GENERAL SANTOS CITY, December 3, 2024 — A groundbreaking collaboration between the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and Mindanao State University (MSU) General Santos City was formalized on Tuesday with the signing of agreements to promote peace education and community development.
The partnership includes the creation of the “GAWAD KALINAW: Student Peace Leadership Award,” an annual recognition for graduating students who excel in peacebuilding, and the establishment of the Kalinaw Center, envisioned as a hub for peace advocacy and socio-economic empowerment.
Recognizing Student Peacebuilders
The Student Peace Leadership Award aims to inspire the next generation of peace advocates. Dr. Monsour A. Pelmin, Director of the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao at MSU-General Santos City, emphasized the importance of acknowledging student contributions to the culture of peace.
“This award aims to encourage students to actively engage in peacebuilding and leadership within their communities,” he said.
MSU-General Santos City Chancellor Atty. Shidik T. Abantas highlighted the university’s commitment to peace education, calling the initiative a step toward its vision of becoming the National Peace University of the Philippines.
“MSU GenSan is one of the few universities offering courses in peace education. We want to empower our students to be peacebuilders in their communities,” Abantas said.
Leonard Tucyajao, Supreme Student Council president, described the award as “a beacon of hope and inspiration” that underscores servant leadership and resilience.
“This initiative aligns with MSU’s vision of integrating peacebuilding into academic and extracurricular pursuits, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society,” Tucyajao added.
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. shared his personal connection to similar awards, crediting his own high school recognition for inspiring his career in public service.
“We hope the Gawad Kalinaw award will inspire students to embrace a peace-focused perspective, recognizing their critical role in building a better future for our nation,” Galvez said.
The first recipients of the Gawad Kalinaw award will be recognized in July 2025.
Building the Kalinaw Center
The Kalinaw Center, a key component of the partnership, is envisioned as a hub for promoting peace education and fostering interfaith dialogue in Mindanao.
Prof. Mario J. Aguja, Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at MSU GenSan, explained that the center will focus on youth-oriented peace programs, including training in peacebuilding fundamentals and advocacy.
“This center will serve as a space for peace advocates and educators to share best practices and implement programs that address the unique challenges of our communities,” Aguja said.
Secretary Galvez outlined the broader vision for the center, which will also support local economic development through livelihood skills training and community workshops.
“In the long term, the Kalinaw Center will become a hub for lifelong learning and economic opportunities, benefiting residents of Mindanao and neighboring communities,” Galvez said.
The construction of the Php 50-million facility, funded by OPAPRU and MSU, is slated to begin in the second half of 2025 on a two-hectare site within the MSU-General Santos City campus.
A Shared Commitment to Peace
The initiatives reflect the enduring partnership between OPAPRU and MSU, which has supported the MNLF Transformation Program since 2023 under the provisions of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. Both the Gawad Kalinaw award and the Kalinaw Center symbolize their shared dedication to fostering peace and development in Mindanao.
“Achieving peace and inclusive development requires collective effort. The national government cannot do this alone—it needs the partnership of institutions like MSU,” Galvez emphasized.
As MSU GenSan continues its journey to becoming the nation’s premier peace university, these initiatives serve as a testament to its commitment to empowering future leaders and nurturing a culture of peace.