Peace breaks out as the 22nd Waging Peace Conference Commences

by Raniel Ponteras

 

Quezon City–Peace advocates from all walks of life all over the Philippines gathered to keep the dream of lasting peace alive in the 22^nd National Conference of Kilos Kapayapaan and Waging Peace (GPPAC) Philippines centering on the theme Beyond the Talking Tables – Re-Imagine! Build an Inclusive Peace! The two-day event, held at ISO Conference Rooms 5 & 6, Ateneo de Manila University, on December 6-7, spearheaded by Kilos Para sa Kapayapaan at Katarungan and the Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute was attended by participants from Sulong Carhrihl, Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform, Mindanao Peaceweavers, Indigenous Peoples groups, We Act 1325, and Generation Peace Youth Network.

Some civil society, government, religious, women and youth representatives to the Waging Peace – Kilos Kapayapaan Conference 2012. The theme is “Beyond the Talking Tables: Reimagine! Build an Inclusive Peace!”

Proposals and approaches toward the achievement of a comprehensive Bangsamoro framework, fresh approach to the NDF dialogues, and the linking of different groups for a larger peace network were discussed on the first day. MILF Peace Panel member, Abdullah Camlian was the first resource speaker on the second day, as he discussed the MILF’s position and future prospects on the ongoing Bangsamoro project. Afterwards, newly appointed GPH Peace Panel Chairperson Miriam Coronel – Ferrer discussed updates and answered questions on the Bangsamoro issue. The afternoon saw Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Teresita Quintos – Deles and GPH panel member Jurgette Honculada grace the stage for some news on the ongoing talks with the NDF.#