The Words of the Balcomb Family
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The Words of the Balcomb Family |
Cagayan de Oro, Philippines - As more and more communities become vulnerable to armed conflict, there has been a need for the steering committee of the new Mindanao Peace Initiative to converge and develop solidarity in their peace efforts. A two-day Mindanao Peace Initiative Conference was held June 4-6, 2009 at the beautiful and peaceful Ecotourism Village in Cagayan De Oro City.
The Mindanao Peace Initiative is a rising civil-society peace-builder and is involved in a participatory and inclusive approach to peace anchored on respect for cultural and religious differences. It has identified sectors from the grassroots peace constituency representing Mindanao Island’s Christian and Muslim religious leaders, Lumads, academe, business, professionals, and public servants, with the majority of participants coming from the Department of Education.
Dr. Estrella Abid-Babano is the Chair of the initiative and also the Regional Director of the Department of Education in Region 10. Dr. Babano said that it is imperative to unite and align peace efforts and genuinely pursue lasting peace in Mindanao.
She developed the Peace Village believing that peace-building needs to begin and develop in the minds of the children. She challenged the steering committee but at the same time encouraged them to persevere amidst apprehensions that Mindanao will never be able to achieve peace due to political mayhem and social upheaval.
The conference was blessed by speakers who are international key players on peace initiatives set forth by the Universal Peace Federation. Secretary General Dr. Thomas Walsh gave several presentations entitled, “Vision and Guiding Principles towards the World of Lasting Peace” and “Peace-building Initiatives.” These presentations showcased the Middle East Peace Initiative, the Northeast Asia Peace Initiative, the South Asia Peace Initiative, the African Peace Initiative, the Americas Peace Initiative, and the South Caucasus Peace Initiative. The presentations helped the steering committee feel connected to UPF'sl peace initiatives across the globe.
Other speakers included Dr. Charles Phillips, President and CEO of Service For Peace; Mr. Larry Moffitt, Vice President for Development and Communication of the Global Peace Festival; Mr. Aya Goto, Executive Director of the Global Peace Festival; Mr. Massimo Trombin, Director of Field Operations of the Global Peace Festival; and Mr. Daniel Bessell, Director of Religious Youth Service.
Participants were given time to share about their peace efforts after each presentation, allowing for an interactive dialogue supplemented by the international pool of experts. Cultural performances from the different tribes from the area also delighted participants.
Instead of a regular closing program, participants met in groups by profession, and each group came up with proposals and immediate action steps. The majority of the suggestions centered around ongoing programs. A briefing was given about plans Global Peace Convention in December.
As challenging as it may seem, the Mindanao Peace Initiative is determined to strengthen local initiatives and offer innovative approaches to achieving peace.