SOCSARGEN PEACE INITIATIVES

SOCSARGEN’s MINDANAO WEEK OF PEACE: A Celebration for the Tri-People

2011-12-01T22:27:00.000-08:00

The Opening.

Samboang-Ngilay High School of Brgy. Batomelong hosted the opening of the Mindanao Week of Peace. The SOCSARGEN peace network, a loose network composed of various sectors in the society like NGO’s, academe, police, army, religious groups and various organizations converged to highlight its peace advocacies. The school enrolled significant number of Christians, Lumad and Muslim students. The week long celebration started from November 25- December 1, 2011.

The Activities.

Many of the activities involved children. Child friendly activities like origami (for the peace dove), kite flying, and coloring were among their favorites. Sculptures, artists and bands highlighted the week long exhibit in the mall. Products of peace and development communities – the Sweet Peace Coco Sugar and the Saravia’s best coco vinegar and sinamak also joined the exhibit.

The Culmination.

The Fun Run and Walk for peace culminated of the weeklong celebration. It started in the oval plaza and ended at Camp Lira. The proceeds of the event will be donated to Samboang-Ngilay High School to help them fence their campus.

MWOP 2011 Culminates with a Fun Run

2011-11-30T21:18:00.000-08:00

MWOP 2011: Art Exhibit Culminates

2011-11-30T21:06:00.000-08:00

Peace advocates together with the children were introduced to peace dove making through paper folding as the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) Exhibit ended on November 30, 2011 at the Robinson Mall.

KIte Flying For Peace

2011-11-28T18:34:00.000-08:00

by Anthon Delizo

Bearing the theme “Common Word between Us and You: Love of God, Love of Neighbor”, the SOCSARGEN Peace Network held its Kite Flying for Peace activity, story telling and feeding program in line with the celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace on November 27, 2011 at Oval Plaza stage.

More than 100 persons had participated the event including the Kapayapaan Kapatid Council Tri-Youth Volunteers; Notre Dame of Dadiangas University clubs and organizations like Supreme Student Government, Voice Publication, Campus Ministry, RE116 class under Mr. Leopoldo Lacson and Mr. Jose Suizo, Teamlettes, SAC Club, Business College, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education and Nursing, College of Engineering and Technology, Peace Partners and NDDU Core; Hearts and Brains Foundation; Youth Community Service Club; PeaceTech Ambassadors; Philippine National Police; Mindanao State University; and Joint Task Force Gensan.

Approximately forty children been invited on the event brought by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and PNP from Silway Fatima, Silway Talipapa, Silway San Juan and Dadiangas West.

Vincent Paul Hantulan, a student from Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, shared the rationale of the activity and the whole extent of the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration that “Ang adhikain ng SOCSARGEN Peace Network ay magkaroon ng magandang resulta at isang bagong paraan ng selebrasyon, isang paraan upang lalong mahikayat ang bawat isa at mabigyan rin ng kasayahan ang mga tao”, He, as a student also looking a forward for peace in Mindanao to last. “Naisip nilang magkaroon ng pagpapalipad ng sarangola. Ito ay dapat magsilbing tagapahiwatig ng kapayapaan at daan upang mapabuti natin ang relasyon sa bawat isa.”

Mr. Hantulan, Kristine Joy Liaro, NDDU Peace Partners member mentioned the history of kite. It was said that the festivity of kite is being celebrated throughout the world; it could be local or traditional.

Various kite colors and shapes from participating organization and invited children from DSWD fly the sky. The smile in everyone’s faces was remarkable while flying kites. Adult feel young and some of them fly a kite for the first time.

After the flying, the children was separated according to their age for the story telling. Ages from 6-9 was facilitated by the Mindanao State Universwity SSG led by Mocel Edrief Odango, a new volunteer, while ages from 10-12 was with Ibrahim Nilong and the other KKC Tri-youth volunteers.

“Natutunan ko kung paano ang tamang paghugas ng kamay”, said Irene, a 10 year-old girl from Silway Fatima. Stories told were full of knowledge; things that can help oneself improve his/her lifestyle in daily living.

Origami making was also introduced, a traditional Japanese art of paper folding that transforms a flat sheet of material into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques, and was facilitated by the volunteers. The kids as well as their parents enjoyed the event experiencing new stuffs.

“Masaya ako dahil masaya kong nakikita ang mga anak ko na nag-eenjoy sa inihanda niyong programa. Malaking tulong ang naibahagi niyo sa mga batang ito sa kanilang development stage tulad ng kite flying, storytelling at paper folding.” said one of the parents of three children who participated the activity.

Pastil, a steamed rice and shredded chicken wrapped with a banana leaf, a ready-to-eat Filipino food originated in Maguindanao, was prepared for children in the feeding program for their merienda.

The activity ended with a community peace song entitled 'Kapayapaan' while everyone helps clean out the trash in the venue.

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Peace Exhibit 2011: ‘Tagbuan sa Kalinaw” Opens

2011-11-27T20:11:00.001-08:00

by Anthon Bartz Delizo

The SOCSARGEN Peace Network launched the Tagbuan sa Kalinaw: Retrospective of Arts & Peace Exhibit for the Mindanao Week Of Peace at Robinson’s Place – Gensan Atrium, November 26 - December 1, 2011. The exhibits included the “Portals for Peace: Coco Sugar and Vinegar Industries” which displayed the products of transformed MNLF combatants and tri-people in Brgy Saravia, Koronadal City.

Around sixty dignitaries from different schools and universities graced the event in songs, tribal music, arts, and traditions of tribal people. Among the attending congregations were Notre Dame of Marbel University, General Santos Foundation College, Mindanao State University-GSC with their Chorale, Sociology students, Pinta Okir Visual Arts Guild and Kabpapagariya Ensemble, Philippines National Police, Kapayapaan Kapatid Council Tri-Youth Volunteers and other peace advocates.

Starting with Kulintangan, played by the Kabpapagariya Ensemble then the doxology sang by the Mindanao State University Chorale, the program progressed getting momentum and the shoppers’ attention. Rev. Fr. Angel Buenavides, SOCSARGEN Peace Network Convenor, gave an overview and explained the significance of the 4^th Mindanao Week of Peace deliberating its theme: “Common Word between Us and You: Love of God, Love of Neighbor”.

The paintings displayed were the outputs of the workshop conducted by Mr. Al-nezzar Ali last August 2011 in line with the 50^th Foundation Anniversary of Mindanao State University - General Santos City.

Below are some insights of the participants and spectators on the said exhibits.

“Bilang bahagi ng mga kabataan sa Mindanao, kami ay nakiki-isa sa pananaw para sa Kapayapaan upang ang ating lupang sinilangan ay makakamit ang Kapayapaan nitong inaasahan”, shared by Sociology students of MSU – GSC.

“We used cubism as a common technique which was originated and developed by Picasso and Baroque”, said one of the members of Pinta Okir Visual Arts Guild in an interview.

“It is a great privilege to share the talents God endowed us. It is a great joy to be given this opportunity to affect and influence people’s ideas,” said Ingrid Juele, a MSU student. “Showing what peace means as a youth in this generation through works of arts is a joy and an accomplishment for them,” she added.

Led by Cherry Albores, Tropical Depression’s ‘Kapayapaan’, a music which replicates peace in everyone, gathering the Filipinos of different religions and culture as one, was sang in the event enticing everyone to join in the mass singing of peace.

MWOP 2011 Opens at Samboang-Ngilay High School

2011-11-25T06:09:00.001-08:00

Mindanao Week of Peace opens today, November 25, 2011 at Samboang-Ngilay National High School, Brgy. Batomelong, General Santos City with the theme: “Common Word Between Us and You: Love of God, Love of Neighbor”.

This event started with a parade participated by a band, guests, barangay council, PTA officials, Purok chairmen, participating sectors, faculty, staff and students followed by a Tri-Prayer. It was followed by various cultural songs and dances of the Christians, Muslims and Lumad students. Peace dove origami making was introduced by Al Nezzar Ali to all people who attended the event. 50 trees were planted during the event.

SOCSARGEN Peace Network spearheaded the activity – Kalinaw Sarangani, NDDU Peace Center, Non-Violent Peace Force, KBP-SARGEN, ABS-CBN Gensan, GSCPO-PNP, DXCP-CMN, HTC, MSU Kalimudan Culture and Arts, YADO, various schools and youth organizations. Shalom Crest Wizard Academy High School students joined the network for the first time and help facilitate the origami – peace dove making.

Common desire for peace may it be in personal level, communal, and environmental were common to various speakers – Sec. Luwalhati Antonino (MINDA Chair), Mayor Darlene Antonino (Mayor of Gen. Santos City) , Fr. Angelo Buenavides (Convenor of SOCSARGEN peace network).

The event ended with a community peace songs entitled “Sana” and “Kapayapaan” and community lunch wrapped in banana leaves.

- by Raymund

http://www.facebook.com/dasoy.gsc?ref=tn_tnmn#!/media/set/?set=a.10150414493249812.383971.694289811&type=3

MWOP 2011 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

2011-11-23T23:10:00.001-08:00

Child Friendly Activity and Feeding Program, A volunteer's reflection (by Anton)

2011-11-07T05:44:00.000-08:00

The Child Friendly Activity and Feeding Program conducted by the SOCSARGEN PEACE NETWORK last October 30, 2011 at DXCP-CMN Compound, Lagao, General sSantos City served as an opportunity for us volunteers to expand our social circle and more importantly to help the less fortunate. It developed in us the sense of awareness to be of service to other people. It was an eye opener that changed our narrow, egoistic views to a broader, altruistic perception.

Over 50 school children from Dadiangas West Elementary School and Pedro Acharon Elementary School came over. The Barangay Dadiangas West took the responsibility of fetching the children to the venue.

The activity started with a prayer led by one of the chosen children. Meanwhile, other volunteers are busy preparing food for their breakfast.

The children were grouped together according to age. Ages 5 to 7 was handled by Anacelle Edulza, one of the volunteer teachers. Ages 8 to 12 was facilitated by Merajoy Tabal of NDDU Peace Partners. These two volunteers told stories to children about life, stories with moral lesson and health education. This activity is a good start to initiate health teaching on ways how to prevent spread of diseases to children while they are still young, ready to explore, learn, and practice.

The activity went fast paced as various parishioners gathered for a Sunday mass. After the mass, the feeding program happens. We had fed children who had participated the event and people who attended the mass as well. Some parishioners donated food items for the children.

After the feeding program, hand painting was preceded, imprinting children’s love, friendship, peace and hope which are represented by red, blue, yellow, and green paint respectively. Then, they were given school supplies for their school. After that, there were also bubble blowing represents the bubbles to our dreams to fly high that carries an amazing sense of liberty, weightlessness, and hope.

We are truly grateful for the opportunity of being a part of the said program. By God’s grace, KKC will continue its advocacy in reaching out and helping the community to become better and consequently it will be able to attract more volunteers and conduct more worthwhile activities in the future.

The activity was ended successfully with joy in every child’s face. We, the volunteers, are very happy knowing that everyone enjoyed the event. Though we were very tired with the event, we were fulfilled of joy and engulf of good service, and determined to serve those who are less fortunate.

TRI-YOUTH VOLUNTEERS: FACES OF VOLUNTEERISM

2011-11-03T09:28:00.001-07:00

TRI-YOUTH VOLUNTEERS USHERED VARIOUS AWARD WINNING & GIVING INSTITUTIONS

2011-11-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Recently, the volunteers ushered various organization such as Aboitiz Award Committee (Fr. Angelo is one of the five finalists), Bayaning Pilipino Award Team, Probe Team Foundation on Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan, Mga Bata ng Datalnay of i-Witness to places where they do voluntary community works.

Muslims, Christians, Lumads youth coming from various school and out-of-school youth with a common passion for peace development works converged in a loose organization called “Tri-Youth Volunteers" . They continuously help various organizations in the implementation of peace projects and advocacies. Their roles includes project coordinators, facilitators, community organizers, event logistical support group, speakers, etc.

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http://www.pinoypinay.tv/video/15383/Kapuso-Mo-Jessica-Soho-Sep-24

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http://www.pnoytv.com/2011/10/i-witness-october-24-2011-episode.html

Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan Bus of DOH / Probe Foundation

SOCSARGEN PEACE NETWORK: TALKS NOT WAR

2011-10-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

SOCSARGEN PEACE NETWORK SUMUSUPORTA SA PAGSULONG NG USAPING PANGKAPAYAPAAN

Batid nating lahat ang hinagpis at sakit na nararamdaman ng mga pamilya at kasamahan ng mga sundalong nasawi noong Oktubre 19, 2011 sa Al-Barka, Basilan. Sa kanilang misyon upang huluhin ang myembro ng bandidong Abu-Sayaff, labing-siyam na sundalo ang namatay at marami ang nasugatan sa engkwentrong ito.

Ang nakakalungkot na pangyayaring ito ay nagbunga ng kabi-kabilang panawagan na itigil na ang usaping pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng gobyerno at ng MILF at maglunsad ang pamahalaan ng All-Out-War laban sa rebeldeng grupo.

Maalala nating noong 2000, naglunsad ng All-Out-War ang dating Pangulong Estrada laban sa MILF na nagbunga ng pagkamatay ng maraming tao, paggasta ng bilyong piso sa bala at armas, pagkawasak ng mga ari-arian, pagtigil ng hanapbuhay, pagtigil ng mga kabataan sa pag-aaral, pagkaranas ng kakulangan sa pagkain, sakit sa mga evacuation centers at pagdulot ng pagkawasak ng mga unti-unting nabubuong pagkakaisa, unawaan, katatagan ng ugnayan ng tri-people sa Mindanao.

Ang paraang ito ay di nagtagumpay, bagkos ito ay nauwi sa kahirapan, pagkamuhi at paghihiganti. Ito ay lalong nagpalugmok sa ating bansa sa krisis pinansiyal at nagpa-atras sa mga namumuhunan. Noong 2008, libu-libong mga sibilyan ang muling naapektuhan sa gyera sa pagitang ng mga militar at mga grupo nina Cmdr Kato at Cmdr Bravo.

Tanggap natin ang katotohanan na kailan man ay walang nanalo sa gyera, lahat ay talo. Ang SocSarGen Peace Network, isang samahan ng mga institusyon at indibidwal mula sa mga sektor ng akademiya, kabataan, simbahan, NGO, kawani ng gobyerno at media na nagsusulong ng kapayapaan para sa Mindanao, ay mahigpit na TUMUTUTOL sa paraang paglulunsad ng All-Out-War at pagpapatigil ng usaping pangkapayapaan sa MILF upang mabigyang hustisya ang mga nasawing sundalo.

Taos-puso naming sinusuportahan ang pinaninindigan ng Pangulong Noynoy Aquino sa di paggamit ng All-Out-War laban sa MILF. Amin ding hinihikayat ang pamahalaan at MILF na bumalik sa negotiating table at ipagpatuloy ang paghahanap ng mapayapang paraan sa paglutas ng problema sa Mindanao. Ang All-Out-War ay maaaring magdadala ng hustisya sa iilan subalit magdudulot ng “kawalan ng hustisya” sa libu-libo na namang mga mamamayan.

Nananawagan din kami sa lahat, lalong lalo na sa media sa pagtulong sa pagbibigay ng tamang inpormasyon at pagsulong sa usaping pangkapayapaan sa Mindanaw.

TAMA NA ANG DIGMAAN. MATATAMO ANG KAPAYAPAAN SA MATAPAT NA USAPAN !

Peace Portal: Vinegar Industry for Tri-People in Saravia

2011-10-08T01:32:00.001-07:00

Organizing the vinegar industry in Brgy. Saravaia is a portal for peace and economic development in the area. The stakeholders (tri-people, LGU and DepEd) converged to help the vinegar business to its original quality - pure coco nectar vinegar. A portal that also gave way to the tri-people to talk about each biases.

"Organizing the vinegar industry had a good impact to us. We, the vendors and the suppliers are now talking how we go about the pricing, quality and volume”, said Rosie Larano.

Koronadal City’s forefront product is now branded as SARAVIA’s Best Coco Nectar Vinegar as banner product line. SARAVIA’s best Langkawas Sinamak was simultaneously launched.

VINEGAR.

Vinegar is basic in every household for its food and therapeutic values. As of food condiment, it improves the taste and savor of a recipe; as medicinal treatment, it is an immediate remedy for cold, fever, and muscle pains. In the muslim belief, it is a “blessed seasoning”, it benefits health in varied ways though vinegar “miracles” were known in the olden times (Karima Burns, MH, ND).

SINAMAK.

The sinamak (spiced vinegar) has chili (siling labuyo) and langkawas as main ingredient. Alpinia galangal or langkawas in a local name for galangal: galangal root; galingale. A herb and rhizome with a hot, ginger-pepery flavor. Galangal is used primarily as a seasoning and have a distinctive flavor and aroma.

SARAVIA’s BEST.

People in Brgy. Saravaia is very proud of their chosen brand name – SARAVIA’s BEST. It bears a high quality assurance from the industry players – the coconut farmers, the sappers, the processors, and the vendors. Observing good production practices from choosing the tree to get the sap, collecting the daily sap, fermenting, and packaging, up to labeling just to ensure the product quality tag.

PARTNERS.

Through the joint initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry Promotion Programme (RuMEPP), The International Fund for Agricultural Department (IFAD), LGU of Koronadal City, LGU of Bragy. Saravia, and Kapayapaan Kapatid Council, SARAVIA’s BEST products is now in the local market aiming to internationalize the industry.

In one of the exhibits visited by the Brgy Captain – Gregorio Presca, he wanted that all products in Brgy. Saravia will be branded. The group form their association named, Saravia Tri-People Rural Workers and Entrepreneurs Association.

Branding the Vinegar and Sinamk - SARAVIA's BEST VINEGAR and LANGKAWAS Sinamak

Soft Product Launching at Koronadal City's Chapter Anniversary, October 7, 2011

Saravia Tri-People Rural Workers and Entrepreneurs Association

Vendors at National Highway, Brgy. Saravia, South Cotabato

THE PRODUCT: SARAVIA’s Best Coco Nectar Vinegar and Langkawas Sinamak

Koronadal City’s forefront product is now branded as SARAVIA’s Best Coco Nectar Vinegar as banner product line. Saravia’s Best Langkawas Sinamak was simultaneously launched.

Vinegar has been the usual household kitchen requirement. It serves as one of the condiments, to get the desired result of the recipe. According to the Muslim Holy Book, the prophet considered vinegar as a “blessed seasoning”; it is one of the five (5) best condiments since it offers good health. Based on Shomatsu Osada’s article, with Kreb’s Theory, vinegar helps in eliminating fatigue since it burns the undesirable substances absorbed in our body. “Vinegar talks about many ways in which vinegar benefits our health, and cites numerous scientific proofs of this claim. However, vinegar "miracles" were known even before the time of the Prophet (SAW). The first-century Greek doctor Dioscorides, who traveled widely with the Roman army, was a careful observer of the medicine of his time. In his writings, he describes the use of a substance he calls 'oxymel,' or sour honey, for arthritis-like pains.” as articulated by Karima Burns, MH, ND.

The sinamak (spiced vinegar) has chili (siling labuyo) and langkawas as main ingredient. Alpinia galanga or Langkawas in a local name for galangal; galanga root; galingale. A herb and rhizome with a hot, GINGER-peppery flavor, galangal is used primarily as a seasoning and have a distinctive flavor and aroma.

Quality is assured among the Saravia Best vinegar industry players-coconut farmers, tappers, processors, and vendors. Good Production Practices is observed from the choice of the tree to get the sap, daily sap collection, fermentation and packaging, up to the labeling for the ensured product quality tag.

Formation of SARAVIA BEST vinegar industry is initiated by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-South Cotabato through the Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RuMEPP) duly funded by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and assisted by Kapayapaan Kapatid Council, Inc.

SARAVIA’S BEST COCO NECTAR VINEGAR and SARAVIA’S BEST LANKGKAWAS, for better health, quality life, and for harmonious community of the tri-people in Saravia.

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THE STORY….

Barangay Saravia has the opportunity for economic growth and sustained peace once collaboration among the tri-people, Christians, Muslims, and Indigenous Peoples shall be realized. The social divides however have to be addressed—economic, religious, and tribal.

Barangay Saravia of Koronadal City is still suffering from sluggish economic growth since the previous conflict among the MNLF and NPA insurgents with the military. The Indigenous Peoples are usually the ones greatly affected, especially the children, that resulted to insufficient food and difficulty to reach higher education.

The said Barangay is also currently offered with economic opportunity, being accessible to the national highway, where the prospective customers pass. Vinegar and farm products are being displayed for the market. The existing challenge however is the vinegar’s bad quality feedback. The other challenge is the tri-people biases that led them not to trust one another especially in the business transactions.

The vinegar industry shall be a venue for the tri-people to converge their resources (land, coconut trees, skill-sap production/ vinegar production, product development, and marketing) to increase their income, build their trust to one another, and raise better citizens--> It is recognized however, that a converged effort to guide them from the institutions has to be there as the main catalyst for change.

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The Indigenous Peoples have been the victims of all forms of atrocities brought about by various divides in Mindanao. The case of Barangay Saravia, Koronadal City manifested holds the same story. Sometime in 1980-1990, the area has experienced arm-conflict between the New People’s Army (NPA) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). In the year 2000-2003, there was arm-conflict between Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The NPA’s were Christian-dominated while the MNLF’s were Muslim-dominated. Since the usual withdrawal of the insurgents are in the highlands where the IP’s live, they became the natural care takers called as “masa” for NPA’s and members for MNLF’s out of fear. They became the subject of suspicion also by the military as collaborators, leading them to heed to the latter’s demand just to keep their lives. With those, trauma, fear, hunger, lack of education, beset their lives, most especially their Children.

IP’s marginalization in the society has been prevailing, with the discrimination of their ways for being different in physical disposition, and inefficient government programs. By keeping themselves different has led them to earn continuous discrimination.

SARAVIA has a tri-people presence, namely Christians, Muslims, and Indigenous Peoples. Economic collaboration has not been strong despite its strategic location of accessibility to the market. They lack trust among themselves in realizing business transactions.

There were previous government interventions made in the area. But the impact is up to keeping them to have peaceful coexistence. Hunger, and lack of education is still being experienced. Currently the IP’s already noticed the marginalization and discrimination to them. In response, threats are slowly pronounced to reclaim from the society what they deserve to be theirs.

Recently, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) made an intervention for market development of re-known Saravia’s Vinegar, addressing concern also on product quality’s consistency. This project provides the initial venue for the Saravia’s tri-people to work together.

Peace Portal: Tree Gowing at Brgy Talcon

2011-09-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

VOLUNTEERISM FOR DEVELOPMENT: A TREE GROWING PROJECT

More than 100 volunteers planted at least 1,000 seedlings of fruit and hardwood trees at Brgy. Talcon, T’boli , South Cotabato on September 24, 2011 spearheaded by SOCSARGEN Peace Network, Kapisanan ng Mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and SAGIP 2000 Foundation.

The activity includes tree planting on the prepared holes and locations, medical and dental activities in the community and initial visitation of the place.

During a break, volunteers shared to Ms. Akiko Abie, a Japanese UNDP/UN Volunteer, their various volunteering activities such as advocacies on peace, environment, peace technology, interfaith dialogues, community immersions, etc.

In behalf of KBP-SARGEN, James Catalan expressed his support for the project and vowed to continue the partnership in the care for the environment.

Bro. Manny de Leon of SAGIP Ka Foundation thanked everyone who participated and encouraged everybody to “go back to the basics” that includes caring for the environment. He envisioned the place be rehabilitated with the help of various organizations.

Network of organization participated were: YCSC, NDDU Peace Partners, Katiyacap, Inc., PGO-Kalinaw Sarangani, RMMC, CET/WDS/SSG Volunteers, Peace Tech, ABTEK Inc. , Philippine Coconut Authority, Hearts and Brains Inc., Media (ABS CBN, DXCP, RPN DXDX, The Monitor, Wild FM, Abante Socsargen, Bombo, Home Radio), MINDA, 27th IB, JP Polomolok, Single Mother Organization in Koronadal Proper, MSU, Kalimudan), guests volunteers from Australia, Valencia Family, volunteer physicians (For Medical and Dental Missions)

Days before the activities, 27th IB transported the seedlings in the planting sites. The seedlings include Narra (500 pcs), Mahogany (670 pcs), Avocado (10), Jack Fruit (20) and Guyabano (100 pcs).

The activity is just the initial launching of the Agro-Forest Tree Growing and Community Development.

Introduction
There are many programs of reforestation in the different parts of the country but it has taken roots in the heart of our people because often it is only a one day event.

Moreover, it failed to take into consideration the economic sustainability of the community involved. Thus the people in the community continue to cut even the growing trees in the vicinity for their livelihood

The Agro- Forestry Tree Growing and Community Development has been replication of the attempts of some like-minded people who take into consideration the people in the area – their livelihood, social and cultural and even religious milieu.

The site is a 150 hectares under the stewardship agreement program in the boundaries of Brgy. Koronadal Proper in Polomolok and Brgy. Talcon in T’boli both in the province of South Cotabato.

Not only our area had been devastated with flash floods and landslides, the climatic conditions affected the world over.

The irrational exploitation of our forest for capital gains, the increase of population and its attendant pressure on land use, the expansion of urban development has significantly affected tree growth and forest size further worsening the effects of pollution and the depletion of the ozone layer.

The significant loss of forests and the increasing size of world population have made the effects of population to the ozone layer a potential danger for humanity. The rapid climatic change witnessed the world over and the melting down of glaciers and the ice lands is an important milestone in global climatic transformations which need collective efforts to cope with.

Thus SOCSARGEN PEACE NETWORK and KBP-SARGEN by its mission vision to sustainable development is motivated to adopt a mountain for agro forestry park development. We will be embarking on a tree growing activity in the boundary of Brgy. Talcon, T’boli South Cotabato and Koronadal Proper in Polomolok, South Cotabato. We planned to develop the place by planting fruit trees, hard wood and trees endemic to the place.

Project Motivation – Peace portal
The tree growing is another initial portal for peace and development. This portal will be open to convergence of various sectors including the media in highlighting best practices in community development.

Project Strategy
In order to sustain the tree growing, we are partnering with various organizations in the private and public sector to be part of this program. This will be a continuous and sustained program by committing to have tree nurseries, people in the private sector to augment the security of the growth of the trees, the media to invite various individual, group and organization to plant trees and commit also to propagate the advocacy to the community; and continuous convergence and networking will the major strategic approach to facilitate the mainstreaming of this “Agro-Forest Tree Growing and Community Development”.

Project Implementation...............
While the overall implementation targets the media and SOCSARGEN Peace Network, KBP-SARGEN shall mobilize, sensitize and identify local stakeholders to jointly implement project goals. The project anticipates beginning with capacity building in the management and operation of tree nurseries (initially trees will be gathered from various sources) and later focusing on logistical supplies for operating nurseries and allocating areas for various group where to plant tree.

Project Impact........................
Created an Integrated Forest Park modeling how various groups like media, civic and religious organizations, LGU, academe, military, police and others groups/sectors partnered with private group in a sustainable tree growing activity.

The overall impact of this project will be the contribution to reduce the global climatic change and global warming which threatens human civilization. However, the project will contribute to the preservation of varied tree species (especially endemic to the place) thus contribute to the conservation of nature.

It will also give people and organization a sense of responsibility and love for our environment. Moreover, it will become a venue for convergence and solidarity among our people especially the youth. We envision as venue for promoting peace among different stake holders.

It will also enhance and create local awareness on the need to adopt environmentally friendly habit as part of a global commitment to human preservation.

The project will reduce soil erosion, increase the water table, improve the fertility and promote agro forestry in local communities.

Proposed Activities................
Site Development is very important step in the program. We do not want to commit error even in the implementation of the program especially on the variety of trees and vegetation that we are going to plant in the area.

Included in the site development is the landscape assessment of the 150 hectares area intended for the Agro Forest Tree Growing and Community Development. There are different layers of land assessment including the identification of the areas for crops, vegetation, charcoal and firewood, fruit trees, river banks and streams, hard wood and other estimation.

Nursery will be put up in the area to sustain the planting materials of all the institution who will be joining in the program.

Peace Portal: Coco Sugar Industry for former MNLF Combatamts

2011-05-11T15:21:00.000-07:00

Sweet Peace brand of Coco Sugar reached the International Food Expo Exhibit in SMX-Convention Center on May 11, 2011. Marani Samiana, plant manager, proudly present the healtiest alternative for sweeteners.

Technology bridges PEACE: Peace Tech in Gensan

2011-03-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

Estimated 8,000 youths from various school in General Santos City and Manila were bridged by technology through teleconferencing. Stories and voices of hatred, biases, perceptions, reconciliations, apologies, affirmations, hopes, etc. were heard to build understanding in overcoming prejudices and discrimination among tri-people (Muslims, Christiams, Lumads)... in real time!

The event was brought by Peace Tech, an organization whose mission is to promote the use of technology and dialogue in building respect and understanding between groups of people. Through the use of technolgy to bring people from different groups together across large distances, building bridges of understanding, reduce ignorance, and ultimately, lessen conflict.

Some local organizations supported the activities such as NDDU Peace Center and the Local Government Units of General Santos City.

KKC's Danny Sabino, was invited to talk about social media, blogging and how to create blogs.

SOCSARGEN Peace Network joined the Peace Teach forum held at Lagao Gym, General Santos City, March 1, 2011.

watch this at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWo7_eNQ_yU

Peace Dedication for the Closing of Kalilangan 2011

2011-03-07T16:21:00.000-08:00

MENSAHE NG KAPAYAPAAN SA KALILANGAN

(Prepared by Gandhi, 2/27/2011)

KALILANGAN, ITO AY KAPANAHUNAN NG PAGSASAYA, PAGDIRIWANG AT PAGKAKAISA. TAUN-TAON NATING PINAPAHALAGAHAN ITONG CELEBRASYON, TAYO’Y NAGTITIPUN-TIPON UPANG MAIPAKITA AT MAIPADAMA ANG PAGKILALA SA IBAT-IBANG KULTURA AT TRADISYON NG MGA MAMAMAYAN NITONG ATING BAYAN.

MATAGAL NANG PANAHON NA TAYO’Y SABAY-SABAY NA NAGSASAYA SA PAGDIRIWANG NITONG KALILANGAN. ITO AY PAGPAPATUNAY NA ATING PINAPAHALAGAHAN ANG RESPETO SA BAWAT ISA AT PAGMAMAHAL SA KAPWA ANUMAN ANG ATING PANINIWALA.

BAGKOS, ITONG ATING GINAGAWA AY NAGIGING GANAP NA KULTURA -- KULTURA NG PAGMAMAHALAN, KULTURA NG PAGBIBIGAY GALANG, AT SA MADALING SALITA, ITO AY KULTURA NG KAPAYAPAAN.

ANG KULTURA NG KAPAYAPAAN, ATING ISAPUSO AT PAGYAMANIN. ITO AY ISANG KAYAMANAN, KAYA NARARAPAT LAMANG NA PAHALAGAHAN.

ANUMAN ANG ATING ANTAS SA LIPUNAN, ORDINARYONG MAMAMAYAN KA MAN O NAHALAL SA KATUNGKULAN, MAGING BAHAGI KA SA PAGTATANIN NG KULTURA NG KAPAYAPAAN SA ATING LIPUNAN.

KASIHAN TAYO NAWA NG DAKILANG LUMIKHA. AMEN.

The Power of Radio: Revisiting Mini Edsa in Gensan

2011-02-25T16:14:00.000-08:00

Revisit the memory of EDSA is also revisiting the Active Non-Violent way of solving conflict.

MWOP2010 Culmination Set

2010-11-29T20:08:00.000-08:00

Program of Activities for the MWOP 2010, Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Time	Activity	Responsible Person/s
8:00am-9:00am	Parade from Acharon Boulevard and Pioneer Avenue to GSC Covered Court	Delegates (Assembly Area: Fronting Golden State College, Acharon Boulevard)
9:01am-9:10am	Opening Prayer	Tri-people
9:11am-9:15am	National Anthem
9:16am-9:25am	Opening Remarks and the MWOP Rationale of the Convention and Presentation of Delegates	Fr. Gillarme Pelino KKC Convener Ms. Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda Program Manager, KSU
9:26am-9:30am	Cultural Presentation	Kulintangan Winner
9:31am-9:46am	Testimonies	Ka Polding (Moro) Former MNLF combatant turned Peace Advocate Pastor Antonio Beril (Settler) Barangay Justice Advocate Joylen Cabanda Balandan(IP) Youth for Peace
9:47am-9:52am	Video Presentation	Peace Network
9:52am-9:57am	Messages of Support	Hon. Miguel Rene Dominguez Governor, Sarangani Province
9:58am-10:03am		Hon. Darlene Antonino-Custodio Mayor, Gen. Santos City
10:04am-10:09am		Hon. Peter Miguel Mayor, Koronadal, South Cotabato
10:10am-10:15am	Intermission Number	Cultural Performance by MSU KE
10:16am-10:26am	Responses	Cynthia Guerra Program Manager, ACT for Peace Programme
10:27am-10:37am		Lualhati Antonino Secretary, Mindanao Development Authority
10:38am-10:48am		Agnes Villaruz Executive Director, Gerry Roxas Foundation
10:48am-10:58am	Exchange of Peace Bonds	Delegates
10:58am-11:08am	Releasing of Doves	Peace Network,BUC, LCEs, Partners
11:08am-11:38am	Kanduli	Delegates
11:38am-12:00nn	Peace Concert	Various Artists