A Healthy Body, leads to a Healthy Islamic Life!

Who says you have to be part of the Varsity team to have a healthy life style? UVPN-Lanao will try to prove that statement wrong!

Taking a pose after the tiring game

As part of developing physical fitness among UVPNians, applicants, aspirants and members of UVPN-Lanao played together different games in the University Grandstand and Oval of MSU Main Campus, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur last December 18, 2011, 6:00-9:00 am. 

Male UVPNians played soccer, sepak takraw and basketball while the female UVPNians played Larong Pinoy Games. Chibugan in Exan's Bakery located in the Upper Commercial Center of the campus concluded the activity.

UVPN Sends Delegates for Peace Caravan in Davao

Twelve (12) UVPNians attended the Peace Caravan entitled Mindanao Peace Youth Festival with a theme "Raising Voices for Peace: A Youth Culture and Arts Festival for Peace " organized by Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) in Davao City, Davao del Sur last December 2-4, 2011. 

The said festival provided a venue wherein the youth of Mindanao were able to show their support for the current peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and air their call for a peaceful settlement of the conflict through the medium of arts and music. 

Since most of the activities conducted were not Islamic in nature, corrupting the minds of young Muslim delegates (specially in the second night on which a concert was conducted), Islamic Da'wah highlighting Islamic Way of Attaining Peace was initiated by the United Voices for Peace Network. Muslim delegates representing different Muslim organizations from different parts of Mindanao were gathered in the Prayer Room while the concert was being conducted. The said special activity provided an avenue for the Muslim delegates to know one another and to brainstorm Islamic strategies and actions that will suitably lead to the true face of peace and progress in the Bangsamoro Homeland.

UVPNians who attended the event were Norjanah Andok Abo, Mohammad Dalanda, Salahudin Datumanong, Mohammad Faisal Dimalen, Macdum Enca, Suharto Sandayan Esmael, Jhela Juanday, Khairia Malusay and Jelfaad Salik of UVPN-Cotabato/Maguindanao and Mahadudin Sumpingan, Morrasul Jupakkal and Hamodi Lao Tiboron of UVPN-Lanao.

Leadership: An Islamic View

Article contributed By: 

Abu Khuwailid Ibn Hajiri

A single Ummah requires unity among the people of the nation. A successful Ummah calls for an eloquent leadership from a strong and faithful Ameer. For all those years that had passed, where is the rightful Ameer that was supposed to lead us towards divine righteousness and positive development? Where is the rightful Ameer of the Ummah?

The May Election is fast approaching: another event full of deceit and ostentatious promises from running politicians with all their “I-can-do-this-and-that”. Promises we only see in papers. Promises that only last a few words, if not of a few minutes only. No one can ever distinguish which is a part of truth in their words. Election is a time for the common people to choose the right man to lead the way. It is so much a crucial decision where the future of the land depends on. But how can the people of a Nation select the right choice if every man in the screen-show of politics does the same thing: promise and nothing more. How are we going to judge; what will be our guidance in choosing those who are capable of uplifting our state? To whom shall we put our trust and our future as well?

Islam stretches the importance of good governance and Politics that plays a vital role in an Islamic society. As stated in the Holy Qur’an:

“Behold! Thy lord said to the angels; ‘I will create vicegerent on Earth…” - Al-Baqarah (2):30

Man was created to lead a good example, addressing the need of the people’s concerns and promoting the propagation of Islam. In fact, Rasulullah S.A.W. had shown the world how Islam can bring about positive change and development during the advent of Islam in his time. The only problem the Bangsamoros nowadays have—may be as an effect of the colonial era experienced—is for overlooking the Islamic way of leadership and its principles that contributes to positive development. This laxity of the people frequently resulted to the rampant graft and corruption among our leaders that could be seen in every nook off the province—greatly contributing to the dawdling progress in the Moro areas.

To help us recognize the ‘real’ Leader we've been waiting for , let us glimpse at how Islam sees what a good leader is. Let us know and understand some “Attributes of a good, Islamic Leader”.

UVPN: The Red Carpet to the Call

by: Asmina U. Sulaiman, RN

UVPN Cotabato

What's so intriguing about UVPN?

As you try to do a 360-degree turn-around, you will be able to see the physique of the world. You are to probe the top and bottom part where you can see what's trending and what's ready to trash out,;who's in the go and who left behind. Yet, I bet you are to see more. When you look around, what you are seeing are people being busy on their own lives, maybe struggling to earn few pesos for their hungry family at home; maybe one is just aiming for fame, power and money. Only a few are yelling around the streets for their grievances to be heard. Maybe some are just not yet contented so they keep on searching. Most are just people who act like normal, surviving everyday of their life. Other words, everyone has its own call.

Well, let me tell you. It is just a sneak-a-peek. You missed something. You might be forgetting the internal area where the roots grew horribly that raises the question "Why these things are happening?". Most especially, you missed the area where you stand at. It may be just a piece of place fitted for your feet alone, yet could elevate or shrink you at a time. Around you is nothing but a huge package of natural-human dilemma and temptations. So worldly that it might blind you from your true mission. 

I started my UVPN life earlier when I was in high school. Back then, it was the former Voice of the Youth for Peace Organization which was later named as Voice of the Youth for Peace and Orderliness until it got to be today's United Voice for Peace Network. As a starting organization, we encountered different things. We do activities, plan them, materialize them, gather operational budgets and it never be that easy. We admit we have difficulties doing those. Those difficulties were rooted from several things like financial matters, behavioral problems, scarce resources and time constraints stretching us into a critical thinker "geeks". So we sort it out by bending our resources and exhausting our options. It is not only about handling problems. There is more in UVPN that obligates us to wake up ourselves.

UVPN History: It all started as a Dream...

2003

Ms. Suad K. Usman, a Mathematics teacher in Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy (SKIA), Brgy. Bulalo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao conceived a plan to conduct a Pre-Ramadhan Exhibit as part of the preparation for the coming of the Holy Month of Ramadhan. Having the Special Science Class-II as the best class for her during that school year, she assigned it to facilitate the said activity to be led by Hamodi L. Tiboron. Mr. Tiboron accepted the task. Together with Jelfaad J. Salik, he asked for the approval of the school administration, delegated tasks to each committee formed in the class and assisted Ms. Usman in gathering all the materials to be used in the exhibit. The activity had been impressively successful. Huge number of the school's constituents had visited the exhibit. Muslim constituents were urged to strengthen their faith while the Non-Muslim ones were able to change their views towards ISLAM, leaving no more misconceptions against the religion. This noble undertaking had truly inspired Mr. Tiboron. His spirit as a Muslim student leader had been ignited.

2004

Being noted as an active third year high school student, Mr. Tiboron was chosen by Hadja Bai Salma Lourdes V. Mastura, the better half of the SKIA President and Founder Datu Michael O. Mastura, dean of the college and president of the Asian Conference on Religion and Peace (ACRP) in the Philippines, to be one of the SKIA delegates to the Three-Day Interfaith Dialogue in Southern Christian College, Midsayap, North Cotabato. This program was participated in by different personalities from various sectors of the society all over the Philippines. Aside from the interfaith dialogue itself, the delegates were also immersed to different Muslim, Christian and Lumad communities in North Cotabato. This activity served as an eye-opener to Mr. Tiboron to the reality, as far as peace and order situation in Southern Philippines is concerned. 

"Amidst Adversity, There can be Solidarity" -An Essay from a UVPian

Bismillah With the aim of involving all our UVP Youth Members in contributing their literary pieces, essays and insights about UVPN and our advocacy, we have received an email/essay from a fellow UVPN Student. Here is her story of how she wanted to make change to her community and finally made it through UVPN. Alhamdulillah!

Amidst Adversity, There can be Solidarity
By: Hasmiene Diocolano Ibrahim

    I was sitting in the bench early in the morning while waiting for my friends to arrive; we have this usual meeting to discuss important matters for our bulk school requirements. I have heard unintentionally from the other edge, a cluster of students exchanging stories about the remarkable experiences they had during flood times. The fact is that, flood seems so normal in the city. When it rains, even not heavy, we can expect for it to turn up. After some time, I grasp several apprehensions.

    With all of those customary occurrences in and out of the university, nothing is more notable than June 2011 flood in Cotabato City, Sultan Kudarat, and nearby areas. The week long flood have already displaced an estimated 500,000 – 650,000 persons, damaged vast properties and so with their livelihood. These might seem so tremendous. Are these really this way? At a first glance, no doubt, it could be deemed as it is. However, we have to bear in our mind the concept of  Divine Will (Qadaa)  and Predestination (Qadar).These are basic principles of faith that we have to internalize deeply as a Muslim believer. Why did I include this? We have inculcated that Allah (SWT) made this to happen for a purpose or purposes. We might not automatically realize it, but surely, there is. As mentioned in our Holy Book (Qur’an 36:82) “Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, “Be!”- and it is !”. Whatever Allah decrees will happen inevitably comes to pass by His Power. 

Further, the Prophet (SAW) said “Allah wrote the decrees of His creation fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth, and He said: His Throne is above the water.” Hence, no rooms for questions and contentions because Allah (SWT) have carefully taken into account various facets of our lives.

    We could attest on this. Many individuals across different areas have cast their means to assist multifold victims of flood. Here we could manifest how mankinds fulfill its duty as a trustee of Allah (SWT). As His vicegerent, we must be prudent to accomplish our responsibilities in this world. We are accountable to what we have. Our knowledge, properties, and all the treasures that we cherished, we owe all of this to Him. We must not be arrogant on believing that what we achieve is just the product of our own efforts and nothing more. We have to go back to the basic principle that Allah (SWT) has the full control of all the dealings of the humanity. If not through His will, we can’t rejoice what we have. What I would like to emphasize, that though these floods caused a lot to us, it is still worthy. This is where we have witness how solidarity amidst diversity reign among humankind.

UVPN Programs

Bismillah. In the name of Allah the most Gracious, the most Merciful.
Alhamdulillah. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all beings.

By request from our members and applicants alike, we have finally posted the recorded Programs and Activities of UVPN Throughout Mindanao and Palawan. Other programs may not have been included in this table due to our failure to document them, may Allah correct us if we missed some of them. Please feel free to email us, or post your comments below if you found some of these erroneous, shukran!

email us: urvoice4peace@yahoo.com

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Program Title	Dates and Area of Implementation	Actors / Partners
Inauguration of MSU Chapter	September 1, 2007 at Mindanao State University-Main Campus.	UVPN-MSU
Sale for a Cause	September 3-8, 2007 at Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao	UVPN SKIA
Trainers’ Training I	December 24, 2007 at ORC Compound, Cotabato City	UVPN, Inspired Youth Optimistic Guild representatives
Trainers’ Training II	December 25, 2007 at Parang, Maguindanao.	UVPN, MSU-Seasider Students & Professionals Organization
Over-Night Leadership Training	February 16, 2008 at Mindanao State University-Main Campus	UVPN-MSU
2009 Islamic Leadership Training and Peace Workshop	December 27-28, 2009 at Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy	UVPN-SKIA
2010 Islamic Leadership Training and Peace Workshop	October 29-30, 2010 at Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy	UVPN-SKIA

Grand Iftar Extension: Davao

As part of the Grand Iftar Series 2011, the United Voices for Peace Network had sponsored a one-day Grand Iftar in Al-Masjido Salaam, Sangilangan Muslim Village, Ma-a, Davao City  last August 29, 2011. This program is part of the series of Iftar Programs conducted in other areas in Mindanao and Palawan by the end of the Holy month of Ramadhan, to promote Unity among the Muslims amidst the great distance that separates them. 

Foods were prepared outside the Masjid

Grand Iftar Extension: Sulu

In coordination with Muslim Youth Volunteers in Sulu and Zamboanga, the United Voices for Peace Network had sponsored a one-day Grand Iftar in Masjid Godinez, Jolo, Sulu last August 29, 2011. This program is part of the series of Iftar Programs conducted in other areas in Mindanao and Palawan by the end of the Holy month of Ramadhan, to promote Unity among the Muslims amidst the great distance that separates them. 

Masjid Godinez

The Mahmum in the Masjid sharing the blessings

Grand UVPN Iftar Extension-Palawan

The United Voices for Peace Network (UVPN) in coordination with Muslim Student Association (MSA)- Palawan Chapter sponsored a two-day iftar with theme: “Strengthening Muslim Unity through Extending Generosity” at Palawan Grand Mosque, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan  last August 28-29, 2011. The said iftar is part of UVPN’s extended activity for the Holy month of Ramadhan in the light of seeking the pleasure of All-Mighty Allah. Some estimated 60 (35 men & 20 women) Muslim-Palaweño were able to benefit from the program, Alhamdulillah.

This program, aside from sharing the blessings from the Most Gracious Allah, becomes an instrument in uniting Muslims despite the geographical and cultural gap existing between different Muslim minority groups specifically the Muslims in Mindanao and Palawan.

Iqra Program

In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

It's already been some months that we have not posted in this blog. The group had been so much busy with so many activities during Ramadhan (especially the main Event, our Grand Qiyamul Layl). But Alhamdulillah, we are now back to posting more and more activities here so that our brothers in Islam will also know what UVPN are busy with. After the Success of so many projects we had (all praise due to Allah), InshaAllah, we will still continue to inspire more lives; help build our Ummah, and be the catalysts of change in our homeland: Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan!

I will be posting about one of the wonderful activities initiated by our UVPN brothers in Marawi Chapter. It is entitled "Iqra Program". The UVPN Youth leaders visited a child day-care center in Bacolod-Kalawi, Lanao del Sur. Some books were donated (Islamic books); story-sharing and teaching the young Muslims about good manners in Islam were the main highlights. (Some of the kids were orphaned).

Each UVPian looks for his or her "foster-child" to teach and play with

MashaAllah

Project Risaalah: Sharing the Message of Islam.

Date of Implementation: June 25, 2011

Marawi City

UVPN-MSU Marawi's Project Risaalah

Initiated by UVPN-Marawi Chapter in partnership with Nur-Assalam Project, this activity was held last June 25, 2011 at Grandstand, MSU-Main Marawi City. All 10 recipients voluntarily joined the program to know and understand Islam as a religion. All recipients agreed that they will read the English translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an without prejudice and biases. Insha-Allah, we'll work on with the written report for this activity.

GRAND QIYAMUL LAYL SYMPOSIUM 2011

[NOTE: Actual Documentations of the Grand Qiyamul Layl will be posted soon, InshaAllah. This post is the Project Rationale before the program was held]

The United Voices for Peace Network (UVPN) is an organization composed of enthused and empowered Moro youth leaders from the areas of Basilan, Cotabato, Davao, Lanao, Maguindanao, Palawan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga who are united and committed to voice out and act together for the enlightenment, empowerment and development of the Bangsamoro people in order to attain ALLAH S.W.T.’s Pleasure, Forgiveness and Mercy that will give way to the true face of PEACE and PROGRESS in Southern Philippines. Since its establishment in 2005, UVPN has been very active in upholding its noble advocacy through conducting Islamic Seminars and Symposiums, Leadership Trainings, Dialogues and Outreach Programs in different Moro communities with the sole intention of Pleasing ALLAH S.W.T.

Recognizing the efficacy of the Holy Month of Ramadhan in inculcating the divine importance of “Tawbat” or self-reformation among Muslim believers, the UVPN will be holding its Grand Qiyamul Layl Symposium 2011 with the theme: “Self-Reformation: A Gateway to Peace and Progress” on August 27-28, 2011. 8:30pm-4:00am at Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy-Annex Compound, Cotabato City. It is an annual grand activity being undertaken by the organization which aims to make the Bangsamoro people aware of the significant role of self-reformation being taught by Ramadhan in attaining peace and progress in Southern Philippines and to promote a spirit of unity, social responsibility and leadership among them in order to bring about effective and sustainable actions as response to many problems confronting them and various misconceptions against the Muslim Ummah as a whole. This event has been annually held within the last ten days of Ramadhan, wherein the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr) can be witnessed by every Muslim (as in the Hadith of our Prophet, S.A.W). The event will be participated by hundreds of Muslims in doing 'ibadaah (worship) together for one night. The highlights of the activity are: praying Salatu At-Taraweeh together, Islamic Symposium, Qur'an Reading, praying Salatu At-Tahajjud together; and having Shuhr together.. This is a great avenue for our people, young and old, to work for the sake of Allah in Unity and in Harmony.

We are humbly asking assistance from our generous brothers and sisters by means of donating any amount of financial aid that we can use to defray our expenses. Next to Almighty ALLAH S.W.T.’s Grace and Mercy, we believe that your generosity will greatly help in making this event a success.

The following are the Objectives of this Program:

UVP Cotabato Relief Operations

July 2, 2011

THE SITUATION (and how we made a change)

This is what's happening now somewhere in Cotabato 

The whole pathway is flooded

Kids playing with their father's Pedicab

Others would stay at the top of a tricycle to keep themselves dry

And Boats are now a new way for transportation!

Relief Goods for Cotabato Flood Victims.

The United Voices for Peace Network (UVPN) will be conducting our First batch of Relief Operations on Saturday, July 2, 2011 to Cotabato. We are still accepting donations (Monetary units, or used clothes, and the like). Please reach the following contacts for different Areas.

For Cotabato Areas:                         Sohayl: 09058821456
For Marawi and Lanao Areas:           Maff: 09056491313
                                                       Hamodi: 09194857979
For Zamboanga and Nearby Areas:   Ahmad: 09067715113

InshaAllah, a second batch will follow.

                            "LET US ALL WORK HAND in HAND for the sake of ALLAH!"


News Wrappers:

"As of Friday (June 24), 76,559 families or 382,788 individuals were still affected by floods in the whole of Region 12, the Department of Social Welfare and Development reported.

In Cotabato City, Zorahayda Taha, DSWD-12 regional director, placed the number of flood-affected families inside evacuation centers at 9,077 families or 45,385 individuals, up from last Saturday’s 6,107 families or an estimated 30,535 persons..."  from: http://www.mindanews.com

"Around 21,855 of them are still staying in their homes despite being submerged in water, 4,597 families are currently staying in schools, 2,725 are sheltering in tents, while 665 are in covered courts.

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Tasa'ud 2011

TASA'UD: UVPN's Charity Program Part VII

BUILDING A NEW HOPE

            As part of the celebration of its 6th Foundation Anniversary on June 25, 2011, the United Voices for Peace Network will be having its Tasa'ud Part VII: Building a New Hope with Madrasah Imamud Da'wah Al-Islamie in Banubo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao as its beneficiary. The organization will be facilitating the repair of the said Madrasah, that is highly affected by the succeeding floods that hit the area. 

          UVPN is now calling the attention of those people who have the heart of extending generosity to those who are in need. Interested individuals may drop their donations at our main office at Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy Compound, Bulalo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. You may also leave your comments here, contact us through our e-mail address urvoice4peace@yahoo.com or call or text us through 09194857979 or 09065031828.

DESCRIPTION/RATIONALE:

            Every Muslim child is obligated to know his/her religion – Islam. One effective way of doing this is to attend classes in Madrasah (i.e. Islamic/Arabic schools), where there are Ustadzes (Muslim Teachers) who teach everything about Islam.

            

          Madrasah Imamud Da’wah Al-Islamie is an Islamic/Arabic school located in Banubo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, built with the initiatives of the people in the community. It is the only Madrasah present in that Baranggay. Unfortunately, during the 2008 and 2009 mass flood in the Municipality of Sultan Kudarat and the City of Cotabato, the Madrasah was seriously affected. The students and teachers cannot anymore use the rooms in the first floor because mud, soil, and dirt filled the rooms. Thus, the students and teachers are forced to fit themselves in the remaining rooms at the second floor. They divide each room into two, to accommodate other grades and level. They conduct two classes in one room with only one chalkboard. The chalkboards are overused and some are damaged, so the ustadzes cannot anymore use them well.

   How can a student internalize and comprehend the lectures in an environment which is not conducive for learning? We need a group of people who will dare to take actions to address these problems.

  Thus, the United Voices for Peace Network will be conducting its “Tasa-ud Part VII: Building a New Hope” on June 19-25, 2011 at the said Madrasah. As an organization that works out for peace and progress, UVPN designed this program primarily to promote education through improvement of needed facilities and to make the Madrasah students internalize their importance in the Bangsamoro Homeland as peace-builders, as “Islam” connotes “Peace” which is being taught in Madrasah like Madrasah Imamud-Da’wah Al-Islamie. 

GENERAL OBJECTIVE:

To promote a spirit of unity, social responsibility and leadership in order to bring about effective and sustainable actions as response to various problems confronting the Bangsamoro especially in Islamic Education.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: