OPAPP, CHED recognize graduates of study grant for Bangsamoro

Moro graduates from batches 2013 to 2017 were acknowledged during the recently held Bangsamoro Graduates’ Assembly on 28 to 29 November 2017.

The ceremony is in line with the government’s extended financial support to former rebels or members of their families and communities who express their desire to enroll in college.

Through the joint grant programs created between the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), beneficiaries under the OPAPP-CHED and the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA)-CHED Study Grant Program received a total of PHP 10,000 per year. Meanwhile, graduates under the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Study Grant Program received a maximum of PHP 20,000 annually in the course of their grant entitlements.

“Education daw is a right but at the same time, ‘yong tulong na natanggap natin habang tayo’y naga- aral ay isang biyaya. Hindi lahat ay nagkakaroon ng ganitong pagkakataon. Kaya kasabay ng ganitong biyaya, kailangan ay may kaakibat itong responsibilidad,” reminded OPAPP Assistant Secretary Rolando Asuncion during his inspirational message delivered to the graduates.

“Pero tingin ko, isa rin sa mga pinaka-malaking responsibilidad niyo bilang graduates ng OPAPP-Study Grant Program ay ‘yong responsibilidad sa bayan. The opportunity that you were able to receive is a fruit of a bloody struggle – produkto ng pakikipag-laban ng inyong mga tatay, tito, nanay, lolo at lola para sa isang mas maunlad na Bangsamoro,” Asec. Asuncion said.

In addition to the recognition and awarding of the graduates, the assembly also provided career orientation and consultations for current job openings in the government, private sector and abroad.

“Marami sa aming Bangsamoro ang kapos at gusto makapag-aral. We would like to commend OPAPP and CHED – ‘yong word na thank you, hindi siya sapat para bayaran ‘yong effort ng agency para ma- push through ‘yong study grant,” said Jamadee Amat, a grantee from the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Study Grant Program who graduated cum laude at Mindanao State University.

“Sana mas ma-expand pa ‘yong programa na ‘to kasi marami pang mga bata na gusto talagang makapag-aral. Para rin ma-eradicate ‘yong discrimination sa Bangsamoro na puro sila warrior and fighter. But we will take that in a positive way. We are warriors and fighters because we are fighting for our rights and we are warriors of peace. Gusto nating makapag-aral kasi gusto natin mapatunayan sa buong mundo na kaya rin natin [Bangsamoro] makipag-compete not just locally, but globally,” Amat concluded during his speech.

Furthermore, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provided briefings to graduates such as resume preparations, tips on job interviews, and work opportunities that they can explore on the professional field.

“Mayaman ka man o pobre ka, when we have education, we have the equal opportunity to compete with other people. Have the courage to meet people. Face your fears. Have the courage to help our country in your own little way – these are your passports for employment,” expressed CHED Region XII representative Genaro Andres.

The study grant’s sub-programs are the results from decades-old peace negotiations between the government and insurgent groups. The OPAPP-CHED and PAMANA-CHED programs are for members – including their families –h of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF), Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP/RPA/ABB).

On the other hand, the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Study Grant program solely accommodates grantees from Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The said activity is the first of three legs from all the 656 graduates that the study grant programs had produced for the last four years. The next leg would be in Cagayan de Oro City while the final leg would be in Zamboanga City respectively.