Moro National Liberation Front transformation program begins

From the Manila Times (Jul 8, 2023): Moro National Liberation Front transformation program begins (By Franco Jose C. Baroña)

THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) and the Mindanao State University (MSU) System have inked a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for the implementation of the transformation program for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The transformation program is anchored on the provisions of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA), which put an end to the decades-long armed conflict between the government and the revolutionary group and brought increased peace, security and stability in the region.

The MNLF transformation program aims to facilitate the transition of MNLF members, especially those who were not integrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the FPA, as well as their families into peaceful and productive civilians.

The MoA was signed by Opapru Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and MSU System president Atty. Basari Mapupuno on Thursday, July 6.

The funds for the project are sourced under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan-Locally Funded Project (Pamana-LFP) under the fiscal year 2023 General Appropriation Act.

These funds shall be used by the MSU System for the conduct of community assessments and consultations with MNLF families and communities for the identification of development initiatives; assist MNLF communities in crafting development proposals and implementation of community socioeconomic projects in 25 priority communities of the MNLF in the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, North Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City.

The MSU shall also lead the actual profiling of 2,000 MNLF combatants in the provinces of Basilan, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato and Cotabato City, and carry out capacity-building and enhancement training for monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning requirements of the transformation program.

The MSU is also pushing for the passage of House Bill 969, "An Act Strengthening The Mindanao State University System And Appropriating Funds Therefore" under the 19th Congress, which shall designate them as the National Peace University.

Galvez expressed Opapru's "full support to MSU's bid to be declared as a National Peace University."

In his message, he emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for former combatants that will enable them to have a shift in perspective and lead them toward a peaceful and productive life as civilians.

"The molding of minds is essentially at the center of the transformation process of the former combatants. It requires a holistic approach. This process does not only involve addressing the socioeconomic aspect of transformation but more importantly the changing of mindsets — from being a combatant into a peaceful and productive civilian. This is the core of the peace process," he said.

Galvez expressed confidence that the MSU will be an able partner of the Opapru, emphasizing that "with your vast experience in development work and peacebuilding, there is no doubt that MSU will be able to deliver on the commitments contained in the MoA."

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/08/regions/mnlf-transformation-program-begins/1899636