Member of Parliament (MP) Honorable NurRedha “Indah-indah” I. Misuari visited the University of Southeastern Philippines- Institute of Languages and Creative Arts (USeP-ILCA) last Friday, May 5, 2023, to discuss possible programs to promote the culture of peace in the Davao Region and island-provinces in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
MP Misuari, the youngest female lawmaker in Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) , shared her plans with College of Arts and Sciences Extension Head Mr. Francis N. Reginio and ILCA Director Assoc. Prof. Sajed S. Ingilan. To promote the culture of peace, she specifically wanted to give literacy programs to the Bangsamoro youth and women. “In Shaa Allah (By Allah’s Grace) with our shared efforts, I know USeP can help us realize our vision,” Misuari said.
Mr. Reginio positively responded that USeP through the College of Arts and Sciences will support MP Misuari. “It is our fervent hope to contribute to the growing and urgent need of peace education. As a state university, we are mandated to bridge the gap between the academe and the community in ensuring the culture of peace through access on quality literacy programs in vulnerable communities. Developing the use of heritage, promoting cultural cooperation, and empowering the youth and women through community-based education are some of the ways to promote the culture of peace,” Reginio articulated.
Assoc. Prof. Ingilan vowed to help the office of MP Misuari by publishing the Bangsamoro stories of peace and development as this is one of the goals of ILCA.
“Hiyahalgaan sin USeP in Bangsamoro (USeP cares for the Bangsamoro). In fact, we are currently doing research on Bangsamoro History and Culture. And yes, we, at the Institute, will help the BARMM in the publication of research and creative works of the Bangsamoro that will serve as references in the literacy program,” Ingilan responded to the call of MP Misuari.
“I am glad that I invited USeP in our strategic planning last year at Dusit Thani Manila. USeP also helped us facilitate the exploratory talks with the Tausug community in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur last month. Thank you very much for being our partner in our endeavours for the Bangsamoro,” Misuari expressed after listening to the proposals of USeP.
True to its vision of transforming communities in the ASEAN and beyond, USeP will link with the office of MP Misuari through research and extension programs for the Bangsamoro.
Words by: Sajed S. Ingilan
Photos by: Hannah Mae G. Lolong
