To further
hasten its efforts and mandate in peacebuilding education, the International
Children’s Action Network (I CAN) in congruence with Bangsamoro Transition
Commission (BTC) and Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI)
conducted anew Seminar-Workshop on “Conflict Transformation and Peace” with the
theme Towards Bangsamoro’s Quest for Right to-Self-Determination” at BLMI
Training center at Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on September
9-11. 2015.
The
3-day program was attended by thirty (37) participants from areas as far as
Tawi-Tawi province. They represented different Moros Non-Government
Organization (NGO) in Mindanao .
“Imparting
deeper understanding of “self as Peace-builder” one’s style in responding to
conflict and to enhance the capacity of participation in conflict
transformation and peace-building” were the program’s objectives. I CAN and
BLMI staff facilitated the program.
Program
introduction and overview were presented by Mr. Edwin Antipuesto, I CAN Team
leader. He stressed the program’s core objectives and it related concepts.
Mr. Jess
Torreto. I CAN Program Officer gave lecture on “the Person as Peace-builder”,
where he emphasized the significant mechanisms of Peace-building. As Peace-builder,
knowing the pertinent elements of Peace-building is necessary before involving
oneself in Peace-building endeavor, he said.
While Ms.
Ching Ayupan, I CAN Project Officer touched on personal styles in handling and
responding to conflict. She gave further emphasis on its relevant application
on certain scenarios.
The
following day, Mr. Antipuesto lectured on the basic concepts of Conflict,
Violence and Peace and how the situation takes place and its corresponding
approaches. “Inner transformation and readiness to undertake must be firstly
established within oneself and in organization before proceeding to external
and wider engagement”, Antipuesto stressed.
The
participants likewise explicated their own understanding and handling skills on
such situation based on their actual experience and scenarios.
In the
afternoon, I CAN Project Manager Ms. Akiko Matsuura arrived and witnessed
the flow of the activities. She gave motivating message to the participants. As
Peace Advocates, you are in a right position to bridge the gap that will lead
to peace. Let us be an Agent of Peace in order to attain harmony, Ms. Matsuura
said.
Ayunan on
her part emphasized conflict transformation and its four dimensions, such as
Personal, relational, structural and cultural. Looking into the problems in a
broader perspective and what is beyond the present problem. There are always
challenges in Peace-building effort, networking and pertinacity in advocacy
effort must not be derailed by any temporal upsets until we succeed, she
stressed.
Mr. Koji
Matsuura, I CAN Adviser also visited the training center and shared his
experience on how to handle conflict situation explained what is
Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) and I
CAN Foundation all about, and its implemented project in some part in Mindanao.
I CAN is
not “for” the People, but “with” the people and hoping the participants can
relay the knowledge acquired in this Seminar to their respective communities,
Mr. Matsuura said.
Topic
focused on Conflict transformation and Peace building during the last day. Mr.
Antipuesto accentuated its principles and mechanics on Nexus / strategic paths
and integrated network.
“As
Peace-Builder, we must have clear insight to picture out the future situation
in a broader perspective with long term vision which may bring positive changes
and social benefits to all”, Mr. Antipuesto expounded.
The
participants were also engaged in workshops that touched on conflict
transformation case studies, analysis and planning.
In their
culminating messages, the participants expressed their gratitude to I C.A.N,
J-BIRD, the resource persons, BTC and BLMI for the opportunity and knowledge
imparted to them.
Sheikh
Madmod S. Ahmad, BLMI Executive Director conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to
I CAN and the individuals and entities for their initiatives and efforts
extended to Bangsamoro.
On the part
of I CAN Foundation, Ms. Akiko Matsuura expressed her appreciation to the
responsive and enthusiastic participants, the BTC and BLMI for their warm
facilitation and congruency and looking forward to more cohesive partnership
with the institutions on matters relative to Peace-building Educatio
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