01/04/2026
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12 Shawwal, 1447 AH || KEY NOTE ADDRESS
DATU ISMAEL VELOSO MASTURA, AL-HADJ
SKIA 2nd President
"Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.)
Alhamdulillahi rabbi al Alameen, Al-Rahman Al-Raheem. (All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds โ the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.)
Distinguished members of the Board led by the Chairman Honorable Governor of Maguindanao del Norte, Datu Tucao O. Mastura, CPA; founding president Dr. Atty. Datu Michael O. Mastura; VPAA and College Dean, Hadja Salma Lourdes V. Mastura; our honored guests, Rev. Francis Efren C. Zabala, OMI, President of Notre Dame University; Dr. Sema G. Dilna, President of Cotabato State University; Dr. Hegira Nefertiti M. Limbona, Chancellor of MSU-Maguindanao{represented by Dr. Marisa Parcon}; Dr. Cecilia C. Barroga, President of Saint Benedict College; Director General Marjuni M. Maddi of Higher Education, MBHTE, Presidents, Heads of AAMSCI schools, respected school principals of Sultan Kudarat Municipality and Sultan Mastura our feeder schools; dedicated administrative staff and faculty members; students and ever-supportive parents guests, of course my ever supportive family led by my wife Nur-Aisha Pasandalan, my kids assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh and good afternoon to all of you!
Today, I stand before you with a heart full of humility and a deep sense of responsibility as I accept the position as the 2nd President of Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat Islamic Academy Foundation, Incorporated.
To Papa, our founding president, I sincerely offer you my heartfelt thanks for the trust, not being an academician, itโs a big shoe to fill, may Allah help me. Your vision for a competent Moro peoples is already 30 years into reality. You laid the cornerstone of an institution that does not merely impart knowledge, but shapes character, strengthens faith and nurtures a sense of purpose for generations of learners. Because of you, this institution stands today as a beacon of learning and moral guidance in these parts.
My father who started this school out of frustration over the many Islamic conferences pushing for the establishment of Islamic schools finally put up the SKIA in 1991. My father who strived early in life, had only one set of uniform, suot suot sa umaga laba sa gabi. But kwento nya sa Mama ko kapag mag-recite naman all the oldness of the uniform goes away what he said was what mattered. Even today he carries that confidence often goes around in the campus in white t-shirt and khakis sabi ko na lang sa staff iba na ang may nagawa sa buhay iba na ang naging Congressman reminding us all that true leadership is not defined by titles or appearances, but by substance and outlook.
We are all proud of the recognition you received from Ateneo de Davao University, being conferred the esteemed title of Doctor of Humanities Honoris Causaโa testament to your enduring contribution to education and society.
To my mother Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Hadja Salma Lourdes V. Mastura, who is one of the most impressive ladies I have ever met. A larasa mejor. A Veloso form Cebu Leyte, so impressive that she was a volunteer teacher at NDU for just one summer and my father was smitten by her. Quite the character that even students whom she just taught for the summer at Notre Dame Midsayap could not forget her. I remember during one our stopovers in Midsayap Jollibee she was greeted by someone and I asked her who that was she told me she was a former student. And to think my mother just taught at Notre Dame Midsayap for just one summer! I guess that goes for all of us: We never forget our strict teachers. Thank you Mama for reminding ouryoung teachers and staff of what it takes to behave as proper teachers and professionals. Thank you for the wisdom you have shared and for your tireless efforts in assisting the school president and founder upgrade this school and strive to produce successful professionals and future leaders of the Bangsamoro.
I must also acknowledge my siblings, whose dedication to our foundation has been invaluable. Atty. Ishaq V. Mastura, Member of the Parliament as Corporate Secretary and Fiscal Mariam V. Mastura, OIC Region XII Prosecutor as Wakaf Representative. You have contributed your time, expertise, and wisdom, ensuring that our institution remains grounded in strong governance and deep commitment to community service. Together as a family, we share a vision of educationcoupled with Islam as a social mobility for our people.
As we honor our history, we recognize that our journey has been marked by resilience and growth. Through challenges and triumphs, this institution has remained steadfast in its missionโto provide quality education rooted in faith, discipline and service. Our legacy is written in the lives of our graduates, who carry forward the values they learned here into their families, professions and communities.
This institution is not just a schoolโit is a sanctuary of learning, a nurturing ground for values, and a beacon of knowledge guided by our cherished motto: โIqra bismi rabikaโ โ Read in the name of your Lord.
These words are not merely a motto; they are a divine command and a lifelong mission. They remind us that education is sacred, that knowledge begins with faith, and that every lesson we learn and teach must be anchored in our devotion to the Almighty Allah (SWT).
I am profoundly honored by the trust you have placed in me. This institution is more than just a place of learningโit has become a center of knowledge and service to our people in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. It has shaped generations of leaders, educators and professionals who carry not only academic excellence but also the values of integrity, service, leadership, adaptability and morality โ the core values of this institution, insha Allah.
Yet while we honor the past, we must also embrace the future with clarity and determination. And for that I need your support.
We hope to achieve further academic excellence with integrity. We will strengthen our programs to meet global standards while remaining firmly anchored in our Islamic identity. We commit ourselves to produce quality graduates who are not only competent professionals but also practicing Muslims who are conscious seekers of knowledge, skills, correct attitudes equipped with moral and spiritual values.
We will adapt innovation.. In a rapidly changing world, we must also equip our students with critical thinking, digital literacy, and lifelong learning skills. We will invest in modern learning systems, faculty development, and research initiatives that respond to the needs of our time.
On leadership and morality. Without morality, power loses its meaning, and progress loses its direction. As an Islamic institution, we are guided not only by knowledge but by character. We are reminded that education is not just the pursuit of intellect, but the shaping of values. After all, the main purpose of education is a change in behavior, to become better individuals and citizens of our country.
Finally, community engagement and service. Our college must not stand apart from the communityโit must grow with it. We will deepen our partnerships with local leaders, organizations, and families to ensure that our work remains relevant, inclusive, and impactful. Together, we will uplift lives and contribute to the progress of our region.
To our faculty and staff, you are the heart of this institution. Your dedication shapes the minds and hearts of our students every day. I commit to supporting you, empowering you, and walking alongside you as we pursue excellence together.
To our students, you are the reason we are here. You carry the hopes of your families and the future of our society. Embrace your education with passion, uphold your values with courage, and strive to make a meaningful difference in the world. Never stop seeking knowledge, for it is a light that will guide you in this world and in the hereafter, insha Allah.
I have been with SKIA since 1992. Rising from school Treasurer to its VP for Finance and Administration. We know the community well as well as the students. We know we are a rural school. We know the reality we are imbued with, what is possible and not possible especially our students paying capacity for any planning without any funding is for naught. With this in mind it is indeed a new challenge for me being just a Manager. As its new President I must now provide vision, perhaps a seven year plan during my presidency for vision is the main difference between management and leaders. From courses to systems there must be improvement. With the commitment of the student leaders, Alumni, parents and staff we can do it Aamiin.
As I accept this role, I do so with a clear understanding that leadership is not about authorityโit is about service. It is not about one person โ it is about collective effort. I cannot do this alone. I call on each one of you to join me in the journey. It is about listening, guiding, and working together toward a shared vision, to elevate our institution to a greater heights. With faith as our foundation and unity as our strength, I am confident that we will continue to move forwardโstronger, wiser, and more purposeful than ever before.
Lastly but most importantly, Alhamdulillahi rabbi al Alameen. (All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds) for without Him we would not have reached this far. Without His guidance, blessings and help, we would not be able to do anything.
May the Almighty Allah, subhanahu wa taโala, guide us in this journey, bless our efforts, and grant us success in fulfilling our mission for this institution in this Life and in the Hereafter, Aamiin.
Wa billahi tawfiq wal hidayah, wasalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
Datu Dustin Mastura
