Sustainable Peace in Action
Written by: Almera Grace Mayo
On May 21, 2024, a groundbreaking peace forum themed “Sustainable Peace in Action” took place at the De Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. Organized by WFWP Philippines and led by National President Almera Grace P. Mayo, the event attracted an array of VIPs and influential stakeholders committed to peace in the region. Notable figures included the current National IAYSP Philippine President, Mr. Angelito Cainday, and Hon. Greceille Matalines, a board member from Lanao del Norte. The presence of respected individuals such as the former Municipal Mayor of Balingasag and current Provincial Hospital Administrator, Hon. Marieta Roa-Abogado, University Research Department Head Dr. Israel Talili, Ph.D. and student leaders from the University of Southern Philippines for Science and Technology added immense value to the event.
The forum also featured prominent personalities dedicated to peacebuilding, including the newly retired DSWD Regional Department Head for Program and Operation, Mrs. Gloria Mosqueda, retired City DSWD Officer of El Salvador, Mrs. Anunciacion Prospero and Hon. Joyce Daang, the Chairman of the Gender and Development Committee of Barangay Bulua. The powerful support from these influential figures and groups unified the attendees in their vision for a peaceful community, nation, and world. This event not only inspired but also catalyzed numerous initiatives aimed at realizing a harmonious and peaceful society at local, national and global levels.
During the event, an important declaration was made regarding a sisterhood partnership between the organization and the provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, represented by Board Member Hon. Matalines. This partnership emphasizes a commitment to collaborative action among various organizations to address social issues such as teenage pregnancy and drug addiction, which often originate from family problems. The hope is that this partnership will provide tangible solutions to these pressing issues. Board Member Hon. Matalines expressed her determination to bring this initiative to the attention of the entire province, recognizing that addressing these issues requires a collective effort involving all stakeholders, particularly empowering women in their roles as mothers.
A particularly positive response to the call for sustainable peace in action came from Dr. Israel Talili, Ph.D., of the Research Department of USPT. He explicitly expressed several research topics for peace that can address social problems. He was particularly inspired by a quotation from the presentation: "The current problems of the world cannot be solved by the masculine logic of power but can only be solved by the feminine logic of love." Dr. Talili described the event as the best he had ever attended and said that the output of the activity surpassed his expectations. His student leaders have confirmed their engagement to benchmark a project on teenage pregnancy in Barangay Bulua.
The event concluded with an exchange of insights and commitments from all attendees, who expressed their dedication to achieving peace in the region by signing the Sustainable Peace in Action agreement.
Everyone unanimously agreed with the words of WFWP’s Co-Founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, that the current world needs peace, reconciliation, compassion, love, service and sacrifice. Dr. Talili highlighted the importance of solving social problems and redirecting the course of history with the feminine logic of love during this age.
