FOREIGN Affairs Undersecretary for Special Concerns Rafael Seguis expressed his support to the Mindanao Peoples' Peace Agenda (MPPA), emphasizing that the right to self-determination is the cornerstone theme of MPPA.
Seguis, who is also the chair of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) negotiating panel, in his speech read by peace advocate Dr. Grace Rebollos, said that among the 15 points in MPPA's agenda, the right to self-determination is the most fundamental. He gave importance to "the basic human right of the people to control their own destiny and peaceful future."
The concept of self-determination is the right of the people to determine their role, place and identity in the society under the three aspects of development -- politics, economy and culture. This includes the peoples' free pursuit of socio-political, socio-economic and socio-cultural development.
The MPPA's concept of self- determination includes giving the BangsaMoro their right to establish a free and independent state. The government should also grant ancestral domain and tribal governance rights to Lumads.
Meanwhile, Talaandig tribe chieftain Datu Victorino Saway said that "land reform should include the re-acquisition of the land to its pre-colonial owners."
The challenge, however, facing the MPPA is how to work towards a society respectful to peoples' right to self-determination in a peaceful way, without needing to use firearms. Another important thing for the society to remember is to uphold their right to self-determination without violating the rights of others.
The entire Philippines should be in the same boat, and that will happen when everyone understands the concept in the same way, Seguis said.
Seguis was among the guests in Friday's launching of the MPPA, a living document that aims to prove that Mindanawons dare to dream for peace, and act together for it.
Mindanao Peaceweavers Lead Convenor Fr. Angel Calvo said the MPPA was envisioned to develop a contingency that continues to work for and protect justice and peace in Mindanao.
The forum, held Friday at the Brokenshire Resort and Convention Center, was attended by military officers and politicians sitting side by side with Moslems and Lumad tribe leaders.
Inclusive
Meanwhile, City Councilor Peter Laviña, in a welcome address as representative of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, said, "The government believes that the peace process should be inclusive and participatory."
Datu Victorino Saway, tribal chieftain of the Talaandig tribe, added that in order to attain peace, we must go back to our cultures and traditions. He also emphasized that cultural accountability and that they should be able to participate actively in decision-making.
Congresswoman Luz Ilagan of the Gabriela party-list represented the women sector. She stated that if you want to find and promote peace, you must first search and work where peace is most needed.
"Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is a social condition where justice, harmony and protection of human rights prevail," Ilagan said.
Other personalities who supported the MPPA are Mindanao Affairs Secretary Jesus Dureza, incoming Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) negotiating panel member Datu Antonio Kinoc, and Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) chair Guiamel Alim.
The MPPA is strongly supported by different advocacy groups namely: Agong Peace Network, CBCS, Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace, Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement, Mindanao Solidarity Network, Mindanao Peace Advocates Conference, Catholic Relief Services, Initiatives for International Dialogue, Saligan Mindanaw, and Technical Assistance Center for the Development of the Rural and Urban Poor. (MAL\AXA)