With his writing prowess, Jalil A. Ruro, the incumbent news editor of The Torch, the official student publication of Cotabato State University, clinched the second runner-up title in the virtual on-the-spot essay writing contest conducted during the fifth Bangsamoro Foundation Day on Jan. 21.

The Bangsamoro Foundation Day essay writing competition aimed at showcasing the diverse narratives and insights of the Bangsamoro. It was participated by more than a hundred participants across the BARMM Region. Ruro managed to stand out, bagging the second runner-up title and an award of P8,000.

“Rewarding, grateful, honored—never would I have imagined that I would be given the opportunity to share and write about the ancestral struggles and aspirations in the pursuit of Moro's liberation. Winning in this competition is a cloud nine experience.” Ruro exclaimed in an interview.

Further, the essay contest centered around the theme of defining co-existence and the crucial role of mutual understanding in fostering lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro Region, considering the diverse cultures and ethnicities within BARMM.

“I’ve emphasized in my essay the power of storytelling. Sharing the ancestral struggles, heroism, and aspirations toward the long overdue peace may inspire the younger generation to cultivate the traits of heroism and diplomatic.” He added.

Mr. Ruro is a third-year student taking up a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English under the College of Teacher Education in Cotabato State University and has always been passionate in writing.

“He is just a hushed type of student good at oral and written discourse,” remarked by one of his mentors, Ma'am Arlie Joy C. Bones.

Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, the Bangsamoro Government expresses gratitude for the participants, “We thank the winners and all other participants of this contest for sharing the diverse stories and insights of the Bangsamoro through your essays.”

The competition was under the meticulous judgement of the two esteemed and high-caliber judges: Ms. Jamela Aisha Alindongan, an award-winning journalist and was an Al jazeera correspondent and Prof. Anifa Alonto— Nagamura, a tenured academician.

Ruro’s victory is a reflection of his advocacy and commitment to inspire the young people in reshaping the community through storytelling and dialogue.