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The Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN) is a
non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization (NGO) or non-governmental organisation (see spelling differences) is an organization that generally is formed independent from government. They are typically nonprofit entities, and many of them are active in h ...
(NGO) composed of young Moro professionals advocating peaceful means to improve the socio-economic well-being of the
Bangsamoro
ar, منطقة بانجسامورو ذاتية الحكم فى مسلمى مينداناو
, native_name =
, settlement_type = Autonomous region
, anthem = Bangsamoro Hymn
, image_skyline ...
people. While a majority of members live in the
Philippines
The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no),
* bik, Republika kan Filipinas
* ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas
* cbk, República de Filipinas
* hil, Republ ...
, particularly in
Metro Manila
Metropolitan Manila (often shortened as Metro Manila; fil, Kalakhang Maynila), officially the National Capital Region (NCR; fil, link=no, Pambansang Punong Rehiyon), is the capital region, seat of government and one of three List of metrop ...
and
Mindanao
Mindanao ( ) ( Jawi: مينداناو) is the second-largest island in the Philippines, after Luzon, and seventh-most populous island in the world. Located in the southern region of the archipelago, the island is part of an island group of ...
, there are several members who are based in other countries. YMPN members are largely employed, both in government and private sector jobs.
The YMPN was founded in 2000 during the administration of former Philippine president Joseph "Erap" Estrada. A group of young Moro professionals initially organized themselves as part of the popular protest at
EDSA
Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, commonly referred to by its acronym EDSA, is a limited-access circumferential highway around Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. It passes through 6 of Metro Manila's 17 local government units or cities, ...
against the alleged corruptions of Erap. As a result of these protests, Erap was ousted from the presidency.
The founding Moros were further motivated by dismay with the Philippine government total war policy against the Moro communities in Mindanao, despite an outstanding peace agreement with the
Moro National Liberation Front
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF; ar, الجبهة الوطنية لتحرير مورو) is a political organization in the Philippines that was founded in 1972. It started as a splinter group of the Muslim Independence Movement. The M ...
(MNLF) and ongoing negotiation with the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF; ar, ''Jabhat Taḥrīr Moro al-ʾIslāmiyyah'') is a group based in Mindanao seeking an autonomous region of the Moro people from the central government. The group has a presence in the Bangsamoro r ...
(MILF). Many NGOs concerned with the cultivation of lasting peace and harmony in Mindanao perceived the unilateral declaration of war by the government of the Philippines (GRP) as a diversion from investigations and protests against the alleged corruptions and unfitness of president of the GRP. The war displaced hundreds of thousands of Moros and threatened to poison Muslim-Christian relations, like what happened in the early 1970s.
The success of EDSA II in ousting then President Erap motivated the YMPN founders to continue peacefully advocating and working for the socio-economic well-being of the Moro masses. The founders envisioned a network of young Muslim professionals that promote
volunteerism
Volunteering is a voluntary act of an individual or group freely giving time and labor for community service. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Others serve ...
; using their own resources, talents, education and training, and working collectively or individually to help other Muslims in unfortunate circumstances. This peaceful means is in stark contrast to the armed liberation struggle by MNLF and MILF against the GRP from the early 1970s to present.
Since its founding, the YMPN has been active in encouraging young Moros to adopt peaceful means to uplift themselves. The YMPN has stressed the practice of Islam as a peaceful and modest way of life. The core members have designed and implemented leadership training program, using an Islamic framework, aimed at the next generation of YMPN members. In most engagements, these core members are the lecturers and readily provide a role model to their audience for their advocacy for peaceful means. The YMPN has established a website at YMPN.or to reach a larger audience of both Muslims and non-Muslims. The YMPN has also been recognized for their contributions by other local and international NGOs, as well as senior statesmen of the GRP, like Senator Ramon Magsaysay.
On May 9, 2003, the YMPN was incorporated as a non-profit organization with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Philippines.Security and Exchange Commission Company Registration No. CN200310017 It holds office at G-108 Jocfer Building, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines. The YMPN membership continues to grow.