By Dr. Acram A. Latiph
COTABATO CITY – In a significant step towards fostering lasting peace and socioeconomic development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Mindanao State University (MSU) System, in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the BARMM Government, held a ceremonial awarding and releasing of educational assistance to decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants and their next-of-kin.
The event, held on August 6, 2025, at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City, highlighted a collaborative effort to empower communities through education. This initiative is a core component of the broader Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Program, aiming to provide former combatants and their families with opportunities for a better future.
MSU System President, Atty. Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA, a key figure in the program’s implementation, emphasized the university’s commitment to being a catalyst for peace. “This is one of the many initiatives of the MSU System to help our region through education,” said President Tago. “By providing access to quality education, we are not only empowering individuals but also building a foundation for sustainable peace and progress in the Bangsamoro.”
The educational assistance program is a testament to the strong partnership between the OPAPRU, the BARMM Government, and various government agencies. It underscores a shared vision of empowering communities and promoting an inclusive peace process. By investing in the education of former combatants and their families, these organizations are actively working to address the root causes of conflict and create a more hopeful and prosperous future for the region.
The beneficiaries, comprised of decommissioned combatants and their next-of-kin, will now have the opportunity to pursue higher education and vocational training, enabling them to reintegrate into society as productive members and contribute to the development of the Bangsamoro. The program is expected to have a ripple effect, inspiring future generations and strengthening the social fabric of the region.
The ceremonial event was attended by high-ranking officials from the OPAPRU, the BARMM Government, the MSU System, and other partner agencies, all of whom reiterated their unwavering support for the peace process and the holistic development of the Bangsamoro region.
