Women peace advocates, both national and international,
gathered in the North Cotabato provincial capital of Kidapawan City
Spearheaded by Jennifer Freeman, Senior Program Officer of
Joan B. Croc Institute for Peace and Justice (IPF) of the University of San
Diego, talked about “Defying Extremism: Asian Dialogue." It was
participated by representatives of Magungaya Group, United Youth for Peace and
Development, Inc. (UNYPAD) and Balay Mindanao.
With Freeman are groups composed of active women peace
advocates from the US , Canada , Malaysia ,
Indonesia , Burma and counterparts from Pakistan and Nigeria
Local officials said the dialogue was timely as it came
while Moro bandits are locked in skirmishes in North
Cotabato and Maguindanao and while the country was still reeling
from the January skirmishes in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
In the dialogue, the discussions were focused on the roots
of conflict in Mindanao and what are the peace initiatives done to respond to
the ill effects of war, especially by PO ’s.
North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza lauded the
initiative as supportive of the peace efforts of her administration.
An open forum followed where anyone was given the chance to
air views on the current situation of peace and order in Mindanao
and the country as well.
Freeman emphasized the need to put in all efforts to promote
and maintain peace, address conflict with the right perspective and suppress
religious extremism as an international threat.
Junalyn Sumlay, Executive Director of Magungaya, a peoples
organization, narrated her group's peace initiatives in conflict affected areas
in Mindanao .
Sumlay admitted women peace advocates have been exhausted
and tired of the long drawn armed conflict affecting Mindanao
and it’s high time to end all of the misunderstanding and live in peace and
harmony as Mindanaoans.
“It’s been quite long already that the people of Mindanao
suffers from the adverse effects of war and just like me, I know you are all
tired of war therefore let’s end it and live peacefully,” Sumlay told the
forum.
Rahib L. Kudto, Program Director of UNYPAD and Rosario
Balderia, Project Assistant Manager of Balay Mindanao, also recounted on the
peace initiatives and rehabilitation they were doing for many Internally
Displaced Persons (IDP’s) in Mindanao in many
years.
Kudto particularly reported on “Rido” or clan wars which
greatly affect the peace and order situation in many areas of Mindanao .
“These clan wars have caused the death of thousands and
destruction of properties as well as livelihood thus preventing the opportunity
of economic growth and sustainability, we have to strengthen our peace
initiatives to settle and possibly end these in the near future,” Kudto said.
Balderia appealed for everyone to double their efforts in
bringing back peace in Mindanao .
“Because of conflict, many children were displaced and not
able to go back to homes and schools. We put them in new communities and let
them continue their education,” said Balderia.
In her message, Mendoza
She pointed out that in the process of delivering service to
the constituents, the Provincial Government of Cotabato does not favor any
particular group and maintains to provide equal opportunity to everyone.
“As your governor, it is my duty and responsibility to
ensure that my people are provided with tangible projects and programs that
will uplift their living conditions,” she said.
The “Defying Extremism: Asian Dialogue” held in the
provincial capitol is part of the series of dialogues and discussions conducted
in many countries.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=737716
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