotiation, the 13th Exploratory Talks of the GRP-MILF negotiation considered most susceptible one. Most of the people have negative expectations and prospects following the so-called deadlock and standoff in the said talks. Others think of another large scale armed confrontation should take place after the deadlock. For the reasons of deadlock, almost everybody was updated on the specific issues lead to the breakdown in the talks. As of writing this paper, situation in the field remain normal but the possibilities of another armed encounters still have the potential to occur.

In reaction to the impasse, civil society organizations responded the issue through coming up with their positions and comments. Citing the first paragraph of the position paper of UNYPAD in the recent standoff in the GRP-MILF negotiation dated October 04, 2006, thus, “Firmly believing that negotiation is the most civilized and practical way of resolving the conflict in Mindanao, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) readily accepted the invitation of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) for a peace negotiation.” UNYPAD remain steadfast for this stand but we cannot deny the fact that UNYPAD is just a modest part of youth organizations in Mindanao.

Nonetheless, consulting young Moro leaders is deemed necessary as surely successor of these predecessors. One Moro youth leader who preferred to be anonymous, analyzed the deadlock of GRP-MILF talks in a positive outlook. Accordingly, despite the contradiction in the process, the ground is now open to explore new formulas that may lead to genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao. Youth are one of those potential sectors that may render and share new formulas in resolving the conflict in Mindanao, thus, break the impending impasse. The essence of this rational picture can only be realized through conduction of CONSULTATION among and between the young Moro leaders of Mindanao. This initiative adopts a participatory and consensus building process among the young Moro leaders towards peace building in Mindanao.

Objectives

The main objective of this activity is to provide the young Moro leaders of Mindanao a conducive and participative space to discuss their personal views and bring out their comments on this Mindanao political problem. Specifically aims to solidify the collective support efforts among youth leaders. At the end of the workshop, we expect to come up with collective and comprehensive youth resolution on the issue of peace-building in Mindanao.

Mechanics/Methodology

This project is a usual consultation which is the young Moro leaders should be highlighted as they are the one to be consulted. There will be speakers to be invited and speaks before the young leaders on the substantial content of the negotiation both from the government, civil society and the MILF. Possible panel of reactors are also giving emphasis for deeper understanding on the topics to be presented by the speakers. It will be followed by the workshops among young Moro leaders. Presentation should come later.

Given the large number of participants, participants will be divided into small group for more closer and participatory workshops. The last part of the program should be allotted time to collate the results of their workshop which include recommendations.

Participants, Secretariat and Resource Persons

Participants will be coming from various parts of Mindanao such as; Maguindanao, Cotabato City, North Cotabato, Lanao areas and Marawi City, South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Davao City and Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley as well as coming from the Island Provinces like Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga.

Organizational representations will be given slots

Specifically, there will be a maximum of five (2) participants per area and one (1) each organizations. In the said areas and organizations, a total of forty-five (40) participants will be coming over excluding two (4) members of secretariat, five (8) members of organizer and additional five (5) speakers (composed of 2 speakers and 3 panel of reactors). Overall total number of participants is fifty-seven (57) attending the said conference.

Duration

It will be a 2-day conference-workshop. Afternoon of the Day zero will be the arrival and registration of the participants and preliminaries in the evening. The program will properly start in the morning of the Day 1. Speakers are expected to speak this day. The afternoon of the Day 1 will be allotted for the workshops. The morning of the Day 2 will be the presentation of workshops, wrap up and closing program. The rest of the day will be departure. Preferably, it will be before the check out time in the venue.

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