COTABATO CITY, BARMM – A renewed sense of unity and collaboration is energizing the Iranun corridor in Maguindanao del Norte, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with the relaunch of the Iranun Development Council (IDC). Mayors from the five-municipality alliance—Barira, Buldon, Matanog, Parang, and Sultan Mastura—formalized their commitment to joint development efforts by signing a memorandum of agreement and inaugurating the new IDC office in Parang on Wednesday, February 19.

Parang Mayor and IDC Chairman Cahar Ibay welcomed officials and NGO partners to the Iranun Palace, the new home of the IDC office. He emphasized that the revitalized council represents more than just a geographical area; it symbolizes the collective will of the Iranun people to work together for a brighter future.

The five municipalities comprising the IDC account for 51% of Maguindanao del Norte's total land area, encompassing just over 2,000 square kilometers. With a combined population of 240,106 (2020 data), the alliance holds significant potential for regional growth. The Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), with support from the Spanish Cooperation, is partnering with the IDC to enhance local governance and stimulate economic development in the corridor.

The signed memorandum of agreement commits the municipalities to collaborative efforts focused on local economic development. This includes the sustainable use of shared natural resources to create opportunities and improve living conditions for residents, while respecting the autonomy of each individual local government unit. IAG Executive Director Atty. Benedicto Bacani witnessed the signing alongside representatives from partner NGOs.

"We in the municipality of Barira are very happy because we have relaunched the IDC," said Barira Mayor Abdul Rauf Tomawis, recalling the council's past achievements. "Imagine if the IDC had continued, we might have accomplished so much in the Iranun corridor by now. It's unfortunate, but we are here again today, united, and it's a challenge to us mayors that hopefully this association of ours will continue because we saw from the people how happy they were when our Iranun leaders came together again.”

IDC Executive Director Sultan Saipona Zaman provided a historical overview of the IDC. Originally established in 2002 under the leadership of then Parang Mayor Ibrahim Ibay and launched by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the IDC saw a period of active engagement until 2013, followed by a period of inactivity. Initially formed to address the urgent needs of relief and rehabilitation following the 2001 conflict between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the IDC, under the leadership of former three-term Barira Mayor Alexander Tomawis, achieved notable milestones from 2010 onwards. These included the establishment of the Iranun Communication and Emergency Response Center (IRA511), the Iranun Supreme Council for Peace and Development (ISCPD), the Iranun Radio Station DXIB (100.7 Khz), and support for the registration of the Iranun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). In 2012, in partnership with IAG and Development Consultant (DevCon), and with support from the Australian Government, the IDC developed the Iranun Sustainable Integrated Area Development and the Iranun Agro-Industrial Growth Area (SIAD-IAGA) Plan.

While the SIAD-IAGA Plan was adopted, progress was hampered by a lack of peace infrastructure. The establishment of the BARMM in 2019 has provided a renewed opportunity to strengthen governance and promote inclusive economic development. The IDC is now well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity and work towards realizing its full potential.

"You will remember that our municipalities were the center of the fighting, especially my municipality which was really bombed by many cannons, so try to bomb it with a lot of development," said Matanog Mayor Zohria Bansil-Guro. "Because if we accepted the cannons, how much more development? That is why we are in the field of politics because peace for us is priceless and that is our commitment.” Pointing to her delegation, who wore green at the ceremony, she added, “I am proud of my green municipality, a sign of peace, prosperity, and hope. I hope that we will achieve our ultimate goal of lasting peace and prosperity." She also thanked the IDC’s mentors “for taking your part in our effort to change the narrative of our municipalities from a war zone to an economic zone.”

Expressing her LGU’s support, Buldon Mayor Pahmia Manalao said, “As part of the IDC, the LGU of Buldon, under my leadership, sincerely and wholeheartedly supports the goals and aspirations stated in the memorandum of agreement that we have now signed. We believe that every alliance will be successful if each member cooperates, gives their full support, and promotes the goals for the welfare of the majority. Our success depends on the concern of each one, the unity, and the collective action of every member.”

Sultan Mastura Mayor Zulficar Ali Panda Sr. emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “The development challenges we face in the Iranun area cannot be overcome by one person alone, or by one mayor alone. But because we are united and have formed this commitment, we will be able to do it. With the help of NGOs, international NGOs, so many NGOs are helping us – we are all committed to the development, progress, and unity of our area here in the Iranun corridor. We will not neglect our work, no matter how difficult it is. No matter how many challenges there are, we will face them.”

In a statement addressed to the IDC, Violeta Dominguez Acosta, Head of Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines, said, “We strongly believe that collaboration is the best way forward for development. Your inter-LGUs collaboration will strengthen governance, drive inclusive economic growth, and maximize shared resources to improve the lives of the Iranun people.” She also expressed hope that “civil society, women, youth, and other sectors can be actively engaged in the Iranun Development Council.”