MANILA, Philippines – Some 24 Muslim scholars completed a four-month congressional internship sponsored by the House of Representatives and the USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM).
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. were present during the ceremony at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City for the 24 graduates belonging to the 10th group of the Congressional Internship Program for Young Mindanao Leaders (CIPYML).
Belmonte told the graduates that their participation in the program has given them the opportunity to have a better outlook on public governance.
The graduates now have the unique opportunity to be a part of making the promise of peace and prosperity real in Mindanao, Belmonte said.
“You have grown up there so you understand better the people and culture, the conditions and the dreams of the people of Mindanao about the future,” he said.
Thomas, for his part, said the CIPYMNL is a unique partnership between the House of Representatives and the American embassy as it is the only program in the Philippines that provides highly motivated, dynamic young people from Mindanao the opportunity to immerse themselves in policy formulation and legislation.
Thomas said the program, which has spanned three Speakers of the House of Representatives and three US ambassadors, is making real contributions to spreading awareness of and respect for democratic procedure.
Thomas told the graduates that their participation in the program has also presented members of Congress with a valuable way of knowing the concerns and aspirations of Mindanao’s historically marginalized groups.
“All of you are among the best and the brightest that Mindanao has to offer. Mindanao – indeed the Philippines, meaning people like you who have the talent, perseverance, dedication and hard work – have claims to move forward,” Thomas said.
Also present during the occasion were House members from Mindanao, officials and professors from the University of the Philippines-National College of Public Administration and Good Governance, the Mindanao State University and other House officials.
The Muslim scholars came from the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Marawi City, Zamboanga City, Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, General Santos City, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato City and North Cotabato.