Over the last 10 years, I have tried, through this humble column, to bring you to that space between the headlines and dive into the heart and mind of the 25 million people of Mindanao- their aspirations, frustrations, hopes, and perspectives.

Indeed, the Mindanao of 2026 is different from its 2016 self, bearing impacts now figuring in the national mind in a way that can no longer be ignored. Mindanao is thus a tapestry that must be in terms of the things the island’s people appreciate.

For one, Mindanaoans have this inner, stoic toughness that enables them to patiently discover what lies inside them and overcome things that get in the way of opportunity and success. Life is seen as a patient struggle, not a quick win on a silver platter. When you work with nature and others to achieve goals, the virtue of patience.

Mindanaoans appreciate strong and decisive leadership. The long history of Mindanao is one where battles for influence raged between the island's communities and their neighbors, which encouraged assertive defense against conquest.

This is illustrated in how, more than a thousand years ago, the Indianized Kingdom of Butuan in today’s Caraga region was well known for the trade in gold and other commodities, and developed a shipbuilding industry from the region’s formidable timber resources that facilitated the capability to travel far and trade with other Asian empires. To sustain this, it has to defend itself and its precious trading capabilities and way of life.

Mindanaoans appreciate diversity. Various festivals, from Kaamulan in Bukidnon to Kadayawan in Davao, celebrate the coming together of various cultures on common ground where peace prevails, and communities flourish through trade and an exchange of cultures.

Most local government units show how the harmony of the various peoples and tribes living in an area can create synergies that enable growth. This is a common theme when reflecting on the island's diversity and its collective aspiration to be seen as that beacon of promise and hope.

The fourth is a sense of community. Given the diverse and challenging history, Mindanaoans realize the importance of living in a harmonious community that harnesses opportunity and growth. This manifests itself in the need to make sure everyone gets a fair opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of circumstances.

From the migrant entrepreneur building and expanding a small business to helping those affected by calamities such as the recent earthquake, the sense is that all deserve the opportunity to grow and should not be denied that chance because all have had to overcome odds.

The fair shake, thus, must extend to all. Help must be given where it is needed.

The fifth is the Mindanaoan deep love for family. The reactions over the death of Agusan-born basketballer Rene Baterbonia affected many since it showed his deep love for his family, and how this translated into his aspiration for his family’s welfare.

Mindanaoans share the same love and aspiration for their families, and will go to the same lengths to achieve it.

That said, writing about Mindanao is a journey focused on documenting this evolving tapestry of diverse and beautiful people, a complex history where we see becoming from being, redemption, and overcoming. It continues as it responds to the rapidly changing world.

I thank all you readers for joining me in this journey, and I commit to bringing you more as this tapestry responds to the rapidly changing world.