MSU-Maguindanao Chancellor Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona emphasized that in conferring this honorary degree, the University affirms that academic excellence is not measured solely by books and classrooms, but also by lives lived in service to the people, through leaders who embody integrity, courage, and moral governance. She further stressed that the conferment carries profound academic weight, as it reflects the MSU System’s commitment to transforming lived experiences into enduring lessons for scholarship.

MSU System President Atty. Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA, introduced the honoree by highlighting his enduring role as a symbol of servant-leadership. He described Hon. Macacua as a leader who balances the demands of peace, development, and inclusivity, while promoting collaboration across communities and institutions to ensure the sustainability of peace efforts and their tangible benefits for the people.

In his acceptance speech, Interim Chief Minister Macacua humbly dedicated the recognition not to himself alone but to the countless men and women who stood by him during times of conflict and hardship, many of whom did not live to witness this chapter of Bangsamoro’s history. He acknowledged the resilience of the Bangsamoro people, the farmers, laborers, students, mothers, elders, and youth—whose perseverance sustained the collective vision through decades of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Furthermore, he underscored the unique place of Mindanao State University in the narrative of the Bangsamoro, describing it as a place of learning, healing, and rebuilding. He expressed his deep gratitude to the MSU leadership, faculty, and academic community for the trust and recognition bestowed upon him.

The conferment rites were not only a recognition of his personal achievements but also a manifestation of the collective progress of the Bangsamoro people.

Congratulations, Dr. Abdulraof A. Macacua!

Inklusibong Pamantasan at Pagpalain ang Bangsamoro!

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The attendees were from the Bangsamoro Government, Local Government Units, and the MSU System. From the Bangsamoro Parliament, present were Hon. Jafaar Apollo Mikhail L. Matalam, Hon. Ibrahim P. Ibay, Hon. Susana S. Anayatin of the Office of the Settler Communities, Hon. Rasul E. Ismael, Hon. Dan S. Asnawie,  Hon. Butch P. Malang, Hon. Ma-arouph Candao, Hon. Mike Midtimbang, Hon. Kitem Kadatuan Jr., and Deputy Minister Jehan Usop. Also in attendance were Hon. Termizie Masahud, Minister of Transportation and Communications; Hon. Romeo Sema of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications; and Hon. MP Mitmug Jr. Other distinguished guests included Former Congressman Mauyag Papandayan Jr. of Lanao del Sur (2nd District).

From the Province of Maguindanao del Sur, the attendees included Hon. Datu Ali Midtimbang, Governor; Hon. Hisham Nando, Vice Governor; and Board Members Hon. Rahib Nando, Hon. Datu Sapak B. Midtimbang, and Hon. Faujiah B. Mangelen. Representing the local chief executives were Hon. Cahar P. Ibay, Mayor of Parang; Hon. Raisa P. Langkuno, RCrim., JD, Mayor of Paglat; and Hon. Engr. Abdulkarim T. Langkuno, School President of Paglat Municipal College.

From the MSU Board of Regents, present were Atty. Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA, MSU System President; Hon. Gracita R. Jacinto-Ali, Appointive Member; Hon. Edriane Shane Casipong, Student Regent; Hon. Norhayna Eryll Madale-Unte, Faculty Regent; Hon. Samuel Sabenicio, Alumni Regent; Hon. Atty. Shidik T. Abantas, Regent and Chancellor of MSU-General Santos; Hon. Dr. Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali, Regent and Chancellor of MSU-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography; Hon. Dr. Tomanda D. Antok, Regent and Chairperson of the Committee on Basic, Higher, and Technical Education of the Bangsamoro Parliament; and Atty. Nur-Elias Yusoph, Secretary of the University and the Board of Regents.

From the MSU System Officials, the attendees included Dr. Alma E. Berowa, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Soraida Ismael, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Abdulcader M. Ayo, Executive Vice President; and Dr. Minerva-Saminah M. Naga, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of MSU-Marawi and Chair of the Presidential Transition Committee.

The MSU-Marawi Delegation was composed of Dr. Samsia Paitao-Dumrang, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (External Units); Dr. Melba M. Angni, Director of the International Affairs and Linkages Office; Dr. Sohra Nuska-Bato, Director of Medical Services and Hospital; Dir. Muhaimen B. Umpat, Director of the System Budget Office; Atty. Norajannah D. Lantud, SCL, and Atty. Fayruzah A. Absary, SCL, both from the Presidential Transition Committee; Mr. Mohammad Faiz Naga, representative of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; and Mr. Mustapha B. Casim, representative of the System Budget Office.

From the MSU-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography, Director Alnasul Sali and Atty. Datu Esma Mikee Maruhom attended. From MSU-Sulu, Chancellor Dr. Nagder J. Abdurahman was represented by Asst. Prof. Allen I. Talikan, Director for Information, Press, and Publication, along with Asst. Prof. Radjuni J. Abubakar, Director of the Academic Training and Enhancement Center. Representing MSU-Buug was Chancellor Dr. Sheila G. Magolama, while MSU-Lanao National College of Arts and Trades was represented by Superintendent H. Cairany Dia-Gandamra, RN, MPA, JD. From MSU-Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Superintendent Dr. Indihra B. Tawantawan was represented by Dir. Taha M. Mohamad, Director for Administration and Finance.

Also in attendance were the family members of the honoree: Hon. Guianima Macacua, wife; Jaber Macacua and Sameer Macacua, sons; Johaira Macacua-Ali, daughter; and Norigem Akmad-Macacua and Melzheen Pecision-Macacua, daughters-in-law.