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G-Watch is exploring to set up a multi-sectoral and multi-level citizen monitoring of key government programs and services in the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) learning from the three-decade old experience and knowledge of G-Watch adapted and customized in the unique context of BARMM.
On April 20-22 in Iligan City, G-Watch conducted a soft launch of the initiative ‘Enabling G-Watch Monitoring in BARMM’ and a briefing-orientation of volunteer-monitors from Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte.
Around 15 leaders from various sectors: women, youth, academe, media, NGO and former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters attended the orientation. Developing and approving next steps of action for G-Watch in Bangsamoro, the group is emerging as the local G-Watch core group in the area. Particularly, it is looking at initiating monitoring efforts in infrastructure and poverty reduction programs.
The two-day activity was one productive, energizing and inspiring kick-off activity of the initiative that advances accountability for BARMM that truly serves the Bangsamoro people. Fight for good governance and accountability is crucial to the success of the new Bangsamoro. As one of the co-hosts aplty put it: “The Moro’s struggle for right to self-determination does not end with the creation of the Bangsamoro. The Moro’s struggle for right to self-determination continues by freeing the Bangsamoro from the bondage of poverty and corruption.” The initiative’s new tagline captures the spirit of the group: “Jihad ko Ginawa. Jihad Ko Inged” [I struggle to make myself better to struggle in serving others].
Government Watch (G-Watch) is formerly a social accountability program of a university founded in 2000 that has rebooted into an independent national action research organization embedded in constituencies of civic and advocacy-oriented organizations. G-Watch aims to contribute in the deepening of democracy through action research on the scaling of accountability and citizen empowerment.