04/07/2026
BRIDGES OF FAITH, SEEDS OF PEACE: Sulu Youth and Ateneo Community Come Together in a Learning Exchange on Pathways to Peace
Peace is not built in grand declarations; it is planted quietly, in conversations, in shared prayer, and in the courage of young people who choose hope.
On 02 July 2026, the Ateneo Peace Center, together with the Social Development Unit, welcomed young peace advocates from Sulu in a Lakbay-Aral Learning Exchange Session convened by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) through its Social Healing and Peacebuilding Office (SHAPEO), together with Gagandilan Mindanao Women Inc. (GMWI).
The afternoon opened with an interfaith prayer for peace, a Muslim du'a and a Christian prayer offered side by side, setting the tone for an exchange rooted in mutual respect.
Our University President, Fr. Ernald Andal, SJ, warmly welcomed the delegation with his opening message, followed by a message of purpose from Dir. Atty. Ishmael I. Bahjin, Head of the Social Healing and Peacebuilding Office, and an affirming message of support from Ms. Wahida Abdullah, Founder of Gagandilan Mindanao Women Inc.
At the heart of the afternoon was the Interfaith Dialogue, "Pathways to Peace," moderated by Mr. Troy Gian Lim, Program Coordinator of the Ateneo Center for Leadership and Governance (ACLG). Sheikh Loderson "Mahir" Gustaham, Muslim Convener of the Interreligious Solidarity for Peace, shared reflections through the Islamic lens, while Br. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ, Director of Global Paths: Internationalization Office of AdZU, offered insights through the Christian lens, together illuminating the common ground our faiths share in the work of healing and reconciliation.
In peace circles, Sulu youth, AdZU student leaders, and community youth peace advocates in Zamboanga City listened to one another's stories and offered their own words of peace, with 'leaves' added to a growing Tree of Peace. To our student leaders and community youth peace advocates: thank you for showing up, for sharing your peacebuilding stories, and for walking alongside our young guests as fellow travelers on this journey.
The gathering was brought to a close by Mr. Rogin Eribal, OIC Unit Director of the Social Development Unit and Director of the Ateneo Learning and Teaching Excellence Center (ALTEC), whose closing message sent everyone forth with renewed hope.
To OPAPRU and GMWI: thank you for the trust you have placed in the Ateneo de Zamboanga University to accompany these young children in their healing journey. It is a privilege to walk with them, and with you, toward a future of a genuine culture of peace in our communities.
This engagement is anchored on SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), affirming that lasting peace is built through strong institutions and stronger partnerships.
For AdZU, it is likewise a lived expression of our Ignatian values of cura personalis, care for the whole person, and of being men and women for and with others, deepening our commitment to being united in purpose and action in the service of peace in Mindanao.