The MILF Peace Implementing Panel expressed hope toward maintaining a conducive relationship with The Asia Foundation (TAF) even as it bid adieu to outgoing Country Representative Dr. Steven Rood.
Iqbal took note of the assistance TAF has extended to the MILF Peace Panel during Dr. Rood’s tenure. Among these were related to the publication of the two-volume compilation of signed agreements between GPH and MILF as well as capacity trainings to the Bangsamoro Leadership & Management Institute (BLMI).
Iqbal said that it is the first time the Panel has given such tribute to an individual, which was kept secret to the honoree until the program began.
A virtually surprised Dr. Rood thought he was just going to give message to the members of the peace mechanisms who attended the expanded MILF panel meeting held earlier that day.
He was also treated with a performance of the blind musician Esmael Akamad of Mamasapano who played the Magindanawn kutyapi and palendag.
Rood said that it is a cultural piece of Magindanawn that he only knew during the program.
Iqbal recalled that it was in 2008 when the TAF had began engagements with the MILF Peace Panel.
Dr. Rood represented TAF in the International Contact Group (ICG) which played key roles during the peace negotiations. He later on moved to the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) which observes the compliance by both the MILF and GPH on the signed agreements.
Dr. Rood has been living in the Philippines for decades. He is married to a Filipina professor and they were blessed with a daughter.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1005-milf-panel-honors-taf-s-dr-rood
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.