COTABATO CITY — The Development Academy of the Bangsamoro (DAB) technically assisted the Peace, Security, and Reconciliation Office (PSRO) together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and organized the conduct of the First Graduation Ceremony of the School of Peace and Democracy-Bangsamoro (SPD-B) on June 29, 2023 (Thursday) at Ebrahim Hall, Em Manor Hotel and Convention Center, Cotabato City.
The SPD-B is a Short-Term Course Program composed of three phases and different modules offered to the former MILF Combatants coming from different parts of Mindanao. The said momentous event was attended by a total of 174 former MILF combatants who have completed successfully the short-term course program of different tracks such as the Facilitation Track, Mediation Track, Social Impact and Community Development Track, and the Religious Affair Track.
The event was formally commenced by an opening remark given by Mr. Anwar Alamada, PSRO Executive Director, and followed by welcome remarks delivered by the Executive Director of the Development Academy of the Bangsamoro, Sheikh Hisham Nando, who stressed in his remarkable welcome address that “This occasion is not just a celebration of personal achievements, it is a celebration of hope, resilience, and the power of education.”
“Their commitment to enhance their capacity and to understand the principles of democracy, and to the pursuit of peace is commendable,” Director Nando added.
DAB-Chief Education Program Specialist, Miss Noraida A. Datumanong, presented the graduates according to their tracks, specifically, 30 religious track graduates, 71 social impact and community development graduates, 47 mediation track graduates, and 26 from the facilitation track graduates.
Top leaders of the MILF, and other national dignitaries were present during the event to show their full support in sustaining peace and development in the region. Hon. Senior Minister Abonawas L. Maslamama represented the BARMM Chief Minister Hon. Ahod Balawag Ibrahim. In his message, he stated;
“This School of Peace and democracy-Bangsamoro Crash Course Training of Trainers will genuinely be a support to our cadre officers and our communities for a cohesive and strong foundation of the government. This is also one of our ways of achieving our vision for our people during this transitional government: peaceful, cohesive, and active political participation. To add to this, this will not only empower our MILF-BIAF top commanders and MILF women leaders but will serve as an avenue to amplify their voices to be active and productive members of our communities”.
The Appointed Governor of Maguindanao del Norte Hon. Abdulraof A. Macacua. Represented by Dr. Tomanda Antok, MPOS Director General Atty Al- Rashid Balt, Butch P. Malang (CCCH Chairman), Dr. Abhoud Syed M. Lingga (IBS Dir.), Dr. Tomanda Antok (TABANG Dir.), Akmad A. Brahim (MENRE Minister-JNC Chairman), MP Engr. Aida M. Silongan (MOST Minister), Benhur A. Abdulkarim (Chief of Staff-Office of MP Ali Salik), Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo (MILG Minister), Atty. Al Rashid Balt (MPOS Dir. Gen.), Engr. Mlang U. Madal (BARMM Council of Leaders), Sittie Sahara Kasan-Abubacar (OPAPRU-PDO III), and Khalid Esmael (Wata na Bangsamoro-Chairman) who conveyed their messages of support during the auspicious occasion were indeed propitious and delightful to the graduates. In addition, a virtual message of support was also delivered by Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Resident Representative in Malaysia, and MGen. Isidro L. Purisima, Acting OPAPRU Secretary.
Also, one of the highlights of the said memorable event was the pledge of the graduates lead by the Executive Director of DAB,Shiekh Hisham Nando followed by turned over of the SPD-B by the SPD-B Founding Organizer, Minister Akmad A. Brahim, DAB Executive Director, Sheikh Hisham S. Nando, MA and UNDP Peace and Stability Team Project Manager, Dr.Judith De Guzman to the PSRO and it was accepted by its Executive Director Mr. Anwar S. Alamada, MPA.
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DAB, as the human capital development training and research arm of the Bangsamoro Government for government officials and employees, is a CSC recognized Government Learning and Development Institution under the Office of the Chief Minister Hon. Ahod B. Ebrahim. DAB is currently under the leadership of Executive Director Sh. Hisham S. Nando, M.A.
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