Iligan City, Philippines — Aspire for a better, stronger Mindanao, rebuild a stronger and better Marawi City.
This was the message of Mindanao Development Authority Chairman Datu Abul Khayr Alonto to the graduates of Mindanao State University who held the graduation rites at the MSU-Iligan City campus,
The commencement exercise for the MSU-Marawi was held in Iligan City last July 13, following the siege that befell the city last May 23.
Speaking before the 2,000 graduates, the first Muslim MinDa Chair who hails Marawi expressed his hope for the future professionals to contribute to nation-building and work with the government in rehabilitating the shattered city.
“My dear graduates, use what you have learned from MSU to broaden your perspectives, to remain confident and optimistic in Mindanao, to be hopeful about its future and deeply committed to being an instrument of peace,” Alonto said.
Alonto emphasized “What happened in Marawi 52 days ago, is unfortunately personal to all of us; for somehow, there are amongst us who must have lost their loved ones; a family member, a friend, colleague, classmate or teacher; and there are those who will never ever make it to march in this halls or witness this kind of event in their lives,” he added.
Despite what happened, Alonto stressed “Mindanao still holds great potential to be the country’s frontline for economic growth owing to its rich, largely untapped natural resources and a competitive and literate labor force. ”
“Throughout history, our darkest hours are always followed by our finest moments. We are at this point where time and circumstances accord us excellent opportunity to build a strong nation in Mindanao and dismantle the national divide,” Alonto said. -PR/Newsline.pn
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