On July 27, 2024, at the Calungsod-San Vitores Collaboration Center, 11th floor of the Community Center of the Jacinto Campus of Ateneo de Davao University, 13 presidents and some representatives from 19 Philippine Higher Education Institutions across Mindanao convened to discuss the latest updates and challenges in the Bangsamoro Peace Process. This significant gathering, hosted by Ateneo de Davao University and co-convenor Mindanao State University, was part of the Principles for Peace Accompaniment to the Bangsamoro Peace Initiative, facilitated by the Initiatives for International Dialogue, International Center for Innovation, Transformation and Excellence in Governance (INCITEGov), and Gazton Z. Ortigas Peace Institute. The session included a comprehensive BARMM situationer presented by Former Secretary Ging Deles.
During the meeting, five initial proposals in areas of Bangsamoro policing, amnesty, block grant, transitional justice and youth engagement in the BARMM elections, were presented to address various aspects of the Bangsamoro peace process. These proposals were further developed through in-depth discussions, highlighting potential solutions through collaborative and individual action plans. The event culminated in a symbolic ceremony where each president and representative sealed their commitment to accompanying the Bangsamoro with a ritual of thumbprinting on a dove canvas. This act represented a unified pledge to support peace and development in the region.
