The men and women of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) deeply mourn the passing of Mindanao State University (MSU) System President, Atty. Hassanul Basari Dimakuta Mapupuno.
The passing of Atty. Mapupuno is a deeply felt loss not only for the people of the Bangsamoro and Mindanao, but for the nation as a whole, because of his invaluable contribution to the comprehensive Philippine peace process.
Under the leadership of the late Atty. Mapupuno, the MSU forged a partnership with the OPAPRU to implement the Transformation Program for Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants, their families, and communities.
To date, a total of 1,972 members have undergone profiling and verification under the Transformation Program, making them eligible for socioeconomic assistance, as well as other livelihood projects that will enable them to earn sustainable incomes. Through this partnership, 25 communities prioritized by the MNLF were assessed, and a total of 97 projects are set to be delivered, amounting to PhP 125-million. Part of the program includes agricultural productivity support for former MNLF combatants, wherein farm tractors and other implements were turned over last year.
Education also became a cornerstone for the implementation of interventions for MNLF next of kin through the Study Grant Program. For the academic year 2024-2025, at least 350 students benefited from the program and have received PhP 50,000.00 financial assistance.
It was also during the tenure of the late Atty. Mapupuno that the OPAPRU entered into a partnership with MSU, wherein the latter is currently implementing a scholarship program for next-of-kin of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants.
Rolled out in 2024, the scholarship program, which is under the Normalization Program, provides a Php 25,000 cash assistance per student-beneficiary per semester, which will cover their matriculation and other academic expenses.
Through the late Atty. Mapupuno’s guidance, the MSU is helping the OPAPRU mainstream Peace Education in the country’s academic curriculum by launching a diploma course on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
With its diploma course on WPS and other academe-driven peacebuilding interventions, the MSU is gearing up to become the Philippines’ first National Peace University, which aims to be the training ground of future peacebuilders, peace workers and peace advocates.
With his significant accomplishments, the late Atty. Mapupuno was more than just an academic leader; he was a respected figure who championed the cause of inclusive education, social justice, and peace.
His unwavering commitment to his mission enabled him to elevate MSU’s role as a crucial institution for fostering peacebuilding initiatives and serve as a catalyst for meaningful social transformation across the region and the country.
As we grieve Atty. Mapupuno’s loss, we also honor his exceptional leadership qualities, dedicated service, and enduring legacy he leaves behind – a legacy that is deeply rooted in our unwavering hope for a better, brighter, and more peaceful future for Mindanao.
