Exploring the Effectiveness of Barangay Peace Initiatives in Promoting Peace and Development in Basilan Province, Philippines: Basis for PolicyMaking and Community Development

The study primarily aimed to explore the effectiveness of barangay peace initiatives in promoting peace and development in Al-barka Municipality, Basilan Province, Philippines. The study employed a purposive sampling technique to select key informants from selected barangays in Al-barka Municipality, who have been involved in the implementation of peace initiatives. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 30 key informants and 3 focus group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 30 participants, who were community members and beneficiaries of barangay peace initiatives. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the barangay peace initiatives implemented in Al-barka Municipality have contributed to the promotion of peace and development in the area, as perceived by the key informants and FGD participants. The study found that the implementation of barangay-level programs and projects such as peace education, livelihood programs, and community organizing have positively impacted the socio-economic conditions of the residents, improved community relations, and strengthened the local government's capacity to deliver basic services. However, the study also identified several challenges that hinder the effectiveness of the barangay peace initiatives, such as limited resources, inadequate training, and the persistence of local conflicts. These challenges highlight the need for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to barangay-level peacebuilding, which involves capacitybuilding for local officials and community leaders, and the establishment of multi-sectoral partnerships. Based on the study's findings, the authors recommend the development of policies and programs that strengthen the capacity of barangay officials to sustain peace and development initiatives, as well as the establishment of partnerships with various stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict in Al-barka Municipality, Basilan Province. The study concludes that barangay peace initiatives have a significant role in promoting peace and development in conflict-affected areas and should be sustained with the support of various stakeholders to achieve long-term and sustainable peace and development in Albarka Municipality and other conflict-affected areas in the Philippines