NCMF, AFP partners for youth peace camps in Mindanao

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 10): NCMF, AFP partners for youth peace camps in Mindanao

The two-day peace camp ended Tuesday where the participants expressed their appreciation for being able to attend such an event.One youth leader-participant said his experience during the camp is one that he will carry on and remember for a long time.Participants did not only enjoy meeting with youth representatives from other provinces but were also equipped with the tools and knowledge on disaster preparedness and response, and got oriented on climate change.

They were also updated on the status of the peace process through video presentation, courtesy of OPAPP.The participants also underwent peace building and appreciative inquiry workshops, and were also given sessions on community awareness and response to emergencies with the Philippine Red Cross-Zamboanga demonstrating to them basic first aid responses.

Dr. Yusof Roque Morales-Focal Person In Charge-National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (FPIN-NCMF) said this peace camp is a result of a MOA signing between the AFP and the NCMF held October 8, 2013 at the General Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City where both parties agreed to launch four initial peace and development programs that will counter RIDO conflict, address “gun culture” and promote a culture of peace in Mindanao.

Dr. Morales said this peace camp is the third in the four initial peace programs, the other three include Bayanihan for Peace, Reconciliation, and Healing; Peace Radio; and Enhancement of Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity Awareness among AFP personnel.

“This peace camp is the first leg of a series of camps. The next leg will be conducted in Cotabato, Tawi-Tawi, Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur and Davao.”

“We hope to create critical mass of youth in these key areas who would become able partners of the government,” Morales added.

He also informed that the youth-participants would become counterpart-volunteers for the one million Bayani Challenge- a commitment made by the AFP-NCMF to raise 1million volunteers for the Bayanihan Challenge.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1401397098626