Establishing the Philippine Institute for Peace and Development: A Literature-Based Feasibility Assessment for Institutionalizing Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development

Abstract

The persistent challenges of conflict and underdevelopment in the Philippines underscore the urgent need for a holistic and institutionalized approach to peacebuilding and sustainable development. This literature-based feasibility assessment synthesizes scholarly, policy, and institutional sources to evaluate the rationale and prospects for establishing a Philippine Institute for Peace and Development (PIPD). The analysis reveals that while the Philippines has made notable progress through agencies like the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and the institutionalization of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the national peace architecture remains fragmented, reactive, and vulnerable to political shifts. Drawing from international models such as the United States Institute of Peace and the Berghof Foundation, the study identifies key features of effective peace institutions: clear legal mandates, financial independence, research-policy-practice integration, and strong multi-stakeholder engagement. Case studies from Colombia and BARMM further highlight the importance of both centralized and localized peace mechanisms. The review concludes that a dedicated, politically neutral, and research-driven national institute could bridge systemic gaps, professionalize peacebuilding, and promote policy continuity in the Philippines. Such an institution would facilitate evidence-based policymaking, capacity-building, and inclusive dialogue, thereby supporting the country’s transition toward a more peaceful, resilient, and inclusive society. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to institutionalize peace and development as a public good.