THE ATENEO de Manila University has partnered with the Ateneo de Zamboanga University to implement projects to support the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

ADMU President Roberto Yap and AdZU President Karel San Juan signed a Memorandum of Agreement to implement Ateneo Bangsamoro Initiative.

The agreement will allow the universities to work together in the areas of research, training, “and other educational or capacity-building programs for BARMM.”

Yap said that the political circumstances in the region is an opportunity for reform and progress.

He added that while the Bangsamoro Organic Law signifies a leap forward in achieving BARMM’s aspiration for self-governance and long-lasting peace in the region, “the BOL is just the first step.”

The two universities will “provide expert support and intervention that empowers BARMM and its emerging leaders,” Yap said.

San Juan shared that AdZU, religious leaders and members of the academe in Mindanao signed a joint statement supporting the passage of BOL.

“To us, the BOL is an instrument to end historical injustices against Muslim and non-Moro indigenous communities and mark the beginning of peace and development in the region,” San Juan said.

He said that AdZU also launched several projects to support advocacies for peace, security, and development in Mindanao.

The school, through the Social Development Office and its partners, launched the “Mindanaoan Ako, Filipino Ako,” a project aimed to empower outstanding young people of Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi in nation-building and advocating peace and socio-cultural awareness.