MSU-Maguindanao, OPAPRU, and MNLF Kicks off the P20M Transformation Study Grant with Peace Formation Sessions Across the Bangsamoro Region
The Mindanao State University-Maguindanao headed by Chancellor Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) headed by Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., and the Moro National Liberation Front Government of the Philippines (MNLF GPH) Committee recently conducted a series of orientations and validations for the P20M MNLF Transformation Study Grant Program with Peace Formation Sessions. The program has validated 278 beneficiaries across Mindanao, including 23 from General Santos, South Cotabato, and Maguindanao del Sur; 94 from Cotabato City and Maguindanao del Norte; 56 from Basilan and Zamboanga; 63 from Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur; and 42 from North Cotabato and Davao City. The orientation and validation sessions, held on October 5, 6, 13, 20, and 24, 2024, respectively, are key steps toward the comprehensive transformation and empowerment of MNLF members, helping them rebuild their lives and communities.
The Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM) along with the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the project from MSU-Maguindanao led these sessions with inspiring messages, highlighting the significance of education as a transformative force for communities historically affected by conflict.
Joining the MSU-Maguindanao team in expressing support, OPAPRU’s MNLF Peace Process Office Director, Ms. Janna Jill Gallardo, and her team addressed each cluster of beneficiaries, emphasizing OPAPRU’s commitment to sustaining the peace process through education and socio-economic support.
Representatives from MSU-Maguindanao and OPAPRU provided information on the study grant, covering submission requirements, retention policies, the cash release process, and the series of program activities. In each location, the TWG facilitated discussions that allowed beneficiaries to address any concerns, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Additionally, Mr. Naguib Solano, Retired Brigadier General Buenaventura Pascual of the MNLF-GPH Management Committee, and Mr. Alexis Dale Alonto Malna, Chair of Community Healing and Reconciliation, reinforced the program’s goals. They emphasized the importance of unity, healing, and collective progress within the MNLF community and underscored education as a cornerstone for sustainable peace.
In a symbolic gesture, validated beneficiaries from each location received tote bags with educational kits, signifying the program’s tangible commitment to meeting their academic needs. This series of orientations serves as a vital moment for the MNLF Transformation Program, offering not only financial support, but also hope and pathways to growth for communities long affected by conflict.
Further, the Peace Formation Sessions will take place on December 2024-January 2025 as part of the project implementation.
#MNLFTransformationStudyGrant
#CampTransformation
#BangsamoroPeaceProcess
#SDG16
#PeaceJusticeAndStrongInstitutions