THE PHILIPPINES

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

For years, the Philippines have struggled with violent extremist and separatist groups in the south of the country. A long-running movement for independence led to the formation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following peace talks and negotiations between the central government and separatist groups. While this is a step forward for peace, violent extremist groups, including local groups inspired by ISIS, continue to operate and
recruit members.

In the Philippines, the drivers behind violent extremism are:  frustration with the government, cultural and geographical divide among tri-people communities and socio-economic vulnerability due to lack of literacy, economic opportunity and sense of purpose. GCERF began investing in the country in 2019 and till date USD 10.1 million has been invested to address these drivers of violent extremism. 

OUR INVESTMENT STRATEGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

GCERF’s investment strategy outlines a comprehensive approach to address the drivers of violent extremism and guides civil society organisations in designing their programmes. 

 GCERF funds programmes that:

Improve knowledge and capabilities of affected communities for peaceful conflict resolution, community participation, advocacy and peacebuilding

Provide skills and livelihood opportunities to vulnerable youth and community members

Increase participation in local governance and peace promotion activities

KEY FIGURES

(cumulative from 2019 to March 2025)

Grants
0
Civil society organisations
0
Total amount invested (in USD)
0 M
Marawi IDPs and community members were engaged in legal awareness, dispute resolution, and dialogue efforts that strengthened their access to justice, support claims processes, and promote peaceful conflict resolution at the community level
0
Individuals including farmers, small and medium enterprises and madrasah-based organisations benefited from livelihood support, skills training, and market access initiatives, strengthening economic resilience and reducing vulnerability to violent extremism
0
Mentors, teachers, parents, journalists, government authorities, religious leaders, returnees, women and youth have been trained in conflict sensitivity, conflict resolution and detecting early signs of radicalisation
0

AREAS WHERE WE WORK

Manila, Mindanao (Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Sulu, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Basilan and Sarangani)

Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals

Peace, Justice & Strong Institution

Peace, Justice & Strong Institution

No Poverty

Quality Education

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Gender Equality

Decent Work & Economic Growth

Decent Work & Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities

Reduced Inequalities

Partnership for The Goals

Partnership for The Goals

These goals are based on those set forward in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nation Member States in 2015