The Mindanawon Voices for Peace Project aims to extend educational opportunities to out-of-school youth, focusing on areas related to peace education, media literacy, and civic education. The program will develop modules on peace and media literacy, fostering critical skills in navigating the information landscape. Additionally, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials will be created to facilitate effective learning. The initiative is structured as a 10-run community-based project, emphasizing sustained engagement with the communities to maximize impact. The primary beneficiaries of the project are out-of-school youth, with the goal of empowering them through education and fostering a culture of peace and understanding.

Dr. Raquel Santiago-Arenas, the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension at MSU-Maguindanao, conveyed a genuine sense of enthusiasm in her opening message as she shared her delight and underscored the joint commitment of MSU-Maguindanao and IDEALS, Inc. towards championing peace. Her emphasis on the positive impact resonates with a vision that extends beyond academic realms, aiming to permeate the broader community. In her message, there is a clear recognition of the transformative power of shared commitments in education and peacebuilding, pointing towards a collective pursuit that goes beyond institutional affiliations to positively influence the lives of young individuals and the community at large.

Ms. Mikhaela Dimpas, the Program Manager for Peacebuilding and Communication for Development at IDEALS, Inc., represented by Ms. Sadria S. Kendayo, conveyed sincere gratitude while expressing a hopeful vision for inclusivity in reaching a broader audience of out-of-school youth. Dimpas emphasized the transformative potential inherent in community learning sessions, signifying a belief in the power of education to bring about positive change. Her expressed hopes for inclusivity indicate a commitment to ensuring that educational opportunities extend to a diverse and comprehensive range of individuals, particularly those who may have faced barriers to traditional schooling. In highlighting the transformative nature of community learning, Dimpas underscores the belief that education can be a catalyst for personal and collective growth, contributing to a more equitable and empowered society.

Ms. Johana Kamir, the Network and Training Officer at IDEALS, Inc., highlighted the rationale of the project and Ms. Sitti Haira Basalon, the Area Coordinator at IDEALS, Inc., expressed a profound commitment and gratitude for the partnership, expressing anticipation for the forthcoming success of the project. Basalon’s message of commitment signals a shared dedication within IDEALS, Inc. towards ensuring the effective implementation and positive outcomes of the collaborative project.

Dr. Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona, the Chancellor of MSU-Maguindanao, conveyed the university’s steadfast commitment to community empowerment, extending beyond the realms of academic instruction. Dr. Limbona emphasized the institution’s holistic approach, underscoring the importance of uplifting the entire community through education and collaborative initiatives. Her statement signifies a dedication to not only imparting knowledge but also fostering positive transformations within the community. Further, Dr. Limbona highlighted MSU-Maguindanao’s ongoing efforts to enhance programs and curriculum, showcasing a commitment to adapt and evolve in response to the needs of the stakeholders. This reflects the university’s proactive stance towards continuous improvement, ensuring that its educational offerings are aligned with the aspirations and requirements of the community it serves.

In his closing message, Prof. Grant Warren D. Lu, the IPDM Director, emphasized the significance of sustained partnerships during the memorandum of agreement signing. Since most of the people behind this project are graduates of MSU-Maguindanao, Director Lu also mentioned the enduring commitment of the university’s alumni, emphasizing their role as ambassadors of peace in the broader community. By stressing the importance of sustained partnerships, he conveyed the notion that lasting collaborations are key to achieving meaningful and lasting impact. Additionally, Director Lu encouraged a commitment to clear intentions and submission to a higher purpose, emphasizing the importance of aligning efforts with a shared vision for peace and community betterment. His message not only highlighted the value of ongoing collaborations but also the need for purposeful and principled engagement in endeavors that aim to make a positive difference in society.

The collaboration between MSU-Maguindanao and IDEALS, Inc. started in 2021 with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for the Mindanao Youth Voices for Peace Initiative. This partnership subsequently paved the way for the Bityala Kalilintad Series, a testament to their joint commitment to amplifying the voices of Mindanao’s youth in advocating for peace. Notably, MSU-Maguindanao and IDEALS, Inc. engaged in collaborative efforts, including the commemoration of National Peace Month and National Peace Consciousness Month in 2021. These joint initiatives demonstrate the shared dedication of both institutions towards promoting peace and fostering a culture of understanding within the community.

Written by: Mr. Alvin Lois Pembarat