Lumad voices, top
priority in Butuan
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 27 -
On its pursuit of just and lasting peace anchored on inclusivity and unity, the
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process' (OPAPP) Peace Buzz
made its fifth stop in Butuan to converse with the Lumads on September 27.
During a press
conference, Undersecretary Diosita Andot, imparted that OPAPP is using this
opportunity to focus on peace education and discussions with the Indigenous
People (IP) to merge their aspirations with OPAPP’s vision on attaining a just
and lasting peace.
“Mayroon tayong peace
tables for the IPs alone and this is a very good development because, whereas
in the past, ang sektor na ito ay hindi halos naririnig. Ngayon, binibigyan natin
sila ng puwang at binibigyan talaga natin sila ng all possible opportunities to
participate in the peace process,” Andot shared.
(We have a peace table
for the IPs alone and this is a very good development because, whereas in the
past, this sector is not much heard. Now they are given a venue, and all
possible opportunities to participate in the peace process.)
Simultaneously,
activities were held in Caraga's regional center, including the Communicator’s
Peace forum on Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and
International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
Since the inception of
OPAPP's IP Peace Table, the peace agency has been open to hearing out the
Lumads of CARAGA. From the men and women, to their youth sectors, peace
conversations were conducted in the region.
As part of the region's
efforts on celebrating the National Peace Consciousness Month, Caraga launched
the “Dalan sa Kalinaw” or the “Roadmap for Peace”, with one of its four main
points focusing on the IPs of CARAGA.
Through the theme “Puso
Para sa Kapayapaan, Magkaisa Para sa Bayan”, OPAPP placed highlight on the
people’s passion for peace and their efforts in working together amidst
diversity.
Butuan supported this
call through the city’s “Commitment for Peace,” signed by national and local
officials and the residents of Butuan City.
The Peace Buzz is a
caravan that will travel nationwide to showcase and highlight the peace
building efforts of the government and provide updates on development of the
peace process. The Peace Buzz will drop by key cities to engage and collaborate
with different stakeholders.
The Peace Buzz kicked
off in Baguio City with the framed prayer offering for people of Marawi
residing in Iligan highlighting the event. It then proceeded to Quezon City
with the ceremonial ringing of the World Peace Bell. Afterwards, it went to
Legazpi City, Albay and was joined by Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2017
and National Peace Ambassadress Elizabeth Clenci, to entertain the children and
disabled folks residing in Sagrada Familia Foundation. In the island of Samar,
it witnessed the launching of Samar's "Peace and Prosperity Roadmap".
The Peace Buzz will
continue its Mindanao journey to the "Crown Jewel" city of Davao,
followed by a stop in Cotabato City before concluding in Iligan City for the
closing of the peace month on October 1. (OPAPP)
