Datu Piang, Maguindanao- The Lumpingan for Peace and Development, Inc., once again braced for further voluntary works in its areas of operation this year as it renewed its commitment to peace and development in support to BARMM.

This was the centerpiece of the Lumpingan induction rites held at the multi-purpose building in Datu Piang, Maguindanao last June 6 Sunday. 

"The theme of today's ceremony i.e. Moving further forward, renewing the commitment to unity toward service to people and community, truly expresses our organization's trust this 2020," said Dr. Mastura Tapa, the present Lumpingan Executive Director. 

This year's set of officers were sworn in by BARMM BTA MP Datu Mibpantao Midtimbang, who was also the guest of honor of the event. 

"I am aware of the Lumpingan's remarkable track record on peace and development works in Datu Piang and it is best appropriate that Lumpingan should keep such remarkable feat up," said MP Midtimbang.

Established in 2011, Lumpingan is a local non-profit and non-partisan Muslim non-government organization based in Datu Piang, Maguindanao. It has membership consisting of professionals, religious leaders, public officials, youth, businessmen and private individuals. It envisions itself to excel in volunteerism and humanitarian works, and aims to establish an empowered community thriving under peace and prosperity.

In his message of support, Datu Piang Mayor Datu Victor Samama, who is also a member urged everyone during the program that "Lumpingan should always maintain itself as non-partisan in a way that neither shall it be politicized nor exploited for any political interest." 

Since 2011, Lumpingan has been through humanitarian response, civic actions and community services, leadership trainings as well as rido (clan feud) settlement. Municipal councilor Datu Macmod Tuan, former Lumpingan president emotionally recalled those series of rido settlement during his term, "which almost cost our lives."

All these programs were done under Lumpingan's own auspices i.e. activities were all funded through voluntary contributions and donations of members.

"In one way or another, Lumpingan aims this time to complement both the LGU Datu Piang and BARMM's commitment to peace and development," Tapa ended.