MSU-Maguindanao Faculty Completes Advanced Course on Women, Peace and Security Organized by UN Women and Bangsamoro Peacebuilding Institute
MSU-Maguindanao applied for the United Nations (UN) Women and Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) Call for Application on the Advanced Course on Women, Peace, and Security. Under Chancellor Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona’s leadership, the University supported Prof. Grant Warren D. Lu, Director of the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM), in his application. He was subsequently selected to attend the advanced course held from April 16-18, 2024, at Eden’s Nature Park and Resort in Davao City.
Prof. Lu was part of the pioneering cohort of 22 members that began the program in Batangas City in October 2023. During the initial module, the cohort received comprehensive insights and firsthand experiences from various WPS experts in the country, including former OPAPP Secretary Teresita Deles and Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Chair of the GPh-MILF Peace Negotiation Process. The second module, focusing on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation, took place on April 16-18, 2024, at Eden’s Nature Park and Resort in Davao City, with instruction provided by Prof. Maria Lourdes Veneracion of Ateneo de Manila University and Prof. Rufa Cagoco-Guiam of MSU General Santos.
An essential aspect of Module 2 involved a dialogue with survivors of the Manili Massacre in Carmen, North Cotabato. This dialogue not only revealed the true events of Manili but also assessed the progress of the Manili community under the support of the Bangsamoro Government.
Prof. Lu views this program as highly relevant to MSU-Maguindanao’s vision, particularly with the development of the Diploma on Women, Peace, and Security and the university’s aspiration to become the National Peace University. Besides enriching his understanding of WPS and TJR, the program introduced him to innovative approaches and a network of WPS advocates across government, civil society organizations, and academia.