To ensure sustainable peace in Mindanao, awareness of the root cause of the struggles must be discussed with the public, a government official said.
Oliver M. Binancilan from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp) said that the effects of peace must also be addressed in raising awareness.
In line with this, the Opapp is firm in encouraging the participation of Dabawenyos in the culmination program of the National Peace Consciousness Month on Friday, September 28, at the Rizal Park, Davao City.
The culmination program is divided into three parts. The program will start with a Peace Parade participated in by peace advocate groups in Mindanao, and representatives from Opapp.
The program will also be graced by Opapp Secretary Jesus Dureza as he will provide updates on the state of the peace process. The program will end with a peace concert, “Huni sa Kalinaw.”
Binancilan said Opapp is expecting some 600 participants to join the event, adding that peace representatives from different group organizations from Luzon will also participate in the event.
“Mahalaga na dapat tinitingnan rin kung ano rin ang root cause ng peace issues, pag na-address rin ito mas magiging long-lasting ang effects ng peace (It is also important to look at the root cause of the peace issues. Once these are addressed then the effects of peace become long lasting),” Mindanao Peace Council secretary general Vince A. Molejon Jr. said in an interview at Habi at Kape in Abreeza Mall, Davao City.