15/10/2025
CSU Holds Turnover, Ribbon Cutting, and Unveiling of the Peace Center Building Marker in Commemoration of the 13th Anniversary of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro
Cotabato State University (CSU) formally held the Turnover, Ribbon Cutting, and Unveiling of the Peace and Development Center Building Marker today, October 15, 2025, at the CSU Campus in Cotabato City. The event was held in commemoration of the 13th anniversary of the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)—a milestone that laid the foundation for lasting peace and the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The program featured Dr. Ombra A. Imam, Director of the CSU Peace and Development Center, who delivered the welcome remarks; Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal of MBHTE-BARMM, who gave the turnover message; and CSU President Prof. Sema G. Dilna, EdD, who delivered the acceptance message. Former MP Engr. Aida M. Silongan, PhD gave the keynote address, while MP Susana Anayatin and Dr. Rahib Kudto shared inspiring messages of support.
As a gesture of gratitude, the University presented Plaques of Appreciation to Minister Iqbal and Engr. Silongan for their invaluable contributions to the establishment of the Peace and Development Center. The symbolic ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the building marker were jointly led by Minister Iqbal, Engr. Silongan, and President Dilna, in the presence of Dr. Imam, CSU officials, and distinguished guests from OPAPRU, UNICEF, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Third Party Monitoring Team, Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission, Development Academy of the Bangsamoro, and Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society Organizations, together with CSU deans, directors, faculty members, and students.
The ceremony concluded with a simple kanduli, symbolizing thanksgiving, solidarity, and shared commitment to peace. The newly inaugurated CSU Peace and Development Center stands as a beacon of inclusive, transformative, and sustainable peace—a hub for research, dialogue, and collaboration among peace stakeholders. This milestone also signals CSU’s forthcoming role in spearheading the 2025 Mindanao Week of Peace Celebration, reaffirming its mission to be a world-class university for peace and development in Southern Philippines.