PERSPECTIVE ON PEACE IN MINDANAO AMONG MSU MARAWI CITY MUSLIM STUDENTS IN COLLEGE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

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Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the perspective of peace in Mindanao among the Muslim college students of the College of Public Affairs, Mindanao State University- Marawi Campus. A descriptive method was used in analyzing the responses in the study. A self-constructed questionnaire was also utilized in order to gather necessary data from the respondents.

Based on the analysis of the data, the following findings were revealed in this study: great majority of the respondents viewed " Peace in Mindanao" as tolerance, integration, respect and harmonious relationship among the tri-people Muslims, Christians and Lumads. On the other hand, the respondents are against the idea of having more investors, yet, they stand for self- determination.

Majority of the respondents agreed and considered the uncontrolled criminality and discrimination within the tri-people of Mindanao as one of their perception on the absence of peace within its regions. On the other hand, majority of respondents also showcased that uncontrolled criminality, discriminations, within the tri-people of Mindanao, marginalization of tribes, economic downfalls and political abuse are some of their perceptions in the indication of chaos in Mindanao. Great majority of the respondents cannot decide however, that everyone lives in safety, fair and effective laws are are protecting people's rights, that everyone is able to participate in shaping political decisions and that the government is accountable to its people, everyone has fair and equal access to the basic needs for the people's well- being, and finally, everyone has an equal opportunity to work and make a living regardless of their ethnicity and gender.

Majority of the respondents further revealed that their perceived problems in the possible attainment of Peace in Mindanao includes political dynasty, presence of 'RIDO' in Muslim communities, discriminations or marginalization, poverty, unemployment, laziness to fill their lands, and 'maratabat'. Furthermore, some respondents cannot decide as one of the problems in the attainment of Peace in Mindanao.