BMN holds orientation for the OJT MSU-Maguindanao Islamic Studies Students
COTABATO CITY (July 3, 2025) — The on-the-job trainees from the Islamic Studies students at the College of Arts and Sciences, Mindanao State University (MSU-Maguindanao), participated in a one-day orientation at the Bangsamoro Multimedia Network (BMN) Office Studio in Barangay Datu Balabaran, Tamontaka Mother, Cotabato City, BARMM on June 27. The event, which began at 9:00 AM, aimed to welcome the OJT participants and provide them with important guidelines for their training period.
The orientation commenced with a warm welcome from Tu Alid Alfonso, LPT, Chairman of BMN. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the students, stating, “Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa inyo sa pagkakataon na ito. We welcome you on behalf of Bangsamoro Multimedia Network. Welcome po sa pangalawang pagkakataon na mas dinagdagan pa po ninyo from the Mindanao State University taking up Islamic Studies.”
Alfonso also thanked Dr. Badrudin K. Abdul, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, for choosing BMN once again to host the MSU-Maguindanao intern students. The group consists of 20 students, including 6 males and 14 females, accompanied by their OJT coordinator, Ansare K. Unos, MAIS.
Unos reminded the students, “Thank you so much to the BMN office for accepting us. Be kind, as you are very lucky to be under the BMN office. One of the feedbacks from previous coordinators is that BMN is truly the best. We will learn a lot here. The purpose of this practicum is to face reality.”
Faydiyah S. Akmad, MAIS, the Executive Director of BMN, introduced the organization’s mission, vision, goals, programs, and services. She shared BMN’s aspiration to establish a Multimedia Academy that will serve as a training center for multimedia in the Bangsamoro region.
She said, “Isa sa vision ng BMN ay makapagtatag ng isang multimedia academy. Although we have not yet established a physical infrastructure, we are beginning our mission with you, the OJT students. Our goal is to develop 500 communicators in Bangsamoro, and you are among those lucky enough to be included in this initiative.”
Akmad encouraged the OJT students, stating that once the multimedia academy is realized, they would be welcome to become volunteers at BMN in the future. “So, if BMN’s multimedia academy becomes a reality and you are willing to serve and volunteer, our doors will be open for you to help develop new Bangsamoro communicators, insha’ Allah.”
“We are thrilled that you have chosen our institution as your development learning agency. We are happy that you selected our office to be a part of your growth,” she added. “We are here to provide the knowledge and experience necessary to prepare you for the realities you will face as professional individuals after completing your OJT or graduating from your course.”
Akmad emphasized that the BMN staff would act as mentors and parental figures to the OJT students: “We are here not just as your mentors, but also as your parents who can guide you—not only in terms of learning and capacity development but also to observe your behavioral changes.”
(Contributors: Alfaried E. Abdullah, Benladin S. Nungga, Jiego B. Mama, Hawla M. Upak, Rohamina N. Dimaukom, Sittie Aizah A. Maton, Juhanie G. Guialal, Maricel G. Salik, Tatanot M. Pao, Sarah S. Guiamblang, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
