On February 29, 2024, the Office of the President of the University of the Philippines and PCID organized a special dinner reception for Muslim leaders at the Executive House. 

The reception marks the beginning of a series of engagements with the Bangsamoro envisioned by UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez. As the first Mindanaoan leading the state university, Atty. Jimenez is dedicated to utilizing UP’s resources to aid in the development of BARMM and Mindanao.

Some of the attendees included: Atty. Normina Datudacula, Dr. Ayesha Abubakar, Amina Rasul, Ms. Ligaya Fernando, AG Arifa Ala, Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, Atty. Salma Pir Rasul, Ambassador Alan Timbayan, Jamela Alindogan, Hon. Almarim Tillah, Dean Berse, Minister Mohammad Yacob, Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, Commissioner Marhomsalic, Commissioner Lidasan, Chancellor Ditucalan, and officials from the UP system.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1974 burning of Jolo, the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission, the Institute for the Administration of Justice (IAJ) of the UP Law Center, and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy organized a forum last February 12, 2024.

PCID President Amina Rasul initiated “The Siege of Jolo 1974” forum, recounting her family’s ordeal and emphasizing the trauma inflicted on the Tausug community by military actions against the MNLF. She stressed that genuine healing for victims and their families can only be achieved through equitable peace.

Panelists offered varied perspectives on the siege. Three survivors recounted harrowing experiences, while a journalist and historian provided contextual insights. All called for a fair peace process in Mindanao, expressing hope to prevent future incidents akin to the 1974 Siege of Jolo.

On February 23, 2024, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) would be part of the steering committee for the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security. PCID’s involvement reflects its established reputation in the field and its connection with the international community, including the Women Alliance for Security Leadership (WASL) and ASEAN Women For Peace Registry (AWPR).

The teams of Philippine Center for Islam (PCID) and Center for Local and Regional Governance (CLRG) conducted their baseline scoping activities in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Iligan, and Lanao last February 12 to 15, 2024. The onsite visits were led by Atty. Salma Pir Rasul (Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi), and Atty. Milagros Isabel Cristobal ( Iligan-Lanao).

The Iligan-Lanao team visited ECOWEB (Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits), SNACFI (Senator Ninoy Aquino College Foundation, Inc.), ICCOMAS (Iligan City Confederation of Madaris and Maahad Associations), THUMA (Thuma Ko Kapagingad Service Organization, Inc.), PAKIGDAIT, IDEALS (Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services), TPBPM (Teach Peace Build Peace Movement), SL (Super Lumba), GYAO (Guinaopan Youth Action Organization), and KFI (Kalimudan sa Ranao Foundation, Inc.).

The other team, deployed in the island provinces, visited the Lamitan City Rose Women Organization, Gagandilan Mindanao Women, Inc, Madaris Volunteer Program, and IDEALS.

As part of its interfaith initiatives, the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy took part in the concert of the Tabernacle Choir of Temple Square held at the University of Sto. Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion last February 25. In a special segment, PCID’s Reema Baunto Macadato joined 3 other Filipino millennials, and shared the impact of prayer in their lives.

Last February 1, 2024, the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy held a meeting with the University of the Philippines President Atty. Angelo Jimenez, to discuss the forthcoming activities of PCID in collaboration with UP.

On February 15, 2024, Mr. Adam Nelson, National Democratic Institute’s (NDI) Senior Program Director, and Ms. May Butoy, NDI’s country representative, visited the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy. Their purpose was to engage in discussions concerning the political landscape in BARMM and to identify priority programs for the region.