A total of 287 children or next-of-kin of profiled former MNLF combatants from across Mindanao received a ₱25,000 study grant funded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU). These students are still pursuing their education, and through this program, they are receiving support to help them continue their studies. The initiative is part of a partnership between OPAPRU, led by Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., and the MNLF-GPH Committee.

In her message, Chancellor Limbona expressed her gratitude for the long-awaited distribution of the study grants. “The great thing about this special package of study grants is that there will be monthly ‘kumustahan’ sessions managed by the IPDM Director. If you have any concerns about the study grants or other issues, you can address them with him or with us. We look forward to the future we all deserve. Alhamdulillah for today, and we thank OPAPRU under the leadership of Sec. Galvez,” she said.

MNLF Chair and MOLE Minister Muslimin Sema emphasized the transformative power of education, not only for individual development but also for the advancement of the Bangsamoro community. “The Bangsamoro people can lead themselves and take control of their future through education. Many students here face significant challenges. They come from remote areas where their families work tirelessly to support their education. These students are victims of circumstances, struggling to meet the strict requirements of scholarships, which often exclude them from opportunities. We recognize that these students have a chance to rise above their challenges. It is our collective responsibility to provide them with the support they need,” he said.

Brigadier General Pascual reiterated that the initiative will continue until all grantees successfully complete their education. He added, “Kami po ay instrumento lamang para ang mga pangangailangan ninyo ay maibigay ng gobyerno. Marami pong programa ang nasa itaas, ngunit kayo pa rin po ang nasa programa na naririto sa iba. Ako po ay nagagalak na ang programang ito ay nagiging maganda po ang implementation.”

The event, facilitated by the Project’s TWG, University Peace Club and Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao led by Prof. Alvin Lois Pembarat, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts. “Sa pagtutulungan ng lahat ng sektor—gobyerno, akademya, at ang ating mga lider mula sa MNLF at GPH—pinapatunayan natin na ang kapayapaan ay hindi lamang isang pangarap kundi isang layunin na kayang makamit sa sama-samang pagkilos,” he ended.

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As part of the program, a series of orientations and validations were conducted last October, confirming 287 beneficiaries across Mindanao under the ₱20 million MNLF Transformation Study Grant Program with Peace Formation Sessions. This initiative reflects the shared vision of these leaders, who are committed to using education as a key driver of sustainable peace and the upliftment of Bangsamoro lives. Starting January 2025, they will also receive ₱5,000 monthly assistance. More beneficiaries are expected to be added in the coming weeks, marking progress toward the transformation and empowerment of MNLF members and their communities.