The University of the Philippines and Sirat took part in this project.  The research was guided by mixed methods – focus group discussion, nominal group technique, survey, and key informant interviews. This fell within a larger understanding of grounded theory. Stories were collected from people who lived within the ebb and flow of conflict on Basilan Island, Mindanao, Philippines. Age, gender, and geography were used as units of analysis.

People told stories of their best moments in life.  Through participatory group activities, their stories became a capabilities framework.  This framework had ten capabilities.  The rich, qualitative data was analyzed to develop five key tipping point.  Saturation of the tipping points came through key informant interviews and surveys.  Finally, a participatory method connected peoples’ capability domains with human rights.

The first result was an understanding of the needed domains in order to have a good life.  The second result described what must be enhanced and protected to increase resilience.  Third, key tipping points to improve peoples’ well-being in their society were identified.  Finally, participants identified which human rights protect which capabilities.

This research informed various government and non-government entities.  Further, it was presented in Athens, Greece at the Human Development and Capabilities Association Conference.