JUST IN: MSU – Maguindanao is now officially the lead partner of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity for the MNLF Transformation Program – Study Grant with Peace Formations for the Moro National Liberation Front
Following the partnership of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) to conduct verification and socio-economic profiling for MNLF communities in Basilan, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Cotabato City, and Cotabato Province under the MNLF Transformation Program, another collaboration has been established with MSU-Maguindanao. This collaboration, under the MNLF Study Grant Program (MSGP) with Peace Formations for the Moro National Liberation Front, aims to provide significant support to underprivileged students in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao under the MNLF Transformation Program.
Under this P 20 million program, a total of 350 underprivileged college students of MNLF combatants or their next of kin will receive cash assistance of P50,000.00 per academic year (P5,000.00/month). In addition to financial support, the program will include a series of peace formation and “kumustahan” sessions focused on leadership, peace, and conflict sensitivity. MSU-Maguindanao will lead the project across the region. Program beneficiaries must come from the MNLF combatants who completed the socio-economic profiling process in FY 2023 or their next of kin.
The data gathered from the combatants highlighted the need for educational assistance, reinforcing MSU-Maguindanao’s mission to provide quality education as a vital tool for transforming lives within Bangsamoro communities. Positive changes in mindsets can only be effective when education is accessible to all.
Chancellor Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona expressed her gratitude for the continued partnership with OPAPRU in peacebuilding efforts. In addition to the MNLF Transformation Program, the University is also collaborating on MILF Camps Transformation Programs. These initiatives align with MSU’s goal of becoming the National Peace University and aim to elevate the lives of communities that play a crucial role in sustaining peace in the Bangsamoro region. Chancellor Limbona also highlighted the efforts of the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao, along with other committees and working groups, for their role in working with policies and guidelines to realize the college education assistance program.
The educational assistance program will commence in August 2024.
Author: Prof. Grant Warren D. Lu