Muslim youths spend 21st night of Ramadan 2014 in an annual lecture series

COTABATO CITY – Around a thousand of Muslim youths graced the annual Grand Qiyamul Layl Symposium 2014 last July 19-20, 2014 at CCSPC Gymnasium, Cotabato City with a theme “Self-Reformation: A Gateway to Peace and Progress”. Spearheaded by the United Voices for Peace Network (UVPN) through the chairmanship of UVPN Minister of Religious Affairs Engr. Zubair A. Guiaman, the activity was conducted in collaboration with the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College or CCSPC’s Supreme Student Government (SSG) led by SSG President Nasserudin D. Dunding, and CCSPC Muslim Student Association (MSA) led by its founder Amenodin M. Samporna.

CCSPC Vice President Dr. Mohamma Taha S. Pendaliday led the formal opening of the program. In his inspirational message, he expressed his support for this kind of collaborative initiative. Correspondingly, the UVPN Prime Minister Hamodi L. Tiboron, CPA, gave an overview of UVPN tackling its vision, mission, goals and philosophy to aware the participants about the basic tenets of the Association.

“One of the goals of UVPN is to motivate the Muslim people to practice the true teachings of Islam for them to be able to engage into a sincere and genuine peace dialogue with the people of other beliefs and cultures” said by Mr. Tiboron relating the conduct of the activity.

During the one night activity, series of lecture in line with the theme were highlighted by nationally recognized Islamic scholars in Cotabato City.

Mufti Abu Hurairah Udasan of well-known Darul Ifta rendered a discussion on the “Absolute Practice of Islam: Solution to the Problems of the Muslim Ummah” emphasizing the importance of revisiting, studying and following the Qur’an and the practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in solving the political and social problems encountered by Muslim Ummah at the present time.

On the topic, “Preparing the youth as Future Muslim Leader”, Ustadz Nasrudin Musa of the Hayatul Ulama – Philippines stressed the importance of formation or affiliation to youth organizations as a good venue in molding the youth to become future catalysts. For this reason, education is an important tool in equipping them as already obliged by Islam at the outset.

Boardmember of the GINAKIT Philippine Foudation Incorporated, Ustadz Ismael Andil Tuanadatu, then discussed the “Importance of Self-Reformation in the Present Society”. Tawbah, Arabic for self-reformation, was underlined as one of the steps leading to societal stability and harmony as it encourages positive change from oneself, within the family, then eventually, to the community.

Furthermore, as a month of mercy and blessings, the “Significant Teachings of Ramadan” was rendered by Ustadz Faisal Dacungan Director of Mahad Alil Amir. Accordingly, various forms of worship are being taught by Ramadan including acts of worship, reading Qur’an, remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) and ectetera. Ust. Dacungan also shared the Do-s and Don’t-s in fasting.

Lastly, Ustadz Marhan Mohamad Burhan from Bangsamoro Transition Commission rendered a lecture on the “Attributes of Ideal Muslim and Muslima”. In this lecture, the Muslims duty in observing Salah was given emphasis and the importance of having unconditional love for humanity.

To answer the questions of the participants in line with the topics, the program included rounds of open forum between the aforementioned lectures.

Literally, Qiyamul Layl means spending the night or part of it in any acts of worship. Since its foundation in 2005, the UVPN, in collaboration partner organizations and with support from local and international donors, conducts the Grand Qiyamul Layl Symposium year after year within the last ten odd nights of Ramadan in an aim for Muslims to seek and witness the blessed night of Laylatul Qadr.

“The Night of Al-Qadr is better than thousand nights. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Angel Jibreel) by Allah’s permission with all Decrees. All that night, there is peace until the appearance of dawn”, as the Almighty Allah said in the Qur’an 97: 3-5. 

- Mohamad Abdulfarid Delna, UVPN Minister of Records and Documentations

UVPN Holds 4th Shuura to Activate 2014 Activities’ Take-Off

 

Steered every quarter of the fiscal year, the United Voices for Peace Network held its 4^th Shuura on Muslim Youth Enlightenment, Empowerment and Development last June 5-7, 2014 at Masjidus Salam, Sanggilangan Village, Maa, Davao City, with a theme “Muslim Youth Leaders as Agents for Positive Change”.

The said  meeting was attended by members of the Board of Trustees (BOT), chief ministers and area and school representatives, who constitute the Association’s Parliament – a governing body responsible for running the over-all affairs. Intensive discussion on agenda focusing on projected activities for the fiscal year 2014 filled the conduct of the three-day meeting. It covered BOT report on action-plans, updates from existing UVPN chapters and identification of next steps for upcoming activities.

Updates on the action-plans of Ministers commenced the agenda discussion. It highlighted the membership database, ID system, religious activities (such as weekly Halaqa), documentation format and procedures, monitoring and evaluation scheme (like monthly accomplishment reports), the formulation of UVPN Code of Conduct, communication flow, financial management system and the formal institutionalization of some activities like Hijab Campaign. These action-plans, accordingly, will provide the tools and guidelines for Ministers to discharge their respective functions. These will also be operationalized through the technical working group formed beforehand such as Training Team, Media Team, Da’wah Team and Finance Team.

The recent activities conducted by UVPN chapters were then presented. Signifying the gradual step towards formal establishment of chapters in the campuses, members attending in Cotabato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC) and Notre Dame University (NDU) highlighted the successful conduct of General Orientation Program last January. In addition, the Ranaw Chapter presented the activity highlights of the “Let’s Talk about Love” Forum conducted last February in Mindanao State University. A program report was also presented by Kutawato Community Chapter regarding the Re-echo Activity on Islamic Issues. The said activity was spearheaded by Khayria Malusay who attended the original round in Malaysia last April.

As a moving forward mechanism, the body identified sets of activities that are hoped to be conducted before the fiscal year ends. Aside from continuous recruitment of members through its chapters, the Association will gradually steer the conduct of its annually observed events. One of these is the Qiyamul Layl Symposium during the holy month of Ramadan. It will be spearheaded by the Kutawato Community Chapter in Cotabato City in the last ten nights of Ramadan and are hoped to be steered as well in Marawi City by Ranaw Chapter and in Taguig City by Manila Chapter (the conduct of which last year served as the first activity of the Association in Manila). Other Ramadan activities are Iftar programs, Weekly Islamic lectures and the Eidl Fitr Kanduli – Camaraderie-Building. These activities and all other upcoming activities in the fiscal year will be concluded by the annual UVPN General Consultative Convention, that will be on its third round in Sarangani Province on December last week.

These activities are anchored in the Association’s founding objective to enlighten, empower and develop the Muslims in Philippines, particularly in the South, and mission of fostering unity.

Qiyamul Layl in Taguig City: A first for UVPN

Bismillah.

For years, the United Voices for Peace Network (UVPN) had been conducting one of its major activities every Ramadhan which is very  well known as “Qiyamul Layl”. The program which is usually scheduled within the last ten days of Ramadhan, starts with a series of Islamic lectures after Tarawih prayer and ends with the participants praying tahajjud and eating shuhur together. This great event started in the Ramadhan of 2006 in Sultan Kudarat and was widely accepted and participated by many—from high school students to members of the community. Since then, every year UVPN have been working on and improving the Qiyamul Layl in Sultan Kudarat as a collaborative effort of the Muslim youth to anticipate and prepare for the greatest night in Ramadhan that may come only once every year: the Laylatul Qadr or the Night of Power.  

This year though, is different. For Alhamdulillah, UVPN had finally implemented two sets of Qiyamul Layl: one in Kutawato (Cotabato) and the other one, in Taguig City which is a first time for UVPN.

The UVPN Qiyamul Layl 2013, with the theme: “Self Reformation: a gateway to Peace and Progress” was held last August 2, 2013 (25^th day of Ramadhan) at the Green Mosque Compound, IRM Road, New Bicutan, Taguig City. It was well participated by more than 200 people from the nearby Muslim community. The four sets of lectures delivered by three great Islamic lecturers done during the program had a great impact on the audiences. The community was indeed grateful that such kind of activity started in their place, and they hope these kinds of activities initiated by the youths will continue.

The Qiyamul Layl in Taguig City made possible through the great blessings of Allah and the efforts of not just the few UVPN members in the area but also due to the efforts, support and contribution of many volunteers and Muslim brothers and sisters in the area. Without them, indeed the success of the program will remain as a dream. The UVPN in Taguig and Manila—and the UVPN family as a whole—is indeed grateful to the following people/groups: the Imam in Green Mosque, Imam Abdulhamid; the IRM Tambayan youth volunteers; the Abo Family; the the Ponga Sisters; Mr. and Mrs. Compania; the Basman Family for the LCD Projector; Dr. Abdullah from UPCM; our three lecturers namely Hasim Iskak, Ustadz Abdurrahim Masdal, and Ustadz Abdulhamid Pigkawlan; and all the participants from the community during the said event.

May Allah reward us all for all the efforts we did for His sake. May Allah continue to shower His blessings to the Muslim Ummah, especially the Muslim youths. Ameen.

MORE PHOTOS:

Qiyamul Layl Symposiums 2013

Bismillah.

For years, United Voices for Peace had conducted Series of Qiyamul Layl Symposiums during one of the last 10 days Ramadhan where Laylatul Qadr (the night of Great Power) is usually sought after as from the authentic ahadith.

This year, there will be two Qiyamul Layl symposiums:
1. In SKIA, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao; and
2. In Taguig City in Luzon

The second venue (in Taguig City) will be the first to be conducted in the northern part of the country, in sha Allah, as from the past years, UVPN's Qiyamul Layl program is usually held in SKIA.

May Allah grant the Muslim Ummah more strength in propagating the beautiful message of Islam throughout the world! Ameen!

UVPN attends 1st Bangsamoro Youth Summit

Written by Ahmad Musahari

Secretary General, UVPN-National Chapter

Bismillah. (This is a Quick post. Also published in Anak Iluh Blog)

Alhamdulillah, the 2-day Bangsamoro Youth Leaders Summit, with the theme "Transforming Potentials, Leadding the future", conducted last March 15-16, 2012 in the Office of the Regional Governor, Cotabato City was indeed a success. The activity was spearheaded by the Coordinating and Development Office-Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (CDO-BYA) and other partner organizations as AFADMin, C-CARE, YMPN and NYC. The author attended the Summit, representing the United Voices for Peace Network (UVPN).

The Regional Governor (third from right), the speakers, and the participants

Youth leaders from all over the region, representing the 5 provinces of ARMM: Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, were gathered in the event, to discuss important issues affecting the youths in the Muslim Region and how can these be addressed both by the regional government and the active youth leaders. Many prominent speakers from different stakeholders graced the event, and even the Acting Regional Governor himself, Hon. Mujiv Hataman, was present and interacted with the participants./
There were open-Forums with the RG, wherein discussions on issues and concerns afffecting the bangsamoro were tackled. The youth participants were also given the chance to voice out their sentiments and ideas on how the Regional and Local government can better improve their performances and services to the community for a better, reformed ARMM, In shaa Allah. In the end of the summit, the youth paticipants made commitments on making actions to help their local communities.

Quoting the paper presented during the summit, "The summmit will bee a multi-lateral platform for youth leaders to have better understanding of the issues that affects the Bangsamoro and develop an integrated, holistic and proactive approach in solving them. Moreover, it aims to form an alliance of network among them, thereby allowing broader and deeper perspectives.

2012 PEACE.TECH YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

National Youth Ambassadors for Peace Program 2012

Peace Tech, Inc. will be launching its National Youth Ambassadors for Peace Program with the theme "Kabataang Kumikilos para sa Kapayapaan" through holding a workshop for selected young leaders in Marawi, Iligan, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Cebu and Manila.

The workshop for Mindanao and Cebu participants will be held in Cagayan de Oro City on May 8-13, 2012.

We are calling on college students in the aforementioned cities to apply in this program, attached are the details and requirements regarding the Peace Program and its application form.

Kindly pass. Thanks.



HONEY S. MABAYLAN
Youth Program Officer
Peace Tech Inc.
Unit 404, Emerald Place Bldg, 604 Shaw Blvd., Pasig City


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
DOWNLOAD FILES HERE:

2012 Application Form

Program

An Eye-Opening Experience

“The Other Plan”

An eye-Opening Experience
By Radzimar Endih

On the outset, everything was in place as planned. It felt right for me to go despite of fear of it turning to one of my travel dilemma (hilo/suka/self-pity). And it did. But beyond it all, something different was up for me there.

When we arrived at the affected place, I literally had vomited my entire breakfast. While trying to convince myself I was okay and everything’s going to be fine, other members in the van started to notice the devastating scene greeting us. It was worse than the saddest fiasco in catastrophic movies. At the wake of the flash flood and storm, houses and the roadways were left covered with bulks of mud. Logs and fallen trees lay all over the scene which seemed to come from somewhere far. The unfortunate residents were out trying to rebuild what was deemed to be unrecoverable. For quite a time, I thought I was in fact way far okay compared to these people who lost shelter and, worse, loved ones.

It has never been easy to feel being useless when you know you were supposed to do something bigger than to wait in the van and look after it. Your heart says, “You can do it.” But your brain hurdles you by telling you not to cause problem and stay inside. Nonetheless, as I reposed and look around, it was a view I saw through the windows.

Silence started to sink in as I watch the members carried two packaged relief goods on both hands and personally handing them to some needy families. I saw some of them not only gave food and material help but also offered a hug which meant more than anything else. I saw both sad and hopeful faces. I saw an old man sitting still in his small bungalow as if time had stopped over him. I saw children, despite of the trauma this disaster brought, still managed to wave smiles of gratitude.

Working Together Amidst Adversities

UVPN Volunteers repacking goods for donation

RELIEF OPERATION for 'SENDONG' VICTIMS

Recognizing the importance of working together in extending generosity to attain ALLAH S.W.T.'s Pleasure, Mercy and Forgiveness, especially in times of calamities, the United Voices for Peace Network conducted a relief operation for Sendong Victims in the Barangays of Upper Hinaplanon and Cabaro in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte last December 29, 2011.

Since the week the Northern Mindanao was hit by the said typhoon, UVPNians in different places and schools had already started calling for assistance for the calamity victims. After weeks of massive information dissemination and donations collection, UVPNians gathered in Mindanao State University-Main Campus, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur last December 27 and 28 , 2011 to centralize and prepare the relief goods distributed.

A hundred and fifty families were able to receive two and a half kilos of rice, three bottles of purified water, two canned goods, three packs of noodles and assorted clothes. Additional five hundred individuals were also able to receive bottles of purified water from the group. These donations were made available through ALLAH S.W.T.'s Tawfik to the following individuals and entities who responded to UVPN's call: Maguindanao Vice-Governor Datu Ismael V. Mastura, Prof. Iskak of Institute of Bangsamoro Studies, officers, members and volunteers of MSU Main Campus-Business Administration and Accountancy Student Council, AFS-Cotabato Chapter, Ranao Council Student Assembly, Muslim Youth Religious Organization, Tableegh Risaalah Organization and Jamiatu Tilmizaat Organization.

3rd Islamic Leadership Training

UVPN Conducts 3nd Islamic Leadership Training

United Voices for Peace Network-SKIA Chapter conducted its third Islamic Leadership Training and Peace Workshop last December 25-26, 2011 in Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy Social Hall, Brgy. Bulalo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao with the theme "Enlightened and Empowered Muslim Youth Leader: An Effective Peace-Builder".

Using the Lift-Core Strategy or Learning-By-Doing Approach that was utilized in the said activity, applicants of UVPN-SKIA Chapter and invited non-UVPNian participants had truly internalized the significant Islamic learning imparted throughout the training program. There are four essential components of the program that enhanced the learning experience of the participants which are:

Shaping Khalifah Personality which inculcated among the participants their role as Khalifah of ALLAH S.W.T. and the significant duties and responsibilities to perform. Introduced during this part are appropriate attitudes and values to possess in order for them to fulfill the great role of being a Righteous Khalifa, In Shaa Allah;

Islamic Leadership Skills Enhancement which emphasized the Islamic leadership styles of the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. The essential attributes and roles of an effective Muslim youth leader must have, were also introduced;

News and Updates

Bismillah.

Here are some of the updates of activities done by the different UVPN Chapters.

 GENERAL ORIENTATIONS HELD

As part of the Phase IV (Contribution Phase) of the screening process, the aspirants (half-members) of UVPN-Lanao, Batch Qiyamus Salam, organized the organization's General Orientation for the Second Semester of the SY 2011-2012 in the Academic Complex Lecture Hall, College of Law, MSU Campus, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur last December 11, 2011. Significant information about the formation and operation of the organization were shared to around 70 MSUans who attended in the said activity. To make the participants internalize deeply the advocacy of the organization, Islamic workshops were facilitated by the members and aspirants. The workshops left the students with an inspiration, determination and motivation to support and extend the UVPN's advocacy. Panel Interview of the Phase 1 of the Screening Process was immediately started in the afternoon.

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WORKSHOP on PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT

To enhance spiritual wellness among UVPNians, Islamic Personality Development Workshop was conducted in the Grandstand of MSU-Main Campus last December 18, 2011 in the afternoon. Significant duties, responsibilities, attitudes and values as Khalifah of ALLAH were emphasized to UVPNians in the said activity.

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CHAPTER EXPANSIONS ENVISIONED

In sha ALLAH, we look forward to the establishment of Davao Chapter through Wahida Caparan Kumaway, Palawan Chapter through Fatima Magbanua, Sulu/Zambo City Chapter through Ahmad Musahari, CCSPC Chapter through Abdul Rahman Sali Alongan, Ocampo Chapter through Alhussainie Salik Ali and USM chapter through Iyeosefph Guerrero..=) Our newbies in MSU-Main Campus had also expressed their dedication and commitment to bring UVPN activities in their respective places in sha ALLAH... =)

QURBAN PROJECT 2011

Sohayl reaching out the donations to the poor

During the Eidul Adha last November 6, 2011 a Qurban (Animal Sacrifice) project was held in Maguindanao. Qurban is a regular tradition of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and until now are being done  by able Muslims during the last and Holy Month of Dhul Hijja. This is also the month of Pilgrimage or Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam: Hajj. The meats of the sacrificed animals (goats, sheep, cows or camels) will then be distributed to the poor families in the community, who cannot even afford such provisions. This is just one of the wonderful Islamic practices that strengthens brotherhood among Muslims and promotes charity and humility among them: sharing whatever blessings Allah may have given to them to the less-fortunate.

In the Qurban Project 2011, UVPN was assigned to Distribute the “donations” to various places as the Darul Aytam Cotabato in Brgy. Gang, Sultan Kudarat, Magindanao and Tukananes, Cotabato City.

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