More than 3,000 participated in the culmination of the weeklong celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace in SOCSARGEN Area.
Peace messages were sent to SOCSARGEN people through various mediums and forms - from the posters making, streamers, essays, quiz on air, song compositions, kite flying, symposiums, art exhibits, photo exhibits, cultural dances, walk for peace, sambolayang raising, press conferences, mini concerts, caravans, book launching to the grand culmination where tri-people showed solidarity in advocating peace through the civil and military parade.
The "peace pin" was launched and hope to saturate all people in Mindanao to wear this pin as a visible manifestation and support to creating and maintaining a culture of peace that will start from within an indivual and will be motivated to influence the immediate family, neighbor, community and the nation.
RECENT ACTIVITIES:MINDANAO WEEK OF PEACE 2008 is set on November 27-December 3, 2008
The Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) is set on November 27 - December 3, 2008. Kiamba will host the opening day on November 27. This is the first municipality to host the MWOP outside General Santos City. Lined up activities include poster making, essay writing, Mindanao History & Culture of Peace Quiz Bee, civic military parades, peace forums, peace concerts, art exhibits, Kite Festival, Walk for Peace, Sambolayang raising, cultural presentations, song writing for peace, etc.
The Kapayapaan Kapatid Council spearheaded these activities for the past 5 years together with the SOCSARGEN Peace Network.
December 1, 2008: Walk for Peace and Song Writing Composition Presentations
Peace advocates of SOCSARGEN showed their advocacy through the "Walk for Peace". After the walk, messages of peace were shared and aired in the local radio station. After the short program, there was a sambolayang raising - Peace Dove, created by the youths during their Culture of Peace Training.
Sambolayang Raising
Song writers of SOCSARGEN converged and presented their peace song master pieces with the crowd at KCC Mall of Gensan.
November 30, 2008: Peace Exhibits at Koronadal
November 29, 2008: Story Telling, Samu't Saring Kulay sa Kapayapaan at the Mall, Kite Flying Festival at Tuna Part
Jed of Shalom Crest Academy, 5 years old, participated in the Samu't Saring Kulay sa Kapayapaan at KCC Mall.
Children aged 5-10 years old at the Mall were gathered for a story telling about peace.
Kite Festival For Peace at Tuna Park, GSC
November 28, Opening of the Peace Exhibits at the KCC Mall
Frames of Conflict and Peace
Installation Arts: Drifted woods and dried fungi by Mr. 
Photo Exhibit of Allan Delima of Kiamba, Sarangani ProvinceNovember 27, 2008: Opening of MWOP2008 at Kiamba, Sarangani Province
Welcome treat from the school children along Kiamba Highway.. waiving "flaglets of peace" for the peace caravan coming from South Cotabato, General Santos City and Sarangani Province.
More than 2,000 people attended the "Walk for Peace" from Kiamba and delegates coming from General Santos City, South Cotabato & Sarangani Province. Almost all the sectors in Kiamba was represented as their contribution for the call for Peace and a show of solidarity of the Tri-People. A special pause was made in the market where the recent bomb exploded to offer a short prayer and a sort of healing on the negative perceptions it brought about.
Right after the program, Press Conference was held at Sanguniang Bayan Hall where the key persons was invited representing the LGU, NGO, Tri-people (Muslims, Lumads & Christians).
Pre-Mindanao Week Of Peace
Poster Making Contest at Kasfala Hall
Peace Network Meeting with KBP-SARGEN at DXCP-CMN Conference Room, General Santos City
TRI-PEOPLE celebrated Indigenous People Sunday at Kiamba on October 12. IP's showcased their culture and tradition as they shared their ultimate dream of self determination.
KKC with the Tri-People Join the Celebration of the Muslim Brothers in celebrating the Hariraya Puasa at MSU HS Ground, September 30, 2008
More than two thousands Muslim faithful gathered at MSU high school campus last September 30, 2008 to celebrate the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan, a day of forgiveness and joy. Muslim faithful calls the celebration Eidel F’ter or Hariraya Puasa.
Joining our Muslim faithful were 300 Christians and Lumads bringing streamers and flaglets welcoming our brother and sisters Muslim after their prayers. Sharing of foods after the prayers also adds to the merriment of the day. The PNP 12 and AFP thru Joint Task Force of Gensan also participated in the celebration.
The celebration is again another concrete expression of solidarity among our people in SOCSARGEN AREA. For five consecutive years, we have articulated this bond of friendship and solidarity in the important feast of our Muslim brothers and sisters.
This year marked another milestone in our peace building as we have enjoined our Lumads to participate in the events. Led by Mr. Jimmy Lantingan of the Sarangani Indegeneous People Professional Association and the Peace and Development Community contingent from San Jose, General Santos City, our Muslim faithful was surprised and elated by the presence of the Tri people on their important religious feast.
While listening to the message delivered by an Ustazd translated into Tagalog, the Christians identified many of the Islamic teaching as similar to the tenets of Christianity. For many Christians who have experience for the first time joining in Muslim religious celebration, it was an opener.
After the prayers of the Muslim faithful, well wishers waves flags of peace, generosity, love, joy, justice, unity to the Muslims. Simple snacks were served by the well wishers as another proof of building bridges of friendship. The handshakes, hugging among Muslims, Christians, Lumads as well as souvenir photo makes the event a milestone in peace building.
Kanduli was served at the Office of the Muslim Affairs at 11:00am where people from different prominence were given a chance to express their greetings, sentiments and aspirations for our Muslim brothers and sisters.
PEACE FORUM AT MAASIM, SEPTEMBER 26, 2008
Salam, kanak Banwe, Kalinaw
The Peace Forum in Maasim was an opportune time for the residence of the municipality to converge in the gymnasium as one people coming from different cultural and religious as well as sectoral affiliation. Peace songs echo inside the vicinity as the humming guitar and musical gift of Tim Talino a local musician from Malapatan set the atmosphere of the forum.
The tri people prayers from our Muslim, Lumad and Christian religious leader echoes the longing for peace in the midst of a silent fear disturbing the people of Maasim. Mayor Aniceto Lopez, Jr. weary from the month long vigilance as well as the enormous task of catering to the needs of the evacuees expressed relief that somehow a dialogue can enlightened the local residence of the need to be vigilant and help enforce peace and order. He expressed that local residence in Maasim do not want violence. It was only the presence of outsiders that created havoc in the municipality, he added.
In a nutshell but comprehensive presentation of the history of Mindanao as well as the implication of this in the present situation, Dr. Mario J. Aguja, has opened a new level of common understanding among those present in the forum. From the presentation, those in attendance clearly understand the futility of war and violence. Dr. Aguja stressed clearly that we are all victims of historical acts of domination from those that have selfish interest in Mindanao and that in war we are all losers.
Students articulated their fears to the panelists. They asked what security can their leaders and elders give in the midst of a growing culture of fear. Expression of shocked and uncertainty have dominated their campuses, they said. While they welcome the presence of the military, apprehension also was strong as to how long are they going to stay? Fear too of the abuses of the militaries in the 1980’s fresh from the memories of the local residence was expressed.
Lt. Col. De Leon of the AFP stressed their presence is only in response to the armed aggression that happened in Maasim. He appreciated the openness that the forum has facilitated and hope that there will be more forums on peace building in different milieu. As the Commanding Officer of the 73rd Battalion, he assured the people that they are going to protect them. At the sideline, he mentioned that local residents can directly report to him any abuse his soldiers may commit.
Many wanted to voice out their sentiments, ask questions but time constraints have limited the forum. Again in the spirit of solidarity, leaders from Lumad, Christian settlers and Muslim voiced their support for peace in Maasim.
Tim Talino closed the peace forum in a beautiful rendition on the song Ka Tribu.
The peace forum was organized by Kapayapaan Kapatid Council, Peace Network of SOCSARGEN, Office of the Mayor of Maasim, Santa Cruz Parish and Act for Peace.
Salam, Ktanak, Kalinaw Peace Forum: Malapatan, September 16, 2008
The promotion of solidarity among people is a basic element in the work of peace. This means recognizing the unique contribution of every stake holder in a certain community, respecting the diverse ways of life and even the exceptionality of resolving conflict in a given community.Malapatan municipality has no singular people. It is inhabited by B’laan, Muslim and Christian settlers. In the 1970’s as recalled by the Mr. Raffy Lantingan. Lumad leader as well as Vice Mayor George Sambaga , a former commander in the Muslim armed group, Malapatan had been a battleground of conflict between the Tri people (Muslim, Lumad, Christian). Yet, all the key players in the unique history of Malapatan claimed that before the 70’s, there were peaceful co-living in the area. It was only when armed group coming from the other places in the North started making Malapatan their rest and recreation haven from the conflict in the North that animosity brought about by this outsiders gradually took roots in the area.
Nevertheless, history has taught the people of Malapatan of the bitter fruits of violence. They all had experienced lost of love ones, lost of properties, the inconvenience of evacuations, the fear of one another. With a resolve, they started as related by their Mayor Aida Singcoy, the gradual transformation of the municipality of Malapatan from one on notorious reputation to a peaceful living together of the Tri people. She stressed that only in protecting their place from the intrusion of outsiders that peace will continue to radiate in the hearts and minds of the people of Malapatan.
Commitment from the settlers as given by Mr. Paulito Coliao reinforces the solidarity of the people. He stressed that a mutual understanding on issues even on matters of faith can people in the Malapatan continue to enjoy the blessing of peace.
In a beautiful narration of conflict management, a peace and development advocate, Wahid Musa from BarangayTuyan, narrated an incident on conflict turned into opportunities for unique way of resolution involving key players in the barangay (Lumad, Muslim and Christian leaders ).
Presentation of the history of Mindanao from Dr. Mario J. Aguha has opened pathways of clear understanding of the present crisis that threatens the peace in the locality of Malapatan. Only in the on-going dialogue of key players as well as populace can a peaceful locality be protected from the inordinate game of war and violence.
From the Office of Muslim Affairs, Atty. Guialil Canda gives a challenging and inspiring words of wisdom that violence can never be a way in resolving conflict.
Child Friendly Spaces Program: September 8-12, 2008, KIAMBA
The PlaceThe often neglected victims of violence and armed conflict are the children. Because of their seeming perception of easily adopting in difficult situation, people tend to take for granted the psychological trauma that develops into the psyche of the children who are in the space of violence.
Adelina and Kitagas Elementary school both of Brgy. Katubao, Kiamba, Sarangani Province were just 2 schools that have to address the imprint of armed confrontation in the hearts and minds of its children. Because of the proximity of the place in the armed confrontation as well as the presence of uniformed armed men in the area, children develop psychological fear. The mere sight of uniformed armed men brings panic to some children who think another armed conflict, fired bullets will erupt.
Intervention on the school level have been conducted from LGU Sarangani Province, LGU Kiamba, Kapayapaan Kapatid Council and the teachers of both schools.
The Children:
The intervention centers on creating a child friendly space for the affected children on armed conflict. Using the common things children do like singing, playing, painting, eating together, the children have rediscovered a sense of joy of living as children free from fear and biases. How easily children can mixed together and form bonds of friendship, how easily they can laugh and sing out their heart and their teachers and volunteers lead them to shout “ Aba, OK Siyempre”
Necessity dictates to say the alarming manifestation of some children as we ask them verbally about their dreams. Though many choose to dream of becoming teachers, some say they want to be soldiers and others wants to be an MILF fighters. In the young age of 9,10,11 years old, it simply means that perhaps 10 years from now another cycle of violence will erupt if we cannot have a relevant intervention on the formation of our young people.
Teachers/Volunteers
The loving hands of a teachers is a joy to behold. We cannot forget the readiness of our teachers and volunteers in the intervention for a child friendly space. Given the limited resources as well as the crisis situation, their ingenuity in pursuing the program is an inspiration not only for the children but for all. Indeed, teachers are always the unsung heroes/heroines of our formative life.
FORUM ON GRP-MILF on MoA on Ancestral Domain. August 27, 2008, General Santos City
The effort of the Peace Network in SOCSARGEN, KBP SARGEN, IBP SCOTGEN and Kapayapaan Kapatid Council to spearhead the forum on MOA AD has very timely. Given the precarious situation in different parts of Mindanao especially on peace, it was am oppurtune intervention on correct and objective information dissemination. The input of Fr. Intengan has shed relevant information as to the content and context of the MOA AD. Moreover, the revisiting of the history of Mindanao given by Dr. Mario Aguha, has taken a new look on how to positively approach the present problem in Mindanao specifically in SOCSARGEN. The reactors have contributed too in high lightening the different issues confronting us Mindanawons.
Networking has created a wider space for our peace building effort. It made possible for different peace players to effectively pursue the challenge of consciousness on the necessity of peace building. The fruitfullness of the MOA AD forum can be attributed to it. The active participation of our Tri Youth Organization as technical working group has been extraordinary.
Important element of the forum is the presence of multi sectoral group Churches, NGO's, Youth, LGU's, Tri-people leaders (Muslims, Lumads and Christians), academe, PNP, AFP, students from various school as well as prominent individual person who can influence public opinion.
Feedback from those who attended the forum shows eagerness of people to really understand the pressing issue today especially the peace building. The city mayor of General Santos City has opened the possibility of replicating the same forum to be given to LGU's in the city.
Three radio stations have broadcast live the forum thereby extending to vast number of people the coverage of the forum. The following day of the forum, we have received request from various individual and institution for a CD copy of the talk so that they can listen to it again or share it in their offices.
Time has constrained us to further the discussion nevertheless, it was step forward in making people aware the importance of peace building.
The monthly meeting of the peace network was held for the first time outside DXCP compound last July 16, 2008 at Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12). Kalimudan Arts and OPAPP presented their organization's profile.
The peace network agreed to participate in the "Reconciliation" activities for the rebel returnees in Alabel that will be spearheaded by OPAPP and KKC. Datu Al Hassan of the SB Royal House designated KKC as coordinator of non-muslim visitors who plan to join the celebration of "Edel Fiter". The network also help solicit cash and food items for the calamity victims of Storm Frank in Sultan Kudarat.
June 27, 2008: Kaduyog K'linaw Peace Concert
Kapayapaan Kapatid Council (KKC) Tri-Youth Movement together with the SOCSARGEN Peace Network bring people together in an unconventional place near the christian-muslim community and marketplace to express their role as a youth in peace building through a PEACE CONCERT inspite of the warning from the military intelligence of the presence of bombers in the city as a result of the on-going armed confrontation of the government soldiers and the MILF in Maitum, Sarangani Province and the rain.
details at: http://kkcpeaceconcerts.blogspot.com/
April 25-26 2008: Tingog Mindanao Radio Alliance (TIMPRA) with the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) attended a refresher course on the Basics of Journalism at Lantaw Bukid, Los Amigos, Davao City.
The highlights of the refresher course include the “Refresher on the Basics of Journalism”, “Peace Reporting”, “Writing Peace Stories”, “Using Search Internet Engines”, and “Using Adobe Audition Software for Audio Editing”.
April 24, 2008: Media Practitioners in SARGEN Area Attended the Media Awareness on Human Trafficking conducted by Center for Community Journalisn & Development
KBP-SARGEN and NUJP-Gensan attended awareness seminar on HUMAN TRAFFICKING. The following topics were presented: 1) Public Journalism as a Media-Citizen Strategy to Fight Human Trafficking 2) Vital Provision of Human Trafficking Act 2003 3) NGO Approaches to address the problem of Human Trafficking 4) Situation of Human Trafficking in GenSan and LGU Initiatives to Address the Problem - DSWD and 5) Challenges in Implementation of Human Trafficking Act of 2003 - PND.Presentations:
a. Elements of Human Trafficking :
- The Act (Recruitment, Transportation, Transfer, Harbouring Receipt)
- The Means (Threat/use of coercion, Abduction, Fraud, Deception, Abuse of Power, Abuse of vulneranirability, Giving/Receiving payments)
- The Purpose (Exploitation including sexual exploitation, force labour or services, servitude, removal of Organs.
b. Updates on Human Trafficking
- General Santos City: 4% of the General population of Gensan experienced human trafficking (204/507,945). Gensan is also the source, transit, and destination of human trafficking for sexual exploitation and forced labor.
- Nationwide: Only 13 cases was convicted since 2003, Philippines is in TIER 2 ranking, has 7 million migrant workers, typical victims aged from 12-22 years old, Push factors - 1) uneven development; relative poverty, 2) last gasp for the family survival, 3) strive for quality education is a dtrong motivation, 4) lack of awareness on safeguards against trafficking 5) peer and cultural pressure, 6) parents' expectations and attitudes.
c. Gensan Hotlines on Human Trafficking:DSWD: 301-2929 PNP: 0919777377 (Camp Crame) 09286260217 (PRO12)
d. Challenges
1. Call for more collaboration especially PNP, Media, DSWD and other agencies. Build the capacity of network partners.
2. More public awareness.
April 5, 2008: 1st Congressional District's Leadership Training for the Sangguniang Kabataan Chairpersons... PNP Input on The Role of the Youth In the Community and Crime Prevention
Col. Casimero B. Medes, Chief of the Regional Police Community Relation Division and Public Information Officer gave an input on the Sangguniang Kabataan Chairpersons of the First District about the role of youth in community and crime presevention. He mentioned how PNP worked with the community, how the youth can participate in the crime prevention, mentioned laws that supports the role of the youth in the community, etc. He also mentioned some priority projects of KKC that enhances community peace building such as intercultural and faith dialogues.
April 4, 2008: Student Leaders of GSC on Values & Spiritual Formation Seminar/Workshop
Selected student leaders from 9 schools in General Santos City undergone values and spiritual formation in the framework of Authentic Christian Humanism (ACH). This seminar/workshop was spearheaded by Jaycees. Danny Sabino of KKC conducted the seminar workshop.March 23, 2008 : Easter Treat for the Street Children in Gensan at DXCP Compound
There were more than 100 street children gathered by PNP from several places in Gensan (of which more than 30 children were muslim) to have an easter treat from the generous people in the community. Before the easter treat, Bishop Dinualdo concelebrated the mass with Fr. Angel. The bishop emphasizes us to (1) Pray, (2) Study the Scripture (especially the 10 commandments), and (3) take actions. He also encourages "na magpakabana"... for us to have a social conscience... mentioning some filipinos who are greed for money and power - "when the price is right". PNP sponsored the easter mass.
After the mass, the street children went hunting for the easter eggs, enjoyed various parlor games, received clothes and other goodies, and eat sumptous lunch (many of them still set aside some food for their brothers and sisters).
details at: http://www.eastersundaywithstreetchildren.blogspot.com
> March 15, 2008 - Intercultural & Faith Dialogue at Datu Dani, Kiamba
Kalinaw Sarangani, in collaboration with Kapayapaan kapatid Council (a Peace Network) conducted an intercultural & faith dialogue for peace named as KADSISINABUTE (Maguindanaon term for Understanding) in Datu Dani, Kiamba. The intercultural & faith dialogue was complimented with side activities such as Kids Arts for Peace Workshop, Medical & Dental Mission, milk feeding for the children and a community lunch. The expected output includes (1) the promotion and establishment of harmonious relationships among barangay leaders, elders, and the community, (2) working on a common goal: Peace Maintenance & Promotion; and (3) respected cultures of the ethnoliguistic tribes.
details at: http://www.kadsisinabute.blogspot.com/
> March 6, 2008 - Women Forum (OFW Families, annulment, violence against women, poverty, etc.), KBP
> February 27, March 1, 4, 8, 11, 2008 - Lenten Recollection on Air (Introduction, Opening Song, Penitencial Service, Enthronement of the Bible, Short Catechesis, Songs, Input on Recollection, Sharing about life experiences, Slide shows, Rosary, Marian Songs, Vlessings), DXCP-CMN
> Prayer Statement on Gensan Bombing, KKC
