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)
