SG Pres holds dialogue with students

The Singaporean President held a dialogue with officials and students of the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) on Sept. 10 as part of her 5-day state visit in time for the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic ties between Philippines and Singapore.

The event dubbed as Pakighinabi centered on Conversation on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, and also discussed the Document on Human Fraternity on World Peace and Living Together, the peace document recently signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of al-Azhar Ahmad al-Tayyeb last February of this year as well as strengthening the Philippines – Singapore Relations.

After visiting the Philippine Eagle Center at Malagos yesterday morning, Yacob arrived at ADDU around 11:30 in the morning where she was greeted with several dignitaries of the said institution including Rev. Fr. Joel E. Tabora S.J., ADDU President.

“The Ateneo de Davao University graciously welcomes opportunities to engage in dialogue with the leaders from our different Asian neighbors and to exchange knowledge and inspiration which the University can use to promote its different initiatives and programs to contribute to the pursuit of peace, social justice, and the common good in Mindanao,” the institution said in a press briefer released before the said event.

The Pakighinabi was led by Datu Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan, Director of the Al-Qalam Institute and current member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

Other stakeholders included Prof. Mansoor Limba of the AdDU Islamic Studies Department; Christian Dominic Ang of the SAMAHAN Student Government; and other student-representatives from the Senior High School, the Salaam Movement, the Islamic Studies Department, and the Salaam-TAMS (The Ateneo Muslim Society).

Others who joined the event include Atty. Romeo T. Cabarde, Jr., Director of the AdDU Center Against Illegal Drugs (CAID), who facilitated the conversation.

“The Madaris Volunteer Program, Salaam Movement and Bitiala Center in Cotabato City, are extensions of the university to the communities especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regions in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). These provide opportunities that contributes to the empowerment of the different sectors of the society especially the vulnerable groups of youth, women, madrasah educators, farmers and fisherfolks and religious leaders,” said ADDU.

“The government of Singapore has similar considerations to those of the Bangsamoro. With the election of its first female Muslim President, Halima Yacob, the need to foster good relations between the two ASEAN countries is more crucial than ever,” it added.