Late MSU president cited for role in peace process
ILIGAN CITY—Tributes have poured in for the late Basari Mapupuno, president of the Mindanao State University (MSU) System, who died on Tuesday. He was 61.
According to lawyer Alizedney Ditucalan, chancellor of MSU Iligan Institute of Technology, Mapupuno suffered from cardiac arrest. He was buried in Balindong, Lanao del Sur, in accordance with Muslim traditional rites.
The university had arranged a “tibaw” (vigil) starting on Wednesday at the MSU Marawi International Convention Center for those who would like to pay their respects and visit Mapupuno’s bereaved family.
Mapupuno, a former dean of the MSU College of Law, was appointed MSU System president in 2022.
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. has joined the MSU community in mourning the passing of Mapupuno whom he cited for bringing the university into active roles in the Bangsamoro peace process.
“The passing of Atty. Mapupuno is a deeply felt loss not only for the people of the Bangsamoro and Mindanao, but for the nation as a whole, because of his invaluable contribution to the comprehensive Philippine peace process,” Galvez said in a statement.
Galvez noted that under Mapupuno’s leadership, MSU forged a partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) to carry out the transformation program for Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants, their families and communities.
To date, some 1,972 MNLF members have undergone profiling and verification under the program, making them eligible for socioeconomic assistance, as well as other livelihood projects.
Through the Opapru-MSU partnership, 25 communities prioritized by the MNLF were assessed, and a total of 97 projects worth P125 million are set to be delivered.
During Mapupuno’s watch, Opapru also partnered with MSU in implementing a scholarship program for kin of Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters.
“With his significant accomplishments, the late Atty. Mapupuno was more than just an academic leader; he was a respected figure who championed the cause of inclusive education, social justice and peace,” Galvez added.
“We have lost not only a distinguished leader in education but also a devoted son of Mindanao whose work touched the lives of many,” said Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.
