BRGY. KABASALAN, PIKIT CLUSTER II, SGA BARMM — In a show of unity and commitment to promoting education and peace-building, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) through the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC), together with the secretariats of the Government Peace Implementing Panel (GPIP) and the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), spearheaded on March 6 the turn-over of a recently renovated Madrasah here.

This collaborative effort is among the initiatives under the Brigada Madrasah Project, which is in line with the 10th year anniversary celebration of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The renovation of the Madrasah is a testament to the power of collaboration, and epitomizes the spirit of “bayanihan” among Filipinos.

Volunteers from various sectors, including the JPSC Secretariat, 90th Infantry Battalion, 602nd Brigade, and 543rd Engineer Battalion personnel, alongside Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPSTs) and community members, worked hand in hand to breathe new life into the educational institution.

Collaborative efforts among peace partners

In his message, GPH- JPSC Co-chair Ariel Felicidario III emphasized the significance and enduring impact of concerted action, stating, “The essence of our Brigada Madrasah today lies not only in this occasion, but in the week-long collaborative effort of various stakeholders.”

“Ang kagandahan po ngayon, dati magkikita-kita ang mga militar [at] sa kung sinoman ang pag-uusapan — ‘yung giyera, paano tatapusin ‘yung giyera, paano po susugod sa giyera. Even po sa side ng ating brothers sa MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), ganoon din ang usapan noong nakaraan. Pero ang kaibahan po ngayon, ‘yung sinasabi kong importante, nagkikita-kita tayo at napag-uusapan natin paano magpapatuloy ang pag-aaral ng kabataan,” Felicidario said.

“Ang pinaka-mensahe ko ay, alagaan natin ito. Kasi, malaking kaibahan po nito noon. Sana, magpatuloy pa ang nakikita natin parati na [ang] mga batang ito na ang pinag-uusapan natin ‘yung future na nila, di na giyera, di na gulo, kundi papaano maisusugurong ang lahat ng nasa ating harapan ngayon [ay] makapagtapos ng maayos, walang mamatay dahil sa bala. Pagkatapos, magiging doktor, ‘yung engineer, magiging anopaman. Magiging maayos ‘yung buhay ng mga tagarito,” he added.

During the ceremony, peace stakeholders donated essential items and supplies to support the Madrasah’s mission. The donations included 165 sets of hygiene kits from Member of the Parliament (MP) Abas, as well as 165 school bags with supplies, dental kits, and 165 sacks of 5-kilogram rice contributed by MP Jikiri, all of which symbolized a joint commitment to support the needs of the students.

Other essential equipment such as portable speakers, chairs, tables, and fans were also provided to enhance the learning environment of the students and aid the teachers in their job.

The significance of the collaborative effort extends beyond the school’s physical renovation and the donations made. A free medical mission, conducted in partnership with the LGU Pikit through its Rural Health Unit, has so far benefited 101 residents, highlighting the holistic approach to community development.

A poster-making contest themed “Isang Dekada Tungo sa Mapayapa at Masaganang Bangsamoro,” was participated in by 10 selected Madrasah students, which aimed to foster creativity and allow them to reflect on their people’s journey towards peace and development.

Shining example of unity, cooperation, and dedication

The renovation of the Madrasah stands as a shining example of unity, cooperation, and dedication to building a brighter future for the youth of the BARMM.

Initiatives such as the Brigada Madrasah Project serve as beacons of hope and progress, helping to enrich communities and foster a culture of peace and prosperity for the current and future generations.

Ustadz Muhaliden Rubin who heads the Madrasah expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the learning institution’s renovation, as he acknowledged the transformative impact of the undertaking on the students’ lives.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami at saka mga estudyante namin dito sa Madrasah sa inyong lahat. Nandito kayo, nakikita ng mga bata, ng mga magulang, at saka lalong-lalo na nagpapasalamat po kami sa JPST at saka [OPAPRU] sa inyong malaking tulong sa amin. Marami pong salamat,” he shared.

Nasser Gayagay, who represented Pikit Mayor Sultan during the event, also echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of education to the people of the Bangsamoro.

“Ang gusto ng magulang ay mapaaral ang kanyang anak. Isa ito sa kayamanan ng Bangsamoro, itong ating mga anak. Once mapaaral natin ‘yung kabataan natin, ‘yan ‘yung tunay na kayamanan sa atin,” he said.

According to 602nd Brigade Commander, BGen. Donald Gumiran, the trust and cooperation among the people has been instrumental in the successful conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

“Kung maalala ninyo, ‘yung nakaraang Baranggay at Sangguniang Elections ay naging mapayapa. Bagama’t may konting pangyayari pero dahil sa suporta ng bawat isa, ang hindi pagkakaintindihan ng mga mangilan-ngilan ay nakuha sa usapan. So, again sa lahat ng mga taga-Bacasalan, maraming salamat sa inyong suporta at naging matagumpay ang Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan elections,” Gumiran noted.

“Nalalapit na naman ‘yung plebisito na mangyayari ngayong April 13. Iinaasahan ko na ‘yung kung gaano ka-successful, kung gaano katagumpay ‘yung isinagawang BSKE noong nakaraang Oktobre, sana ganoon din ka matagumpay ang magiging plebisito na mangyayari ngayong April 30,” he stressed.

For Member of the Parliament, Jack Abas, the strong collaboration between the national and Bangsamoro governments has been crucial in the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

“In Kabasalan, because of our joint effort for peace right now, [the area] is very peaceful. That is why many projects are established here. One example is this Madrasah, that is the product of our peace agreement. The BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) government continues to strengthen the agreement between the [national] government. I believe the government concerning the peace is not becoming weak but is strengthened,” Abas explained.

“At our level, we [have] a very good understanding…[between] the Eastern Mindanao Command and the 602nd Brigade. There is no encounter between the forces of government in the area. We are continuing this very good understanding and very good coordination. That is why at this point in time, we can establish here in Kabansalan…” Abas shared.

As SGDA Administrator Butch Malang explained, the strong connection between Arabic institutions and various sectors is crucial in countering the threat of violent extremism, as well nurturing the future leaders of the Bangsamoro.

“Ang gusto nating mangyari sa Arabic institution ay magkaroon ng connection sa security sector natin. Magkaroon ng connection sa BARMM natin. Magkaroon ng connection doon pa sa ibat-ibang agency kung saan tinitingnan ang Islamic education. Bakit gusto natin yan mangyari? Sapagkat maraming nangyayari…‘yung violent extremism,’ Malang said.

“‘Yung mga tao na radicalism ang pag-iisip na dito nanggagaling sa ating Islamic Institution. So, para ma-avoid natin ‘yan at magkaroon kayo ng pagkakatulung-tulungan i-connect natin ang ating education, ang ating madrasah o anupaman ‘yan, i-connect natin sa gobyerno ng BARMM para at least mamonitor at para maiwas tayo,” he added.

“Magkaroon ng ugnayan, ‘yung malaman natin kung sino ang nag-aaral dito. Alam naman natin na di na ito nangyayari pero para makaiwas tayo. Mahirap na kasi. Malayo na rin ang narating ng Bangsamoro, tingnan ninyo ang kalsada, mula noon bihira na lang, konti-konti na lang at pwede ka na magdala dito ng mask auto na maliit lang tayo. Manghihinayang tayo ‘pag ito ay mawala pa sa atin,” Malang continued, as he urged members of the community to continuously support the Bangsamoro peace process.

Other officials who graced the ceremony included PMGen. Eden T Ugale, JPSC-GPH Member; Col. Roberto Huet, JPSC-GPH Member; Settie Mantawil, Office of MP Abdulbakil Jikiri; and Gulam Guuimbalan, Chairman of Brgy Kabasalan, Pikit Cluster II, SGA-BARMM. ###