MINDANAO EXPOSE

DEDICATION --- OBYA Executive Director Salic A. Sharief, Jr. (2nd from left) reaps the result of selfless dedication to serve the Bangsamoro youths after being awarded “Outstanding Public Servant” in the recently concluded 13th Sultan Kudarat (SK) Awards held at Veranza Mall in General Santos City. Also in photo are (L-R) Concerned Muslim Individuals, Inc. adviser Ting Kusain, Moro Islamic Liberation Front Implementing Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, and Over-all Chairman of the SK Awards Kaharudin Delaten. (I. HUSSIN/ INFORMATION UNIT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

OBYA exec awarded outstanding public servant

GENERAL SANTOS CITY --- The Office of the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (OBYA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) steps another milestone as its head, Executive Director Salic Exan A. Sharief, Jr. was recognized in the 13th Sultan Kudarat (SK) Awards on December 30, 2016 at the Veranza Atrium, this city.

Sharief placed under the Public Service/ Government Employee category, was awarded alongside outstanding Muslim individuals who exceled in their respective fields of endeavors in recognition for their efforts that contributed to peace and development of the Bangsamoro people and communities.

“This is truly a milestone. Our efforts are not only limited in the region because we are also recognized outside the ARMM,” said Sharief.

Sharief was elated when he expressed optimism on this newest achievement not only for him, but also of the OBYA.

“I am humbled to receive this award. This is due to the collaborative endeavors of our office and the Bangsamoro youths from all over the ARMM. Indeed, it only manifests that we are living up in strengthening the implementation of our mandate pertaining to youth affairs programs, issues, and concerns,” he said.

Sharief added that the award recognizes the vital role of the youth in the task of regional development towards nation building.

“Our youths are now connected and linked with our various line-agencies in the ARMM. We would want to showcase relevant programs to empower the Bangsamoro youths, most especially in the aspect of livelihood,” said Sharief.

Further, Sharief called on the participation of the ARMM populace towards achieving his vision of building a just, peaceful, and humane society for the youths. “Let us uphold the rights and enhance the capacity of the Bangsamoro youths to live their lives at the fullest according to the well-set morals and traditions. They are the product of our continuing quest for freedom and a just society.”

Other categories in the SK Awards included Academic Excellence, Student Leadership, Community Service and Volunteerism, Community Development, Education, Culture and the Arts, Agriculture and Fisheries, Da’wah and Peace Propagation, Medical Practitioners, and Journalism and Mass Media.

Organized by the Concerned Muslim Individuals and Federation of Muslim Students Association, the event is supported by the Asia Foundation, AFAD Min, Inc., Mindanao State University-General Santos, Office of the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs of the ARMM, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon of Sarangani, Governor Sultan PaxMangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat, the city government of General Santos, and Mayor Bairihan Sakaluran.

Other supporters were the Young Moro Professionals Council, Alkubz Cakes and Pastries, Dulaw Cuisine, and RD Foundation.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front Implementing Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal was the keynote speaker during the affair, where he updated the crowd on the current status of the Bangsamoro peace process and the direction of the Duterte administration.

“I urge the delegates and the awardees to sustain their efforts and initiatives that help the Bangsamoro people,” he said. (GILMHAR LAO/ INFORMATION UNIT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)