MSU-Maguindanao joins the Commemoration of the 10th year Anniversary of Signing of the CAB through Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) hosted an Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue titled “Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) Building Bridges: Fostering Healing, Reconciliation, and Unity through Interreligious and Intercultural Solidarity” with Cotabato State University (CSU), the host university, on March 20, 2024, at CSU Gymnasium in Cotabato City.
Chancellor Limbona represented by Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Dr. Raquel Santiago-Arenas, shared MSU-Maguindanao’s efforts to support OPAPRU and the Bangsamoro Government by providing experts and workforce for their transformation programs:
“While we impart learning, we also learn from you, from the communities. In this community of practice, MSU – Maguindanao becomes fully-equipped and dedicated through each of you. And this is what we envision for social transformation— a community where inclusiveness is a way of life, where healing is collective, and development is stable and sustainable.”
The event was a significant part of the 10th anniversary of the signing of the CAB with the theme: CAB10: A Decade Towards a Peaceful and Prosperous Bangsamoro. It was attended by faculty and students from MSU – Maguindanao, Cotabato State University, Notre Dame University, and Notre Dame Religious of the Virgin Mary-Cotabato City (NDRVM-CC).
The dialogue was moderated by Assistant Professor Grant Warren Lu, Director of the Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao. Esteemed panel discussants included Mr. Guiamel Alim, founder of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Ms. Myla Leguro of the Catholic Relief Services, Rui Oliveros of Ateneo de Davao University’s Madaris Volunteer Program, Dr. Jose Arnold Alferez of Cotabato State University, and Dr. Judith Gunsi-Tinio of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs. The discussion encouraged youth to be knowledgeable about CAB and contribute to peaceful Bangsamoro communities.
During the open forum, an MSU-Maguindanao student asked about the importance of self-care in peacebuilding. Ms. Leguro emphasized the role of self-awareness in this context.
In his closing message, Executive Director Jordan Bayam of the Office for Special Concerns on Bangsamoro of the OPAPRU, encouraged students to understand the CAB and support to its successful implementation.
Thirty (30) students from FPE101 classes, University Peace Club, and Supreme Student Council participated and accepted the challenge to disseminate IRD’s outcomes and understand the CAB’s importance.
Authors: Grant Warren Lu, Ashley Zhagetra Sendad, Haira Ancorda