Xavier University Honors IAG Executive Director Atty. Benedicto Bacani with 2025 Fr. William F. Masterson Award

[𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱] 𝗖𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗼, 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 – 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 — The Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) proudly celebrates the recognition of its Executive Director, Atty. Benedicto R. Bacani, who was conferred the prestigious Fr. William F. Masterson, SJ Award by Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan during its 86th Commencement Exercises.

This esteemed honor acknowledges Atty. Bacani’s enduring contributions to social development, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance throughout his decades-long career in Mindanao. As the Founder and Executive Director of IAG, he has played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and building institutional frameworks for sustainable peace in the Bangsamoro. Under his leadership, IAG has emerged as a trusted platform for multi-stakeholder engagement, research-driven policymaking, and strategic advocacy—significantly shaping the transition to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Atty. Bacani, a respected legal scholar and former law dean, has dedicated his life to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, particularly among Moro and Indigenous peoples, while mentoring a new generation of peacebuilders.

Xavier University’s recognition places him in the distinguished company of the late Fr. Eliseo “Jun” Mercado, OMI, whose legacy continues to inspire peace and development efforts across the region.

In his acceptance speech, Atty. Bacani shared, “I feel honored and humbled, while at the same time anxious that I may not be able to keep up. I realized though that Fr. Jun lived in his own time with its own distinct opportunities and challenges. Now, I have to confront mine—the challenges for peace in my time and generation. I will continue Fr. Jun’s legacy in my own way, time, and place.”

He added, “We still have a long way to go, but the seed has been planted in public policies and the institutions that have been built during the political transition of the BARMM.”

The IAG family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Xavier University for this meaningful recognition of Atty. Bacani’s visionary leadership and lifelong service. Since its founding in 2001, IAG has remained steadfast in its mission to promote peace and autonomy in the region through programs grounded in democracy, human rights, and good governance.