Having started off on the wrong foot by dealing only with the MILF on issues (such as territorial integrity) that are non-negotiable, Malacañang is hard put to correct its missteps and shaky commitments.

With ARMM having one of the highest incidence of poverty in the country, it is but normal to expect a big number of out-of-school youth in its midst. What can be done to the youth who are out of school at an early age?

If there is an intention to bring into the mainstream the Madrasahs operating in the rural areas, a decision must be made if reading materials in Arabic should be made available, otherwise stick to English in upgrading literacy. What is important is that support should be given to maintain the reading ability of the population – be it in Arabic, Filipino, or English.

The community, the society, and the world at large are getting diverse every day. In the absence of dialogue and constant communication, peaceful coexistence is unattainable.