Barangay Justice and Peace Program
Access to Justice for Families and Communities

History

In partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the BJSS project was first implemented in 65 barangays in Panay Island in September 1998. The project later expanded to other provinces in the Visayas and parts of Luzon.

By 2002, the program expanded to Mindanao. Aptly titled, BJSS-Dalan sa Kalinaw Mindanaw (the Road to Peace in Mindanao), the initiative is aimed at promoting community peace using culture-based modes of dispute resolution including the application of Shari'a Law in the operationalization of the Katarungang Pambarangay Law. Initial target was 700 barangays in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Tawi-tawi, Sulu, Basilan and Marawi City.

The Barangay Justice Service System has been recognized as a major initiative of the Philippine justice system. Partnerships have been established with the PMO- Supreme Court and the Department of Justice and Department of Local Government. The uniqueness of the project has encouraged other Asian countries to visit GRF to understand and gain insight for application into how their own system of community justice and volunteerism can be evolved. The BJSS expansion seeks to fully realize the benefits of a responsive and effective community justice system and ultimately, to help achieve peace and economic development.

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Overview