#PeaceNaTa Seminar Prompts Propagation of Development in Moro Relations
In partnership with the Centrist Democracy Political Institute and Handuraw Events Cafe, #PeaceNata seminar headed by SSC councilor Hon. Jamil Faisal Adiong, was conducted at Handuraw Pizza Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, on May 22.
#PeaceNata is a campaign movement which aims to reconcile the history-old gap between Moros and non-Moros by reintroducing the Bangsamoro people in the Philippine society in a new perspective away from prejudice and biases.
Dr. Jenny Lind Elmaco, executive director of SPARK Philippines, opened the seminar with a discourse on peace and its depth. She hashed out on the necessary dynamics for peace to be effective and how transnational peace is the way to go since it goes beyond the borders of the Philippines, thus, a more effective way of approaching conflict.
Hamilcar Chanjueco Jr., also a member of SPARKS Philippines, disclosed on the issues about stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination. Through an interactive talk, he explained the “cognition-emotion-behavior process” which happens when a stereotype affects one’s judgment and behavior. Chanjueco said that people need tolerance and added that nothing will be accomplished when personal judgments are always involved.
Moreover, Hon. Adiong together with Aisah Matanog, a delegate in the Youth Peace Camp in Bacolod, touched the issue about the struggles of Bangsamoro in the peace process of the country, in particular, the fight of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) against the government, the history of Bangsamoro itself, the perspective of Filipinos towards the Moros, and the social oppression that Moros receive in today’s society.
In line with the aim at peace process, Mr. Rejene Tan Lakibul, a member of the Centrist Democracy Political Institute said that the peace process have to be inclusive. “We need to include as much stakeholder we have in encrafting whatever peace materials we have. We have to ensure that the actors who are involved in the peace material are willing enough to be cognizant, that in fact peace should be mutual, inclusive and community-oriented,” Lakibul stated.
To conclude the seminar, Hon. Adiong expressed that the event was a success. “People were able to capture the true essence of the event, which is to reconcile the history and gap of the Moros and non-Moros through education,” he said.
Adiong stated further that he is looking forward for more people. “I hope that the peace force will grow as time goes by,” he added.
#PeaceNaTa is planning to conduct more dialogues and seminars soon and to become an established organization.
