Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, June 21, 2025 — A wave of emotion swept through the Darul Aman Convention Center today as Member of Parliament Abdulbasit R. Benito stood before hundreds of youth leaders from across the Philippines, delivering a soul-stirring message that reached far beyond political boundaries—straight into the hearts of every young peacebuilder in attendance.
The gathering, hosted by the United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) as part of its Strategic Leaders Conference, brought together youth representatives from various regions—each carrying with them stories of struggle, resilience, and hope. But it was the story of MP Benito himself that left an indelible mark.
"I come before you not just as a Member of the Bangsamoro Parliament," he began, "but as a son of our collective struggle—one who was born into hardship, raised by resistance, and shaped by faith in Allah and the dream of freedom for our people."
What followed was not the typical speech of a seasoned legislator, but a deeply personal testimony. Benito spoke candidly of his painful past—of being displaced before Martial Law, orphaned at a young age, and forced into child labor to care for his younger siblings. From being a working student to an out-of-school youth, a driver, and a manual laborer—his life, he shared, was one forged in adversity.
Despite being scattered by poverty, Benito and his siblings eventually found their way back to each other. “That alone is already a victory,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion.
He traced his path from the grassroots of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), organizing communities and raising political awareness, to his silent role in intelligence work under the Central Research Agency, and later, as Director for International NGOs under the MILF Committee on Foreign Affairs. He paid tribute to key figures in the movement, including Chairman Salamat Hashim and Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar and Abdulraof "Sammy Gambar" Abdulraof Macacua, acknowledging their influence on his journey.
But perhaps the most striking moment came when he shared how conflict gave way to peacebuilding. From studying in the United States to traveling the globe as a voice for the Bangsamoro, Benito’s transformation from combatant to statesman was nothing short of remarkable.
“These are not personal victories,” he reminded the crowd. “They are victories of our collective narrative.”
In a message directed straight to the youth, Benito declared: “If a poor orphan boy from Maguindanao, forced into labor, raised by struggle, and burdened by conflict, can become a mujahid, a youth leader, a peace advocate, a government official, and now a Member of the Bangsamoro Parliament—then you, too, can rise.”
Applause erupted, not just for the words, but for the truth they carried. He urged the youth never to let poverty, fear, or history define their future.
“You are the youth of the Bangsamoro,” he declared, “not just the hope of tomorrow, but the power of today.”
To further support youth development, the Office of MP Abdulbasit R. Benito also announced the offering of five (5) scholarship slots for Medicine and thirty (30) free driving training slots. These will be awarded to selected and qualified members of UNYPAD and distributed across its various chapters nationwide—underscoring MP Benito’s belief in coupling inspiration with tangible support.
For many attendees, the moment was transformative. Some were moved to tears, others stood in silence—deeply reflecting on the weight of their own journeys. The event did not just showcase leadership—it nurtured it.
As the conference closed, the sense of unity and renewed purpose among the youth was undeniable. The message was clear: from the margins, great leaders can rise—and in that room, many had already begun to.
June 21, 2025 - BY Admin