31 Graduates Mark Historic First Cohort of MSU-Maguindanao’s Diploma in Women, Peace and Security
Mindanao State University–Maguindanao achieved an academic milestone as 31 graduates from the First Cohort of the Diploma in Women, Peace and Security (DWPS) — the first program of its kind in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, were conferred diplomas by MSU System President Atty. Paisalin P. D. Tago, CPA, represented by Executive Vice President Abdulcader M. Ayo, during the Graduation Ceremony held on October 15, 2025, at the Datu Odin Sinsuat Gymnasium.
In her welcome address, Chancellor Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona emphasized that the event was a historic moment of hope, coinciding with the 25th Anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. She highlighted the significant roles of women as the quiet strength behind reconciliation, the moral voice in times of conflict, and the guiding hands that rebuild communities—making the university truly honored to be part of the mission to educate, empower, and elevate women as central actors in building just and lasting peace.
The Guest of Honor and Speaker, Executive Director Susana Guadalupe H. Marcaida of the Peace and Sustainability and WPS Center of Excellence, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), delivered an inspiring message encouraging the graduates to carry the flame of peace as changemakers and peacebuilders in their workplaces, families, communities, and the Bangsamoro homeland at large. She further urged them to continue working for peace, challenge systems that perpetuate inequality, uphold accountability, and protect those who tirelessly serve on the frontlines of peace.
During the ceremony, Ms. Raiza A. Abas received the Best Policy Paper Award for her work titled “Mainstreaming the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda in the Special Programs of the Office of the Chief Minister, BARMM.” Mr. Enrique Oliveros earned the Best Program Design Award for “Establishing Women-Led Mediation Hubs: Promoting Peaceful Conflict Resolution in Settler Communities in BARMM.” In addition, Ms. Abas, Satria Farah Amina Candao, and Monaliza Mangelen were conferred the Gawad Kalinaw Award by the OPAPRU.
Ms. Abas, who achieved the highest CGPA among the first cohort, reflected that the knowledge and experiences she gained through the DWPS journey would forever fuel her passion for peacebuilding. In her strategic role as Gender and Development (GAD) Coordinator at the Office of the Chief Minister, she expressed that the program taught her to translate vision into actionable goals, emphasizing that a true leader must understand real issues, their root causes, and the best solutions through evidence-based and well-guided decisions.
The graduation ceremony not only celebrated the graduates’ achievements but also underscored the WPS agenda, inspiring them to lead transformative efforts for peace and equality in the Bangsamoro region and beyond.
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