Mindanao State University – General Santos (MSU-Gensan) marked a historic milestone on December 3, 2024, with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kalinaw Center—a visionary 40-million peso facility that positions the university at the forefront of peace education and conflict transformation in Mindanao.
The Kalinaw Center, named after the Filipino word for “peace,” is more than just a structure—it is a symbol of MSU-Gensan’s unwavering dedication to nurturing peace, reconciliation, and inclusive development in a region long marked by conflict but equally rich in diversity, culture, and resilience.
Spearheaded by Prof. Mario J. Aguja, Ph.D., and supported by Chancellor Atty. Shidik T. Abantas, the project aims to provide a permanent space for academic dialogue, community-based peace initiatives, training workshops, and policy research. Once completed, the center will host collaborative programs focused on conflict sensitivity, intercultural understanding, transitional justice, and peacebuilding skills—empowering youth and local stakeholders to become agents of positive change.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity. In his remarks, Secretary Galvez lauded the university’s bold step and highlighted the critical role educational institutions play in institutionalizing peace and nurturing the next generation of peacebuilders. “What MSU-Gensan is doing here is nation-building,” he said. “This center will not only shape minds, it will shape a future of hope, harmony, and shared prosperity.”
Chancellor Shidik T. Abantas echoed this sentiment in his message. “We believe that universities are more than just places of learning—they are sanctuaries of understanding, dialogue, and transformation. The Kalinaw Center will serve as a beacon for peace education not only in Region XII but for the entire Mindanao,” he stated.
Beyond the ceremonial shovels and speeches, the event also served as a gathering of committed advocates from various sectors—government officials, academic leaders, civil society representatives, and peace partners—united in the belief that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collaboration and inclusive education.
With this groundbreaking, MSU-Gensan reaffirms its identity as a University of the People—dedicated to academic excellence, social relevance, and peaceful nation-building. The Kalinaw Center stands as a testament to this commitment, embodying a shared vision for a future where dialogue triumphs over division, and education leads the way toward lasting peace.
Stay connected as MSU-Gensan continues its journey to advance peace, justice, and sustainable development—one step, one project, and one generation at a time.
