Abubakar, 60, looks back on how he had spent much of his life engaged in armed struggle.

However, as peace gradually settled in Mindanao, the former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatant saw an opportunity for change and decided to turn his life around when the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), was struck between the Government of the Philippines and MILF in 2014.

The historic peace agreement brought an end to decades of violence and opened avenues for reconciliation and development in the Bangsamoro.

Education for a brighter future

As peace dawned in the region, Abubakar recognized the need to secure an education and upgrade his skills to build a better future for himself and his family.

“Kami ay nabigyan ng mga karagdagang mga kaalaman. Natuto kaming maging electrician at may karagdagan pang Values Transformation Training (VTT) kung saan napag-usapan ang “Agama” islam. Dagdag pa doon, ay makakatanggap kami ng tool kits na maaari naming magamit pang umpisa at meron pang cash allowance in a cheque,” he shared.

Abubakar is a graduate of Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, a course under a technical vocational program implemented by the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education – Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD) in partnership with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity’s (OPAPRU) Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and Communities (TFDCC).

The Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion, Violence Prevention, and Economic Empowerment (PROACTIVE), which spearheaded Abubakar’s training, is a joint initiative co-funded by the UNDP and the European Union (EU) which aims to contribute to efforts in enhancing local capacities to facilitate the transition and transformation of the six acknowledged MILF camps into peaceful and productive communities.

Under the PROACTIVE project, 600 decommissioned MILF combatants and their next-of-kin in Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao and North Cotabato were provided with support to technical vocational and educational training (TVET)-related livelihood training which include Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Carpentry NC II, Computer Systems Servicing NC II, Dressmaking NC II, Driving NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Dressmaking NCII, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, and PhotoVoltaic System Installation NCII (Solar Training).

The TVET courses not only provided practical knowledge but also instilled a sense of discipline and teamwork through the Values Transformation Program.

No age limit for learning

Many doubted Abubakar’s ability to grasp the intricacies of the technology at his age, but he remained undeterred.

“Dati naming hanapbuhay ang pagsasaka ng pakonti-konti. Bago pa nagkaroon ng decommissioning ay umaakyat kami sa bundok para magsaka. Pero ngayon na kami ay na decommissioned na, hinihintay na lang namin ang mga karagdagang serbisyo na tulong sa amin ng gobyerno para kami ay makapag patayo ng negosyo,” he relates.

Abubakar’s dedication and persistence stood out during the training. His experience was evident in his strong leadership skills, which became a source of inspiration for his fellow students.

The program not only taught him essential technical skills, but also emphasized among the trainees the importance of cooperation, understanding, and shared goals.

“Dati, lagi na lang may gulo. Pero ngayon, wala na pong gulo sa pagitan ng gobyerno at MILF. Wala na pong gulo ngayon…Kami ay nalagay sa tatlong munisipyo na may maayos na pamamahala naman ng gobyerno,” he says.

Through hard work and perseverance, Abubakar not only completed the technical vocational program but also excelled in his chosen course.

His passion for learning and adapting to new technologies showcased his determination to break free from the shackles of his past, and embrace a brighter future for his family and children.

“Ok na ok po, Alhamdulillah. Lalong lalo na pag maibigay na sa amin ang mga karagdagan pang serbisyo or proyekto na ibibigay sa amin ng gobyerno. Masaya kami na mayroon na tayong peace process,” Abubakar says.

Mentoring for peace

As his economic well-being continues to improve, he has started mentoring young individuals who, like him, sought to break free from the cycle of conflict and poverty.

“Tulad po ng dati kong sinasabi na ngayon ay di na tulad ng dati na magulo. Kaya ang bawat isa ay gandahan na ang mga ginagawa. Ngayon ay may peace process na tayo na dapat ay suportahan natin pati na ang napag-usapang kasunduan ng MILF at ng gobyerno para makamit natin ang kapayapaan dapat ang bawat isa sa atin ang maging responsible sa kanilang mga ginagawa,” Abubakar explained.

Abubakar’s success story has become a beacon of hope, demonstrating that it’s never too late to pursue education and transform one’s life.

He has actively participated in community initiatives promoting peace, education, and vocational training. He became a symbol of reconciliation, proving that even former rebels can contribute positively to society when given the opportunity and support.

“Habang nandito pa ang peace process, maging reponsable tayo sa ating mga gawain. Kung ikaw ay magsasaka, mgagsaka tayo ng mapayapa. Kung panday naman, magpanday po ng maayos. Sobrang nagpapasalamat tayo sa Allahu Taala dahil nagkaroon tayo ng kapayapaan sa ating mga komunidad,” he expressed.

Abubakar’s peace journey has not only became a testament of the potential for positive change when people are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives, but also contributed to the broader narrative of peace and progress in Mindanao.

His story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the human spirit’s capacity for change, reminding everyone that it’s never too late to embark on a new path toward success and fulfillment. ###