[Member Highlight]: The Institute of Autonomy and Governance (IAG)

The Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) is an internationally recognized policy center based in Cotabato City, Philippines. Their mission is “to engage peoples, leaders and institutions in capacity building, dialogue and knowledge production towards evidence-based public policies and practices.” This is done through a variety of ways including the production of: semi-annual reviews, policy briefs, monographs, and the implementation of sustainable development programs.

IAG’s programs are anchored on the belief that the basic root of the conflict in Mindanao is injustice and underdevelopment; that it is essentially a political problem that requires a political solution; and evolving an effective and viable vehicle for Moro and Indigenous peoples’ self-determination is the core of this political solution.

1. Political Dialogue: IAG’s Political Dialogue program targets the promotion of political dialogue for peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Its primary focus is helping to build a stable political environment in support of the Mindanao peace process. This is carried out through positive engagement with political leaders, so they are better equipped to serve their constituents and spearhead processes for sustainable peace and development.

2. Mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in the BARMM: This program focuses on capacity building for the empowerment and strengthening of Indigenous peoples’ self-governance as well as advocacy for socio-legal and administrative reforms in the BARMM.

To learn more about IAG and the impactful work they do, check out their social media and website: Facebook: @iagorgph, Twitter: @IAGorgph, Instagram: @iagorgph, and website: iag.org.ph/