NewsOn the Passing of Mr. Vandrazel Mandangan Birowa

It is with deep sorrow that the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy shares the passing of Mr. Vandrazel Mandangan Birowa.

Hailing from Sulu Province, Van was an advocate for peace whose work in Mindanao has left a mark on the communities he served. Through his initiatives, he empowered youth and religious sectors to foster dialogue, promote moderation, and uphold the principles of tolerance and freedom of religion and belief.

He believed deeply in the power of faith as a force for unity and inclusion. As he once shared: “In Islam, one of the foundations of teaching… is love your neighbor. It doesn’t say your neighbour should be Christian , or your neighbour should be Muslim. We should … promote religious tolerance and solidarity, which will have a lasting impact and help us build a stronger society.” This conviction guided his work and brought people together, creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and shared understanding.

PCID is grateful for Van’s contributions to the development sector and the cause of lasting peace in the region. We are honored to have worked alongside him in advancing democratic values and peace.