About the Project

The PAM-M methodology of monitoring and verification was developed through a series of co-creation and capacity-building workshops that initially started with civil society actors based in the Bangsamoro. Since 2019, PAM/CRS has been collaborating with civil society organizations (CSOs) in developing a civil society-led monitoring of the normalization process for the CAB. Initially an informal dialogue, the value of regional actors to strengthen the implementation of the accord was soon apparent. After exploring the interests of Mindanao-based CSOs, the PAM system and concept of monitoring was presented to CSOs involved in supporting the peace process. In 2020, CRS mapped civil society capacity to monitor various aspects of the peace process. In June 2022, a co-creation workshop was organized for CSOs to collectively review the normalization track-specific stipulations and indicators.¹ This workshop was attended by members of the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC). Additionally, successive workshops with CSOs in November 2022 and April 2023 facilitated discussion on CSOs’ important roles in collecting and processing implementation information and utilizing the information for their policy advocacy and community engagement. 

On June 24, 2022, the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies’ Peace Accords Matrix (PAM) program and Catholic Relief Services Philippines (CRS Philippines) received the JNC’s request and mandate to provide “technical support in enhancing the Normalization Monitoring and Evaluation System being undertaken by the JNC.” Together, under the project PAM-M, the Kroc Institute and CRS Philippines organized a series of workshops for the GPH and MILF representatives of the JNC, which were also attended by the JNC and Peace Implementing Panel Secretariat and other mechanisms,² with which the JNC coordinates and collaborates. The workshop participants examined stipulations based on an initial analysis of the elements of the Normalization Annex. The PAM-M team monitors accord implementation utilizing the co-created list of stipulations, in collaboration with the aforementioned local partners.