Master in International Studies, University of the Philippines.

Noted as one of 500 Most Influential Muslims (The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, Jordan), SAMIRA GUTOC, has worked with an array of stakeholders for the past 17 years as a journalist, manager, consultant, environmentalist, trainor, activist, organizer and now a legislator. She obtained her degrees in communication and master in International Studies at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman, law degree from the Arellano School of Law and a fellowship at the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies. She was nominated to The Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) and awarded by Junior Chamber International (JCI) as one of the country’s Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) for Leadership. She was former Executive Vice President of the 1st National Youth Parliament and Reform ARMM Now (RAN) Spokesperson where she helped push for postponing the August 2011 ARMM elections to May 2013. She is now an OIC sectoral representative for women appointed by Pres. Aquino and chairs the Committee on Education, Arts, Culture and Sports Development. She also sits as regent in the Mindanao State University System.