Marawi City, June 20, 2025 — In a significant move to institutionalize cultural approaches to conflict resolution, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur held a public consultation on a proposed ordinance that aims to formalize the use of Customary Dispute Resolution (CDR) in the province.
The consultation, held on June 19 at the Social Hall of the New Capitol Complex in Marawi City, was organized by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through its Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety and the Committee on Public Safety and Disaster Risk Reduction.
Attended by stakeholders from the judiciary, academe, religious and traditional leadership, and various government agencies, the forum tackled the provisions of the proposed ordinance that integrates customary practices in addressing local disputes. The measure also seeks to establish a Provincial Peace and Development Office and provide funding for its implementation.
Atty. Aminoden L. Macalandap, Secretary of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, presided over the consultation. Key speakers included Provincial Attorney Atty. Faisal P. Cali; RAHEEMA Executive Director Bae a Labi Sittie Aisah “Baicon” Cayongcat-Nuska; Assistant Regional Prosecutor Atty. Omar Macapaar; and Hon. Judge Wenida M. Papandayan of RTC Branch 10.
Support for the ordinance was echoed by traditional leaders, who lauded the effort as a vital step toward achieving community peace and culturally grounded justice.
“This initiative recognizes our heritage and provides a justice system that speaks our language—one of understanding and reconciliation,” said one of the traditional leaders present at the event.
Judge Papandayan emphasized the ordinance’s potential to ease the burden on the judiciary. “Customary dispute resolution offers a culturally relevant and community-based alternative to litigation. It can help unclog court dockets and resolve conflicts before they escalate,” she said.
The ordinance is the product of year-long consultations across the province in 2024, with the goal of making the legislation inclusive, people-centered, and reflective of the values and traditions of the Maranao and other indigenous communities of Lanao del Sur.
If passed, this ordinance will be among the first local legislative measures in the Bangsamoro region to institutionalize a formal role for traditional conflict resolution systems within the framework of local governance.