KABACAN, Cotabato – More than 100 University of Southern Mindanao (USM)-Kabacan campus students participated in the Mindanao Week of Peace that culminated in a program on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 3, at the USM Auditorium here.
LAWYER Lanang Ali Jr. (right) discusses the Bangsamoro peace process in behalf of Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Al Hadj Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education and member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliament. (Ivy Tejano)
The United Moro Chambers of Commerce and Industry said the event with the theme "Wanted: Transformational Leaders for Positive Peace" aimed to continuously promote harmony and mutual understanding among the region’s diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic groups.
Lawyer Lanang Ali Jr. discussed updates about the Bangsamoro peace process in behalf of Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Al Hadj Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education and member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority parliament in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Ali emphasized the importance of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, Bangsamoro Governance Code, Bangsamoro Revenue Code, and Bangsamoro Electoral Code in maintaining peace in the region. He also discussed the significant role of the teachers, students, and community.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. gave an update about the normalization process.
Lawyer Ray Sumalipao of the Commission on Elections shared insights on the voters’ education session for the 2025 BARMM polls.
Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza backed the advocacy for a peaceful and progressive province. She emphasized the roles of students and young individuals and their significant contributions to society.
“You are the changemakers of today, with consistent advocacy of peace in your schools, communities, and homes, you plant the seeds for a brighter and more peaceful tomorrow,” Mendoza said.
She highlighted the administration’s efforts under the “Serbisyong Totoo” advocacy in implementing programs such as the Cotabato Young Leaders Congress, Cotabato Young Peacebuilders Camp, and Summer Kids Peace Camp.
Mendoza said these initiatives have significantly contributed to helping young people of Cotabato understand the importance of unity and maintaining peace in their communities.
The Mindanao Week of Peace 2024 was organized by the UMCCII led by President and Kapalawan, Special Geographic Area-BARMM Cotabato Vice Mayor Toto D. Laguialaot.