People’s participation in peace process gets needed backing

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 11): People’s participation in peace process gets needed backing

The government’s peace office has endorsed the proposal to include the symbolic turn-over of the results of the education and advocacy component of the Yes For Peace-Bayanihan para sa KKK (Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran, at Kasaganahan) in the program of the 30th Anniversary celebration of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

According to Yes For Peace lead organizer Ernesto Alcanzare, the move by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) could be considered a bright light at the end of the dark tunnel traversed by the Philippine peace process since People Power re-established democracy in 1986.

“We welcome this move by OPPAP amidst the dimming prospects on the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the increasing threats of the eruption of violence in Mindanao to fight for the right of the Bangsamoro people to self determination and autonomy,” Alcanzare said.

In his letter to EDSA People Power Commission Executive Director Maria V. Montelibano, OPAPP Undersecretary Luisito G. Montalbo described Yes For Peace as a campaign “initiated in 1988 as a non-governmental initiative to help in the mobilization of a national consensus for peace, as well as mobilizing people’s participation in open and participatory peace negotiations.”

Earlier, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Armin A. Luistro favorably endorsed the suggestion to President Benigno S. Aquino III, “Considering that the Yes For Peace was implemented and has surpassed its target of Ten Million (10,000,000) as an unfunded project that depended largely upon the Bayanihan  spirit of teachers of public and private schools nationwide, the undersigned agrees with the proposal. It is perhaps the most cost-effective and resource-efficient event to once again underscore People Power in addressing national concerns.”

Montalbo also informed Montelibano that, “in fact the hard copies of Yes For Peace responses of about Eleven Million Two Hundred Thirty Six Thousand Nine Hundred Eighteen (11,236,918) are now with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPOST).”

For her part, Engr. Mama S. Lalanto, al Haj, a member of the PHLPOST Board of Directors hailed OPAPP’s endorsement, “This is a welcome development now that the BBL is experiencing rough sailing in both houses of congress. We now need People Power to underscore the fact while ordinary people in the Bangsamoro are clamouring for the immediate enactment of the BBL into law, a greater majority now reject armed struggle as a means to our desired end.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo S. Tuason, another board director who moved for the adoption of Yes For Peace as PHLPOST’s contribution in mobilizing people’s participation in the peace process is optimistically said, “I look forward to the conduct of peace negotiations in any campus of the University of the Philippines System after all armed groups fighting for the rights of the Filipino realize and accept the truth that violence is not an option as far as the greater silent majority is concerned.”

Historical papers of UP include a “Board of Regents Resolution Declaring All UP Campuses a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN),” which means that, “UP shall offer its campus as a possible venue for open and multilateral peace talks between the government and all a armed revolutionary groups and serve as a mediating institution for peace talks”.

Notably, a similar move to declare all public schools a Zone of Peace is fast gaining ground across the country, according to DepEd Undersecretary for External Relations Mario Derequito.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/261449813618/people-s-participation-in-peace-process-gets-needed-backing