The meeting centered on the progress and impact of the DWPS, a pioneering academic program designed to develop champions and experts in the WPS agenda across government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities. Chancellor Limbona shared updates on the program’s implementation, its foundational motivations, and its growing contribution to strengthening gender-responsive peacebuilding and governance.

She emphasized that the DWPS emerged from sustained collaboration with global and ASEAN networks, made possible through the support of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, UK Government, UNDP and other partners. The meeting underscored the potential of sharing MSU–Maguindanao’s WPS experience during the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 Chairship, positioning the University’s model of localized yet globally relevant peace education within regional and international platforms.

Beyond the diploma program, Chancellor Limbona also presented the University’s engagement in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Camps Transformation Program, highlighting MSU–Maguindanao’s role in advancing community-based peacebuilding efforts. She shared narratives from partner communities, illustrating how the University bridges academic knowledge with on-the-ground peace and development work in conflict-affected areas.

The Secretary further remarked on the strong potential of programs such as the DWPS to expand beyond the ASEAN region and gain broader global recognition. She described the diploma program as not only a defining milestone for MSU–Maguindanao, but also a national accomplishment that the Philippines can proudly uphold in advancing the global Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Also present during the meeting were DFA Special Assistant Andrea Lynn N. Lazaro; Deputy Assistant Secretary and Executive Director Bolivar L. Bao of the DFA Office of ASEAN Affairs; and Administrative Officer and Assistant Sebastienne Q. Claveria of the DFA Office of ASEAN Affairs. Chancellor Limbona was joined by Dr. Raquel D. Santiago-Arenas, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, and her Special Assistant and DWPS faculty member, Associate Professor Grant Warren Lu.

The courtesy visit marks another significant step in strengthening institutional partnerships between MSU–Maguindanao and national government agencies, reinforcing the University’s commitment to advancing inclusive, gender-responsive, and peace-centered education in the BARMM and in the entire Philippines.

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Author: Grant Warren D. Lu