MASIU, LANAO DEL SUR – July 29, 2025 – In a significant step forward for peace and development, former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants in Lanao del Sur have received a substantial boost in livelihood support through the collaborative efforts of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and Mindanao State University (MSU). This initiative, part of the OPAPRU-MSU Partnership on the MNLF Transformation Program, aims to provide sustainable economic opportunities for MNLF communities.
The turnover ceremony, held today in Barangay Manalocontalub, Masiu, Lanao del Sur, saw the distribution of various farming tools and equipment, including tractors, a corn sheller, and motorized fiberglass canoes. These resources are expected to empower beneficiaries to enhance their agricultural productivity and fishing capabilities.
The joint activity was led by key representatives from both organizations. OPAPRU was represented by BGen Buenaventura C. Pascual (Ret), Chairman of the GPH Management Committee, and Director Jana Jill L. Gallardo of the MNLF Peace Process Office. Mindanao State University’s Project Management Unit was represented by its Team Leader, Prof. Mario J. Aguja, PhD. The MNLF, under Chairman Datu Muslimin G. Sema, was represented by Datu Naguib Solano, Co-Chair of the Confidence Building Sub-Committee, and MNLF Head of Secretariat, Michael A. Odin, along with Daniel Rayman.
The event was graciously hosted by Abduljabbar “Africa” Mamoclo, Chairman of the Central Ranao State Revolutionary Committee (CRSRC-MNLF) and President of Bangsamoro Party (BaPa)-Lanao del Sur Chapter, underscoring the strong local support for the program.
Beneficiaries from various MNLF communities received tailored support to address their specific needs. Key distributions included:
- Barangay Bayabao, Butig: 1 tractor with accessories
- Barangay Manalocontalub, Masiu: 1 tractor with accessories
- Barangay Kalaw, Marantao: 1 corn sheller with accessories and 5 motorized fiberglass canoes/banca with 15hp Yamato engines
- Barangay Sumbagarogong, Tugaya: 5 automatic folding and sliding saw machines, 11 electric wood thickness planers, 2 2-side thickness planers with 450mm INGCO, and 2 CNC wood router machines – INGCO
- Barangay Balaigay, Lumbayanague: 4 motorized fiberglass canoes/banca with 15hp Yamato engines
- Barangay Ingud Poblacion, Bacolod Kalawi: 5 motorized fiberglass canoes/banca with 15hp Yamato engines
- Barangay Malna, Kapai: 5 tiller walking tractors with single plow and harrow attachment (10hp Yamato engine), 12,400 abaca seedlings, and 1 sack inorganic fertilizers.
This initiative exemplifies the ongoing commitment to peace-building and the successful reintegration of former combatants into productive civilian life, fostering sustainable development and stability in the region.
