This research problematizes sustainable development in a conflict-laden area in Mindanao of Southern Philippines, specifically the Lake Lanao areas. Lake Lanao, located in the province of Lanao Sur of southern Philippines, is... [ view full abstract ]
This research problematizes sustainable development in a conflict-laden area in Mindanao of Southern Philippines, specifically the Lake Lanao areas. Lake Lanao, located in the province of Lanao Sur of southern Philippines, is one of the world’s ancient lakes and is home to the Meranaws, the Muslim people inhabiting the province since precolonial times. Lake Lanao is a major economic resource of the country as it the source of six hydropower plants - the Agus Powerplant Complex, a major contributor of power in Mindanao, the third biggest island in the country. Aside from being one of the bottom-most impoverished province, Lanao Sur has been popularly known to be hotbed of violent conflicts in the country, particularly rido, the armed hostilities between clans and families. Aside from rido, eruption of violent conflicts in the province relates to the historical Moro rebellion, illegal drugs, gun-running and other forms of “shadow economy”. This social backdrop provided the impetus for this study which inquires on the state of peace and governance and its implication to sustainable development of Lake Lanao and lakeshore communities. Moreover, the study identifies the challenges of sustainable development alongside the pursuit of sustainable peace as experienced and perceived by the various stakeholders in the area. From a survey of 500 respondents from five coastal communities, key informant interviews and on-site observation, the study found out that Lake Lanao has never been a cause of conflict nor, in anyway, created and instigated animosity between and among the locals. However, the professional groups and development actors in the area - both from the private and government sectors, deplore the absence or poor governance of Lake Lanao which, they argue, abetted the socially and environmentally damaging monopolistic control and utilization of the Lake by the National Power Corporation (NPC), a government-owned and controlled corporation. Compounding this issue is the failure of NPC to deliver duly mandated social responsibilities to the Meranaws. For the locals, proper governance of the Lake should prioritize conservation and ensure that the Lake serves the needs of the locals - religious, subsistence and livelihoods. The study brings to fore the challenges of sustainable development vis-a-vis competing resource use - between local interests, in this case for subsistence and cultural roles - versus national interest, which is highly economic. Furthermore, this case study highlights the crucial role of effective governance in addressing peace and security in the locality as pillars for sustainability of development in a conflict-laden context.
Keywords: governance, sustainable peace, cultural heritage, subsistence, competing resource uses
9a. Peace and security
