Good Wednesday Group for Peace

Organizations like this should be highlighted in the media to give hope to the Filipinos that peace in Mindanao is possible with the united efforts of the men in uniform and the civilians. Rina-Jimenez David considers this as one of the "best kept secrets in Maguindanao". It was organized after the infamous Maguindao massacre. The GWGP was proven effective as it became one of the mechanisms to reduce the violent incidences last 2010 elections.

Thanks to Miss David for writing peace stories like this. Kudos to the the GWGP.

Read it at inquirer.net. 

October 20, 2011 9:54pm.

Peace awareness in Kapeacetahan

Awareness is the starting point where change of behavior could take place. Positive awareness could motivate people to positively respond.

Before I didn't care about the Mindanao conflict as long as we were not affected directly. I live in one peaceful community in the province of Sarangani. We got no Muslim neighbors, which prevented me to understand how they live and behave.

By attending various forums  initiated by the UNYPAD, MUSA, and Young Moro Professionals in the University, I slowly learned what is their struggle all about.

That's why I find the peace awareness campaign of the OPAPP, the KAPEACETAHAN as equally important to the peace talks of the GPH and MILF. Massive awareness and education campaign is needed to augment and complement the talks. At the end, it will be the people who will decide, should there be a plebiscite on Constitutional Amendments. It will be the people, informed or not informed, will influence the actions of the politicians.

More programs like these are needed in the grassroots. There are many who are not yet aware of the conflict, and are deprived of an informed judgment.