Marawi leaders laud UCPP project for empowering children, transforming communities

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Local leaders in Marawi praised World Vision’s Urban Child Protection and Participation (UCPP) project, highlighting its beneficial impact on children and communities through strengthened child protection systems, enhanced education, and livelihood support.

City Schools Division Superintendent Anna Zenaida A. Unte-Alonto said the UCPP project positively impacted the city’s education sector. 

“The project allowed our learners to showcase their full potential through various activities, programs, and orientations. They are the living witnesses of the good things that World Vision has done for the different identified schools in the city. Not only have the children gained, but their parents have also been supported through livelihood opportunities,” she said.

Rismirah Adap, City Social Welfare and Development Officer described World Vision as a steadfast partner in the city’s recovery and development.

“Ang World Vision ay isa sa mga humanitarian agency na hindi nawala sa Marawi. Hanggang ngayon nandito pa rin sila that’s why I call the World Vision, a family not just a partner of Marawi LGU,” she said.

(World Vision is one of the humanitarian agencies that has never left Marawi. They are still here to this day, which is why I call World Vision a family, not just a partner of Marawi LGU.)

In terms of referrals, case management, and reporting mechanisms, Adap noted that UCPP has been instrumental in helping protect children from violence, discrimination, and gender-based abuse.

Masbud Gaima II, City Director of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) said their goal at MILG is to make barangay institutions like the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) fully functional and the World Vision has been a key partner in helping them achieve that.

Gaima emphasized that the promotion of child rights and protection, once a neglected area in the city, has seen significant progress through their partnership with World Vision.

“We have empowered the children, created the Barangay Children’s Association, and strengthened the BCPCs,” he said, expressing gratitude for the organization’s support.

The World Vision wrapped up the three-year UCPP project in Marawi City with a summit on November 20 recognizing its partners in the project implementation.

World Vision Operations Director Ajab Aram Macapagat said the summit was an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned and the collective efforts that leave behind a legacy of stronger child protection systems, empowered youth, and better-equipped families.

He assured that World Vision would continue seeking opportunities to work in the area and help improve the well-being of children in Marawi. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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World Vision PH wraps up Urban Child Protection and Participation project in Marawi

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — World Vision Philippines officially concluded its Urban Child Protection and Participation (UCPP) project in Marawi City, marking a significant milestone in improving the lives of local children and strengthening community-based child protection systems.

To celebrate the project’s achievements, honor its partners, and outline future collaborations, World Vision hosted a year-end summit on November 20 in Marawi City.

The UCPP project, which focused on enhancing child protection mechanisms in schools and communities, has delivered many interventions that have benefitted thousands of children and families in the city. Among its notable accomplishments, the project provided learning kits to 19,950 students. 

It also trained 1,402 teachers and volunteers in inclusive, learner-centered education approaches. Moreover, the project supported 7,102 learners enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) by providing them with learning materials and empowering 301 children to participate in peace education and life skills activities.

“We are proud of the progress we have made, and we hope to highlight collective efforts, celebrate our partners, and affirm our commitment to sustaining the progress and gains that we have achieved,” said UCPP Project Manager Adonis A. Casinillo.

The three-year project was also instrumental in addressing critical child protection concerns in the Bangsamoro region. A total of 233 child protection cases were monitored, referred to relevant authorities, and supported, while 1,797 service providers were trained on how to respond to child protection concerns. In addition, 3,334 children received training in protection-related life skills and 1,263 out-of-school youth participated in child protection orientations. 

The project also helped strengthen 10 Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children (BCPCs) and organized 134 Barangay Children’s Associations, fostering community-led child safeguarding initiatives.

On health and nutrition, the UCPP provided orientation to 1,178 caregivers on responsible parenting through the “Go Baby Go” approach. The project also supported 584 families with vegetable production and trained 59 community health workers to strengthen local healthcare systems. Twelve health stations and the City Health Office were also equipped with essential materials to serve the population better.

In terms of livelihoods, the project directly impacted 423 families by providing cash assistance to help restart their income-generating activities. At the same time, 160 individuals received technical and vocational training, and 52 people joined Savings for Transformation (S4T) groups, helping improve their financial stability and economic resilience.

World Vision Philippines Operations Director Ajab Aram Macapagat highlighted the resilience and determination shown by all project partners during the summit. He emphasized that the project year-end summit was an opportunity to celebrate the journey of collaboration, dedication, and shared commitment over the past years, noting that the commitment and passion of the partners in Marawi have been a strong inspiration to continue the work.

“What inspired us to do more is the commitment and passion of our partners in Marawi. We are very grateful for that. The dedication, the commitment, and the spirit of collaboration are alive here in Marawi. This summit celebrates our partnerships and highlights our significant achievements,” he said.

Macapagat also stated that while the UCPP project is concluding, World Vision’s work in Marawi would continue through a new Peace Project. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Lanao del Sur enhances readiness for human-induced threats with bomb drill

MARAWI CITY (PIA ) — Lanao del Sur further strengthened its disaster response capacity with its first-ever bomb drill to enhance preparedness and response to human-induced threats. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) organized the bomb drill on November 20 involving 34 agencies from the provincial government and Marawi City.

Provincial DRRM Officer Shaminoden Sambitory highlighted the importance of the drill, noting that it was particularly timely given the proximity to the anniversary of the bombing incident at the MSU Marawi campus in December of the previous year. He stressed that the simulation served as a preparedness exercise and a response drill, ensuring that all members of the response cluster are ready to act swiftly and effectively if a similar crisis occurs.

“This simulation exercise demonstrated the coordination and response mechanisms among the various response clusters within the province and Marawi City. When we refer to ‘response clusters,’ we are not talking only about uniformed personnel. It includes all government offices and agencies that have the capacity to respond to any incident or disaster. For example, hospitals and other agencies or offices equipped to handle emergencies and provide assistance during such incidents in the province,” Sambitory stated.

Since the first drill was in the city’s Ground Zero, Sambitory said the next exercise would be held on the city’s streets to test responders’ reactions to a scenario in an urban setting. He also shared that upcoming Local DRRM Officers’ meetings will include lectures on ordnance handling and managing bombing incidents effectively.

“Our plan moving forward is to address the needs of our municipalities too. We will visit these municipalities to capacitate their component barangays because, in a real scenario, the first responders in such incidents are typically those from the barangays. It is crucial that they receive proper training to respond to these situations,” Sambitory added. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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PH gov’t strengthens development of Islamic banking ecosystem

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Assistant Governor Arifa A. Ala highlighted the national government’s ongoing commitment to the development of Islamic banking and finance in the country, emphasizing the importance of regulatory frameworks and tax neutrality in encouraging the growth of this sector.

Speaking at the 12th ASEAN International Conference on Islamic Finance, Ala shared the BSP’s efforts to create an enabling environment for Islamic banks through the issuance of the Shariah Governance Framework and other prudential regulatory frameworks for banking institutions.

“We want to join discussions on Islamic banking finance as it provides a good opportunity to share insights on how we can further promote and develop this sector,” she said.

Ala stressed the critical importance of tax neutrality in developing Islamic finance. She explained that without a level playing field in tax treatment, Islamic banking products would face higher tax implications, making them more expensive for customers.

“We were fortunate that the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue were able to quickly issue the regulations, which in essence provide that Islamic banking products should not be taxed more heavily than conventional counterparts,” she added.

Another key milestone, Ala noted, was the establishment of the Shariah Supervisory Board and the introduction of implementing regulations for opening Islamic banking windows. These regulations have played a key role in attracting institutions like CARD Bank and Maybank, which have recently launched Islamic banking windows.

The BSP’s efforts are part of the initiatives to create a comprehensive Islamic banking ecosystem that includes Islamic banking, takaful (Islamic insurance), and the Islamic capital market.

Ala said the BSP is also working on delivering Shariah-compliant facilities, such as enabling Islamic banking windows to place their funds in the central bank, a move that will further solidify the government’s commitment to the growth of Islamic finance.

Looking ahead, the BSP is set to host the launch of the Islamic Finance Report, commissioned by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) this November. Ala said they invited CEOs of banks and other regulatory bodies to the event, aiming to accelerate the adoption of Islamic banking practices in the country. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Growing interest in Islamic finance noted in BARMM

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Ministry of Finance and Budget Management (MFBM) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) highlighted a growing interest in Islamic finance in the region.

MFBM Chief Financial Management Specialist Farrell Hazsan Usman said the interest is not limited to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) but also extends to other sectoral groups.

“When we did our research and public consultation, the general perception of Islamic finance was limited to no interest and zakat. Now, we are seeing more interest in how it can use “takaful” (Islamic insurance) as a social protection mechanism in businesses, as well as for their households,” Usman said during the first day of the 12th ASEAN International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF), November 18.

He also noted a rising demand for other Islamic finance products, including those for working capital requirements and project financing.

When asked about the efforts of the Bangsamoro government in fostering the growth of Islamic finance, Usman said the regional government established a technical working group to develop a roadmap for the promotion and development of Islamic finance in the BARMM. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) Minister Mohammad Yacub chairs the group, with MFBM Minister Ubaida C. Pacasem as vice chair.

He explained that in BARMM’s Islamic Finance Roadmap, Islamic finance is a key pillar of the broader Halal economic system. It also highlights that Islamic finance is not limited to Islamic banking but also Islamic insurance, the Islamic capital market, and the social aspects, including zakah and other charitable institutions.

“In our Islamic finance roadmap, we stress that the development of Islamic finance and banking in BARMM should be market-driven, with the private sector taking the lead,” he said.

Usman also stated that the Bangsamoro Government has outlined strategies to establish a functional and operational Islamic finance system by 2028, guided by the principles of moral governance. These strategies, which have been underway since 2021, focus on strengthening Islamic banking, supporting Islamic microfinance, facilitating the establishment of takaful operations in BARMM, promoting the growth of the Islamic capital market, harnessing the potential of financial technology, and developing human capital.

“To support the main strategies, the Bangsamoro government continues to intensify collaborations with national agencies, such as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Insurance Commission, the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, the Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board, and relevant sectoral groups,” he added.

Usman likewise disclosed that the Bangsamoro Government has already institutionalized initiatives to integrate Islamic finance programs across various ministries. Among these ministries are the MAFAR, the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development, and the Bangsamoro Women Commission. These agencies have begun offering Islamic finance-related services, with the Bangsamoro Women Commission extending interest-free microcredit to women’s cooperatives. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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ASEAN universities’ conference tackles opportunities in Islamic finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – Academics from ASEAN universities, along with Islamic finance professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers, gathered at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel on November 18-19 for the 12th ASEAN International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF).

With the theme “Islamic Finance for Sustainable Peace and Development: Challenges and Opportunities,” the two-day conference focused on fostering dialogue and sharing insights on the role of Islamic finance in sustainable development and regional peacebuilding.

The Mindanao State University (MSU) Marawi campus hosted the event with six ASEAN universities.

Lawyer Basari Mapupuno, MSU System President, thanked the AICIF members and participants for their support and emphasized the importance of collaboration.

“Our dedication to fostering meaningful discourse on Islamic banking and finance exemplifies unity and shared purpose of our ASEAN academic community. Together, we have created a platform for scholars to engage with transformative ideas, exchange knowledge, and deepen our bonds as institutions committed to advancing this vital field,” he said.

Mapupuno also noted MSU’s dedication to promoting peace, education, and development, especially in underserved communities.

“We firmly believe that financial inclusion and sustainable growth can catalyze meaningful change in the lives of people throughout our region. Thus, this conference is not merely an economic discourse; it is about building a financial system that uplifts communities, fosters equitable opportunities, and champions the social justice inherent in our faith and the mission of MSU,” he added.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Assistant Governor Arifa Ala expressed BSP’s support for the conference, seeing it as a chance to exchange ideas and look into ways to advance the development of Islamic banking and finance. 

“For us in the Bangko Sentral, we really would like to join in this kind of discussion because this is a good opportunity to share insights on how we can further promote and develop Islamic banking and finance,” she said.

The BSP continues to promote Islamic banking and finance to enhance financial inclusion across the country. Its efforts focus on creating an enabling regulatory environment to allow Islamic banks to operate viably alongside conventional banks.

The two-day conference featured plenary and parallel sessions on Islamic finance, FinTech, cryptocurrencies, Islamic capital markets, regulatory issues, the Halal business sector, and the role of Islamic finance in sustainable development, peacebuilding, economic growth, innovation, and social empowerment.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government also showcased its efforts in promoting Islamic finance.

Farrell Hazsan Usman, chief financial management specialist of the Ministry of Finance and Budget Management (MFBM)-BARMM, said that the Bangsamoro Government formed a Technical Working Group to develop a roadmap for advancing Islamic finance in BARMM. The completed and approved roadmap highlights the crucial role of Islamic finance in fostering economic growth and shared prosperity across various sectors in the region.

“One of the distinguishing characteristics of Islamic finance that sets it apart from conventional finance is Shariah governance. And we are so happy to inform everyone that the Philippines now has a Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) in BARMM. It’s a non-government institution composed of four representatives from the government, including the Bangko Sentral, the Department of Finance, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, as well as the Bangsamoro government, as well as five members from the private sector,” Usman further said.

The SSB carries out the four government agencies’ shared mandate under Republic Act No. 11054, also known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law, to promote Islamic banking and finance in the BARMM, as well as to supplement the BSP’s Shari’ah Governance Framework for Islamic banks and Islamic banking units. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Lanao del Sur councils call for enhanced child, women protection

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Lanao del Sur Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) and the Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (PCAT-VAWC) convened their 4th quarter joint meeting on November 12.

The draft joint PCPC-PCAT-VAWC resolution, an essential agenda item, urging the Bangsamoro government to establish residential care facilities in the province was discussed.

These facilities would provide critical services such as rehabilitation, protection, psychological support, legal aid, and reintegration for vulnerable groups, including children in conflict with the law (CICL), victims of violence against women and children (VAWC), abandoned, neglected, and abused children, human trafficking victims, children with special needs, and other marginalized individuals.

During the meeting, Medical Social Worker Acmellah Acmed of the Women and Children Protection Unit (WCPU) at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center presented updates on recorded Child Protection and Gender Based Violence (CP-GBV) cases. She said as of October 2024, there are 19 abused children and 13 abused women from various municipalities of Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, North Cotabato, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Acmed further said the WCPU provides comprehensive services to victims, including medical examinations, issuance of medico-legal certificates, psychosocial counseling, case filing coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), referrals for financial assistance, and VAWC awareness campaigns.

To address the increasing number of cases and develop effective interventions, Jalil Usman and Farida Mangcaan, heads of the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) Field Office in Marawi and Sub-Office in Iligan, respectively, proposed a case conference to foster collaborative efforts among stakeholders.

Presiding Officer Jamil Faisal Adiong emphasized the importance of empathy and urgency in addressing these issues. He urged the public to report cases and work together to create a safer and more just future for all.

“Let us all include empathy in managing those cases because they are real. Lahat ng sector, dapat tingnan ito ng maayos. Urge people to report cases because if they don’t, who will? Empathy is very crucial. We need to ensure that we are creating a generation for the future,” he said.

The meeting was part of the National Children’s Month celebration. 

In a virtual message, Provincial Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid R. Adiong emphasized the importance of the occasion, noting that November focuses on addressing issues affecting children and youth.

“Karapatan ng mga bata na mabigyan sila ng magandang buhay, de-kalidad na edukasyon, maayos na tahanan, proteksyon, at lahat ng iba pang karapatan upang sila ay mabuhay ng masaya at matiwasay,” he stated.

(Every child has a right to enjoy a good life, quality education, a safe home, protection, and all the other rights necessary for a happy and peaceful life.)

Adiong emphasized that children are the nation’s most valuable assets as they will be the future leaders. Moreover, protecting children is not only the responsibility of parents but also of society. (APB/with reports from PIO LDS/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Gov’t leaders urge ex-MILF combatants’ children to pursue education for a better future

MARAWI CITY (PIA) – Key government officials have urged recipients of the educational assistance program for children of decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants to make the most of the opportunities before them.

During the distribution of educational assistance in Lanao del Sur, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. urged student grantees to make the most of the program, calling it a reward for their parents’ sacrifices in the name of peace.

“I urge all the students to take this great opportunity and capitalize on the benefits of this program. Pag-ingatan ang scholarhsip na inyong natanggap. Ito ang kapalit ng mga sakripisyo ng inyong mga magulang. Ito ang tinawatag na dividends of thier struggles. Ito din ang magiging susi para matulungan ninyo maiangat ang inyong kabuhayan at ang inyong pamilya at magkaroon kayo ng mas magandang kinabukasan,” he said

(Take care of the scholarship you have received. It is the result of the sacrifices made by your parents. It is the dividend of their struggles. This scholarship is the key that will help lift your family’s livelihood and give you a better future.)

Galvez underlined that education is more than just a tool for personal development; it is also a means of contributing to the long-term progress and peace of the Bangsamoro region. He encouraged the students to finish their education and, in turn, help their communities and the government achieve true and lasting peace in Mindanao.

As part of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the decommissioning of MILF combatants includes initiatives like this one, which aims to reintegrate former fighters into society and empower their families through education, skill training, and livelihood assistance.

The educational support has a budget of P54 million, which would cover 1,050 students from various higher education institutions. Qualified students will receive P50,000 for the academic year or P25,000 per semester to help cover school-related expenses such as tuition, books, uniforms, accommodation, and other incidental fees.

Member of Parliament Laisa Alamia, chairperson of the GPH Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities, also advised the students to use the assistance to complete their education, which she believes will open new opportunities for their families.

“Ang aking advice ay gamitin ninyo ang tulong na ito upang makatapos kayo ng pag-aaral. Importante ito para mabuksan ang mga bago at mas malalaking oportunidad na makakatulong para iangat ang mga kalagayan ng inyong mga pamilya,” Alamia said.

(My advice is to use this support to finish your studies. It is essential because it will open doors to greater opportunities that can help improve your family’s situation.)

Alamia also reminded the students that learning is a continuous process and urged them to thrive in academics.

“Gamitin ninyo ang inyong talino at kakayahan para tulungang maiangat hindi lang ang inyong sarili at ang inyong pamilya kung hindi pati na rin ang inyong komunidad, ang Bangsamoro, at ang ating bansa,” she added.

(Use your intelligence and capabilities to uplift yourselves and your families and help elevate your community, the Bangsamoro, and our country.)

Student beneficiaries, parents, and key officials from OPAPRU, MILF, and the Mindanao State University (MSU) System attended the turnover of scholarship checks to 171 recipients.

With government and MILF leaders supporting their goals, Lanao del Sur students are now better prepared to contribute to the region’s long-term peace and development, promoting a positive vision for Bangsamoro’s future. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao Del Sur)

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Ex-MILF combatants’ children see hope in education through OPAPRU

MARAWI CITY (PIA) – Beneficiaries of the government’s educational assistance program for decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants are carrying stories that echo the hopes and aspirations of many in conflict-affected areas. Through this program, the children of former MILF combatants are finding new opportunities for a brighter future—one where education is key.

Sultan Asren Nathangcop, a 4th-year student majoring in Communication and Media Studies, shared the courageous decision made by his father to lay down arms and embrace peace. This sacrifice, he said, paved the way for a better life for his family.

“Ito ay isang mahirap na hakbang, ngunit ito ay isang desisyon na ginawa nila para sa kapayapaan,” Asren said. (This was a difficult step, but it was a decision made for the greater good of peace.)

This sacrifice has allowed Asren to pursue his dreams and contribute meaningfully to his community. As one of the 171 student grantees of the educational assistance program rolled out by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC), and the Mindanao State University (MSU) System, Asren is part of a program designed to provide educational opportunities for decommissioned MILF combatants’ children in Lanao del Sur. The aid is part of the socio-economic development initiative under the Annex on the Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

“Ang programang ito ay patunay ng dedikasyon ng gobyerno, ng MILF, at nang lahat ng mga taong walang pagod na nagtatrabaho para sa kapayapaan sa Mindanao. Ang tulong pang-edukasyon na ito ay hindi lamang isang regalo kundi isang pamumuhunan sa aming hinaharap. Isang pamumuhunan sa hinaharap ng aming komunidad. Ito ay isang pagkakataon para sa akin na bumuo ng mas magandang buhay. Isang buhay na malaya mula sa anino ng higwaan.”

(This program is a testament to the dedication of the government, the MILF, and all those tirelessly working for peace in Mindanao. This educational assistance is not just a gift, but an investment in our future, an investment in the future of our community. It is a chance for me to build a better life—one that is free from the shadow of conflict.)

Asren also expressed his gratitude to OPAPRU, TFDCC, especially his father, Amenoding Nathangcop, acknowledging him as a key figure in their family’s transformation.

Lifeline for Students

For other beneficiaries, the educational aid serves as a lifeline, alleviating their burden of tuition fees and other educational expenses.

Haifah L. Banie, a resident of the remote town of Marogong, is currently studying for a Bachelor of Science in Social Work in Marawi City. As a program recipient, Haifah shared how the financial support has made a difference in her ability to continue her studies. 

She stressed that financial struggles are one of the major barriers for students, making this aid invaluable.

“Sa mga bumuo sa programang ito, nagpapasalamat kami dahil tumutulong sila sa amin. So thankful ako sa program nila,” Haifah expressed. (We are grateful to those who created this program because they are helping us. I am so thankful for their program.)

Saniya Datu, a third-year Nursing student from Barangay Papandayan in Marawi City, shared her excitement about her future. Once she completes her studies, she plans to support those in need, especially the sick. She also expressed her desire to provide a better life for her parents.

Saniya’s mother, Nanayaon, also expressed gratitude for the program, especially during these challenging times. “Ang tulong na ito ay malaki ang maitutulong sa aming anak, lalo na ngayong panahon ng krisis, at kami, mga magulang, ay nahihirapan financially,” she said. (This assistance will greatly help our daughter, especially during this time of crisis when we, as parents, are struggling financially.)

She said the support would make a difference in her daughter’s education.

Encouragement to Fellow Grantees

Asren urged his fellow grantees to make the most of the opportunity. He encouraged them to dedicate themselves to their studies and aim for excellence to build a more promising future for themselves and their communities.

“Let us dedicate ourselves to our studies, aim for excellence, and leverage our education to create a more promising future for ourselves and our communities,” Asren said.

Now, with the power of education in their hands, Asren, Haifah, and Saniya are forging their own paths—a living testament to the power of peace and education. Their stories remind people that despite the challenges, they can achieve their dreams and build a brighter future because of peace dividends. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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OPAPRU, MSU roll out educational aid for decommissioned MILF combatants’ next of kin in Lanao Sur

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), in collaboration with the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC) and the Mindanao State University (MSU) System, has begun the implementation of an educational assistance program for children of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) decommissioned combatants in Lanao del Sur province.

The initiative seeks to improve the quality of life for decommissioned combatants and their families by giving financial aid for their dependents’ higher education. Each eligible student-grantee will receive P25,000 per semester or P50,000 per year for four years to complete a bachelor’s degree program.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of checks to 171 student-grantees on Tuesday, November 5, at the MSU Marawi Convention Center.

“OPAPRU recognizes the importance of investing in peace interventions to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the MILF and decommissioned combatants, their families, and communities, not only in the short term but for many years to come,” Galvez stated.

Recognizing that education is a main pillar of nation-building, Galvez emphasized that the educational assistance program is a critical socio-economic intervention by the national government, as outlined in the annex on the normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement with the Bangsamoro.

According to him, OPAPRU, in partnership with the MSU System, has already distributed a total of P13,100,000 to 524 student beneficiaries in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Regions 9, 10, 11, and 12.

“Through programs like this, we reaffirm the national government and MILF’s strong commitment to providing much-needed services to the decommissioned combatants and their next of kin, ensuring that they benefit from the dividends of peace and development,” Galvez emphasized.

Selection process

TFDCC Chairperson and Member of Parliament Laisa Alamia noted that the recipients of the educational support program are either the decommissioned combatants themselves or one of their dependents, as declared during the decommissioning process. The eligible dependents are limited to the decommissioned combatant’s spouse, kid, or grandchild, and they must present the requisite supporting documentation to show their link with the combatant.

Applications are called through MILF focal persons.

The TFDCC secretariat reviews applications to verify each applicant’s relationship to the decommissioned combatant and confirm current enrollment. After this, the list is submitted to the TFDCC for further vetting and then to the MILF for final approval, given the partnership between the MILF and TFDCC. Once the MILF has vetted the list, it is submitted to MSU for additional validation and assessment, as MSU also conducts its own validation process.

To qualify, beneficiaries must submit several documents, including a school-issued enrollment certificate, a PSA-authenticated birth certificate, an ID photocopy, a 2×2 photo, and a barangay certificate.

Alamia clarified that the grants are not disbursed directly to the school for tuition payment.

“It is given to the grantee directly at pwede niyang gamitin to either pay for his or her tuition or other fees or pambili ng uniform, pambili ng books at iba pang mga pangangailangan niya,” she said.

MSU as partner for peace

Alamia thanked the MSU System for its consistent support of the government’s educational assistance program and supporting the implementation of the normalization efforts.

MSU System President Basari Mapupuno expressed MSU’s pride as part of the initiative. He noted that the program is a big step forward in the transition process for former MILF combatants and their families. He emphasized that educational support is a powerful mechanism, helping young people to pursue their ambitions of a better life through higher education, even when difficult circumstances have prevented them from doing so alone.

“This is not only an investment in the individual future of these young people, but a contribution to the stability, growth, and resilience of their communities,” Mapupuno added. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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