RESEARCH
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ASSESSMENT OF THE SEAWEED VALUE CHAIN IN SULU AND TAWI-TAWI
Authored by Elsie S. Villanueva, with contributions by Judith Joy G. Libarnes and Ahmed Harris R. Pangcoga, this study is part of the Leveraging and Expanding Agri-Aqua Production (LEAP) in Bangsamoro project funded by the European Union as part of the Bangsamoro AgriEnterprise Programme. It is also part of an extensive internal assessment and in-depth interviews carried out by People in Need (PIN) and the partners in mainland BARMM and the island provinces. This will eventually contribute to the systemic development of the seaweed value chains (VC) in the region. The evaluation found deficiencies in the areas of financial services, support for product quality, and access to nurseries and multipurpose processing facilities. Requirements were also identified, including maximizing intercropping opportunities, and enhancing the participation of women, indigenous people, and young people in the value chains.
Understanding Risks and Adaptive Capacities to Prevent and Respond to Child Marriage in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
FULL REPORT
Co-authored by Ahmed Harris R. Pangcoga, with contributions by Jovar G. Pantao, Lolymar S. Jacinto-Reyes, and Judy Ann A. Lubiano-Balabagan, this study, led by Plan International and WRC and implemented by Transforming Fragilities, aimed to understand the risks, drivers, and consequences of child marriage among adolescent girls in four conflict- and disaster-affected provinces in BARMM: Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Sulu. Due to underreporting and lack of registration, the true prevalence of child marriage in the region remains unclear. While national data suggests earlier marriage in BARMM than the rest of the Philippines, systematic data is lacking. Girls face increased risks due to conflict and displacement, including violence, sexual harassment, and heightened vulnerability to early and forced marriage.
Understanding Risks and Adaptive Capacities to Prevent and Respond to Child Marriage in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Co-authored by Ahmed Harris R. Pangcoga, with contributions from Jovar G. Pantao, Lolymar S. Jacinto-Reyes, and Judy Ann A. Lubiano-Balabagan, this study, led by Plan International and WRC and implemented by Transforming Fragilities, aimed to understand the risks, drivers, and consequences of child marriage among adolescent girls in four conflict- and disaster-affected provinces in BARMM: Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Sulu. Due to underreporting and lack of registration, the true prevalence of child marriage in the region remains unclear. While national data suggests earlier marriage in BARMM than the rest of the Philippines, systematic data is lacking. Girls face increased risks due to conflict and displacement, including violence, sexual harassment, and heightened vulnerability to early and forced marriage.
On this Website
Child Rights Situational Analysis (CRSA) in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
Coming Soon…
Published Work of TFI Experts
Formative Research on Responding to Violent Extremism through Peace, Media, and Technology
Co-authored by Ahmed Harris R. Pangcoga, this research was commissioned by Equal Access International. It aims to assess existing VE influencers and networks, define target audiences, including their demographics and methods of communication, understand their desires and pathways toward radicalization and empowerment, and characterize vulnerable populations. The research focused on identifying target vulnerable populations in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and key urban areas. The research identified and analyzed several recurring and intersecting themes relevant to countering violent extremism (CVE) efforts. The research found that there is a presence of recruiters for VE groups in their communities and schools, but there is no singular profile of individuals targeted for recruitment.
Psychological distress and perceived threat serially mediate the relationship between exposure to violence and political exclusionist attitude
Co-authored by Johnson K. Badawi and published in the journal Current Psychology, a publication by Springer Nature Link, this study investigates the psychological mechanisms behind the formation of political exclusionist attitudes in children and adolescents who have been exposed to violence. It posits that this relationship is not direct but rather a chain of events where psychological distress and perceived threat act as serial mediators. The research’s findings provide evidence for the validity of the stress-based model of political extremism in the context of Filipino youth. This has significant implications for creating age-appropriate peace education interventions. The study suggests that focusing on reducing distress and managing threat perception could be effective in preventing the development of exclusionary political attitudes among young people in conflict-affected regions.
The Human Security of Indigenous People in Mindanao: Challenges and Prospects
Authored by Johnson K. Badawi and published in the journal EBSCO, this study explores the difficulties faced by the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), or Lumads, in Mindanao, Philippines, within a people-centered human security framework. It details the challenges to their freedoms from fear, want, and living with dignity, which are exacerbated by conflicts between the government and armed groups. These conflicts have resulted in red-tagging, human rights violations, and displacement. The study also highlights issues of land-grabbing, inadequate social services, poor health, and educational disparities, which are all compounded by discrimination.
CHANGES AND CHALLENGES: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS STUDY ON THE CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM (PANTAWID PROGRAM) OF THE DSWD IN THE SOCSKSARGEN AREA OF REGION XII.
FULL DOCUMENT
Authored by Ahmed Harris R. Pangcoga, this study, initiated by Cordaid, aimed to highlight the importance of proper implementation and improved access to cash transfer and social safety net programs. Focusing on the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the SOCSKSARGEN area of Region XII, it may be one of the first efforts to analyze the program’s local execution, short-term impacts on beneficiaries, and community-level outcomes. It identifies implementation challenges and suggests areas for improvement, complementation, and convergence, particularly for NGOs working alongside DSWD. The study also reflects insights from both implementers and beneficiaries, emphasizing that community empowerment must remain central to social protection efforts.
Situational Analysis Study on the Conditional Cash Transfer Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Program) of the DSWD in the SOCSKSARGEN Area of Region XII
MAGAZINE VERSION
Authored by Ahmed Harris R. Pangcoga, this study, initiated by Cordaid, aimed to highlight the importance of proper implementation and improved access to cash transfer and social safety net programs. This study may be one of the first efforts to analyze the local execution of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the SOCSKSARGEN area of Region XII, along with its short-term impacts on beneficiaries and community-level outcomes. It identifies implementation challenges and suggests areas for improvement, complementation, and convergence, particularly for NGOs working alongside DSWD. The study also reflects insights from both implementers and beneficiaries, emphasizing that community empowerment must remain central to social protection efforts
BASELINES, ASSESSMENTS & EVALUATIONS
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This evaluation assessed the impact of the BASIC START project on women’s empowerment in the Bangsamoro, using Oxfam’s Women’s Empowerment Index across personal, relational, and environmental levels. Findings showed a positive impact overall, particularly in relational indicators like community participation and household decision-making. Variations emerged by province, respondent type, and age, with younger women and ordinary citizens showing stronger empowerment gains. Additional insights covered political participation, where recognition of women’s roles increased; limited gains in economic participation; persistent gender-biased social norms; and mixed results on exposure to violence, including a significant rise in reported psychological violence in Lanao del Sur. TFI’s experts, field interviewers, and field enumerators contributed to this evaluation as the data collection team.
This evaluation is part of Oxfam’s global WE-Care initiative focused on addressing unpaid care and domestic work (UCDW) to support women and girls in having more choice and agency over their time. Implemented with local partners in the Philippines and Zimbabwe, it combined research, advocacy, and community-based interventions. The project identified barriers such as lack of services, infrastructure, and shared responsibilities. It promoted policies, social norm changes, and greater involvement of men, media, and institutions. Activities were tailored to local contexts and aimed to create systemic change in how care work is valued, reduced, and redistributed. TFI’s experts, field interviewers, and field enumerators contributed to this evaluation as the data collection team.
On this Website
THE BANGSAMORO YOUTH ASSESSMENT STUDY (byas) 2024
This is a comprehensive initiative by the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) to understand the current situation of young people in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Implemented for BYC by Transforming Fragilities, Inc., the BYAS aims to create an evidence-based foundation for new policies and programs and to strengthen the relevance of the BYC’s initiatives. The study’s findings highlight both the challenges and opportunities for youth in areas such as education, health, economic empowerment, and participation in governance and peacebuilding. The study used a mixed-methods approach, including document reviews, field surveys, interviews, and consultations, to gather data. The analysis was guided by the frameworks of the Pyhilippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) and the Bangsamoro Youth Transition Priority Agenda (BYTPA). The results and recommendations of the BYAS are intended to serve as a key reference for policymakers and stakeholders to empower the Bangsamoro youth and contribute to the region’s development.
PARTNERS IN PEACE: A PROFILING AND ASSESSMENT OF CSOS IN THE BARMM TRANSITION PROCESS
Authored by Ahmed Harris R. Pangcoga and Judith Joy Libarnes, this comprehensive study was commissioned by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA). It aimed to profile and assess the contributions of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) transition process
Baseline Study of Under-served, Isolated and Vulnerable BARMM Communities and Sectors
Authored by Orson P. Sargado and Ahmed Harris R. Pangcoga, this baseline study was conducted by Transforming Fragilities, Inc. (TFI) as part of its technical support to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Government and the Subatra Programme. The study aimed to identify far-flung, under-served, and vulnerable Bangsamoro communities, assess the livelihood and social enterprise challenges faced by farming and fishing communities, and explore social protection and humanitarian needs in these fragile contexts. It serves as a critical foundation for developing targeted interventions for Project TABANG, a flagship humanitarian initiative of the BARMM Office of the Chief Minister, which delivers immediate and direct services to communities affected by poverty, calamities, and conflicts.
2021 PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITIES (PDC) ASSESSMENT OF SARANGANI PROVINCE
Authored by Jovar G. Pantao, Ahmed Harris R. Pangcoga, and Esmaida S. Andang-Alaiden, this report was commissioned by the Province of Sarangani Local Government Unit, through its Sulong Kapayapaan Program in 2021 under the administration of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, with valuable support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU). Implemented by Transforming Fragilities, Inc. with field support from Yabong Philippines, it comprehensively tracks and assesses the progress of forty-nine Peace and Development Communities in Sarangani Province, determining their peace and development index across various indicators like social cohesion, human rights protection, conflict management, social services, good governance, and economic development, offering critical insights and recommendations for sustained peacebuilding efforts.
Published Work of TFI Experts
Evaluation of EU’s engagement in Mindanao from 2017-2020 under IcSP
Co-authored by Ahmed Harris R. Pangcoga, this evaluation, conducted by Ecorys for the European Union, provides an overall independent assessment of the design and performance of eight projects supported by the Instrument Contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP), paying particular attention to how strategic and coherent they were, how coordinated the projects and actors were in the implementation, and whether they produced satisfactory results with enduring impacts, what key lessons learned from the long-term presence and support from EU IfS/IcSP funding (2009-2020) could be distilled, conclusions and related recommendations in order to improve future interventions, particularly in other situations where initial short term 18-month projects or support are asked to extend or continue their support.
CAPABILITY BUILDING
MODULES
Published Work of TFI Experts
Training Module on Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 & Human Rights Protection
Co-authored by Ahmed Harris R. Pangcoga and Jovar G. Pantao, this training module was developed by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020 and its implications for human rights protection
Panagtagbo sa Kalinaw ug Panag-uli: an updated basic orientation manual towards a culture of peace for communities in Mindanao
Updated by Ahmed Harris R. Pangcoga, this training module is an updated basic orientation manual towards a culture of peace for communities in Mindanao
Adolescent and youth peacebuilders manual
This manual was developed by UNICEF Philippines and is partly supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund. It is a manual of approaches and activities “for use by educators, programme managers, and others in Mindanao, Philippines working with adolescent and youth ages 14-24 in formal settings and nonformal programmes and contexts.”
Judy Ann Lubiano provided support and assistance in research, writing and facilitation, while Ahmed Harris Pangcoga provided inputs during the consultation process as Child Protection Consultant.
Coming Soon...
POLICY PAPERS
Published Work of TFI Experts
A Reimagined Approach to Election Integrity: Disinformation in BARMM’s Fragile Post-conflict Democracy
Co-authored by Johnson Badawi, this policy paper, published as part of the “Security Blueprint” series by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in January 2025
ADVOCACIES
Published Work of TFI Experts
INSPIRING COURAGE: TRANSFORMING PERSPECTIVES IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTIES
Co-authored by Brian Adam Anay and Irish Jane Calungsod, this advocacy document details the Peace Promotion Fellowship (PPF) Batch 2021