Philippine Facilitation Project

G. Eugene Martin and Astrid S. Tuminez hosted the fourth USIP-sponsored Young Moro Leaders' forum, held in Zamboanga City on October 26-28, 2006. The forum series' theme is: "The Bangsamoro Future: Prospects and Challenges."

Close to one hundred Moro leaders have participated in this series, which aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas and building of networks among the next generation of Moro leaders. Participants represented the major Islamized ethnic groups in the southern Philippines and Manila, and came from diverse walks of life and professions.

Topics discussed included Bangsamoro identity; the meaning of Moro self-determination; the role of religion in the Moro future; Islam and leadership; the Moros' relationship with the outside world; challenges to Moro unity, and the resources available to face those challenges.