Photo from ACTED Philippines
GENERAL SANTOS CITY—A number of peacebuilders from the Bangsamoro region were engaged in experiential learning with local officials, community chieftain, and traditional leaders in Saranggani province to get insights on their peacebuilding efforts.
ACTED Philippines—an international humanitarian non government organization (NGO), arranged the second batch of two-day exposure visit participated in by various representatives from Civil Service Organizations (CSO), and municipal and barangay executives, among others from Maguindanao, Cotabato City, and Special Geographic Area (SGA).
The event was part of Peacebuilding and Stabilization in BARMM Boundaries (PESTABAB) project implemented by ACTED in the SGA, Maguindanao, and North Cotabato focusing on the prevention of conflict escalation.
As he welcomed the participants to the event, ACTED Mindanao Area Coordinator Timothy John Olivo reminded everyone of their vital roles in peace stability in the region.
“Peace is not an overnight journey. It’s a continuing process, at lahat tayo ay may kanyang-kanyang role,” Olivo said.
In one of the visits, peacebuilders had a brief engagement with Balungis Women Association in Barangay Tuya in Malapatan. The group is engaged in weaving traditional garments.
Association President Janaria Mangangcong shared how the community transformed from a former conflict-affected community to a relatively progressive locality.
“As a peace effort, malaki po yung role ng pagkakaroon ng organized association na recognized ng gobyerno dahil bukod sa source ito ng income, nape-preserve po namin ang tradisyon at kultura natin,” said Mangangcong.
Mangangcong shared that their locality is a home to diverse cultures with tri-people living harmoniously which led to their recognition as peace and development area.
In another lens, CSOs and NGOs are collaboratively doing groundworks focusing on peace and developments efforts in the region for quite long and their works have been recognized both by the government and other sectors.
In a recent BARMM-CSO conference organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on May 30, the peacemaking office recognized the roles of CSOs in Bangsamoro key points process.
On the said conference, Acting Presidential Adviser, Secretary Isidro Purisima lauded CSOs efforts in attaining peace in the region citing their “crucial role in peacebuilding by providing a platform for dialogue, promoting grassroots initiatives, and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities”.
“Sustainable peace in the Bangsamoro can be achieved through the strong support and active participation of civil society,” Purisima said. (Abdullah Matucan/BIO)
