Nov 26- Dec 3, 2009
Forum with the Students (YOUTH) and Legislators (national & local)
Miriam College, 2-5PM November 26, 2009
Privilege Speech in the Congress: Mindanao week of Peace
House of Representatives, Dec 1, 2009
Forum with Civil Society Organizations
Venue TBA, December 2, 2009
Final event: Mindanao WEEK OF Peace, Usapang Kapwa Tao & Peace Bazaar
Venue TBA, December 3, 2009
September is a historical month for GenPeace. Incidentally, 21 September is the International Day of Peace, the Day of Commemoration of the Declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines, and also the End of Ramadan for our Muslim brothers and sisters. On October 6, the World Peace March of the World Without Wars visited and marched in the country.
Thank you all for participating and supporting GenPeace events during this period.
The Peace Day Project aims to popularize the 21st of September as Peace Day, use the day as a starting point for the discussion of the different peace and conflict issues in the country, participate in the world wide celebration of Peace One Day through different local youth activities.
The Peace Day Project has 3 main activities:
a.) Peace Mosaic and the Wall of Peace
The Peace Mosaic is a collective art intiative wherein 100 tiles are distributed to GenPeace network members across the country. The tiles are designed by youth leaders from different communities and youth organizations. Artworks were done in communities affected by conflicts, areas of indigenous peoples communities, peace zones, youth organizations working on peace, human rights, governance, environmental protection, etc.
The designed tiles were then transported to Quezon City, Manila, where a permanent art installation was granted by the government to create a Wall of Peace in a public park. The wall symbolizes the youth’s aspiration for peace and their efforts against war.
b.) A GenPeace Mini-Documentary: A Story of Peace
Along with gathering artworks on tiles, GenPeace also collected different perspectives of youth vis-à-vis conflict and violence. The different youth peace stories were gathered and made into a mini-documentary which highlights the a)
different realities of violence in the country, b) the youth initiatives on peace, and c) provide inspiration and hope that peace is possible. The documentary is designed as an educational tool that can be used as a material to start discussions on armed violence or as a very brief presentation on what the Philippine context is.
c.) Peace Day Celebration
We celebrated the International Day of Peace by gathering different stakeholders to peace—government leaders, NGOs, youth and students organizations, religious, women and spiritual formations—in a half-day celebration that included the end of Ramadan prayer, interfaith prayers, songs, dance numbers, speeches from different leaders, making of a human peace sign, the unveiling of the Wall of Peace and the premiere screening of the mini-documentary.
The Philippines is the 3rd stop for the historic 80-day World Peace March initiated by the World Without Wars movement. GenPeace supported the initiative, and marched the symbolic ½ kilometer-walk in Manila. Banners calling for peace, nuclear disarmament and non-violence were waved along the way. The international marchers from Latin America, Europe and Asia were also welcomed in a short program that included dances, messages and songs for peace. Schools and youth organizations mobilized participants to the event that had the gymnasium jam-packed and really festive.
The Philippines is the 3rd stop of the World Peace March, an 80-day trip around the world calling for peace, nuclear disarmament and non-violence.
Outside the venue, GenPeace members had exhibit tables where different issues and advocacies were lined up such as disarmament, small arms, advocacy towards a non-killing society, overview on the conflict in Southern Philippines, among others. We also took this opportunity to fund-raise by selling peace shirts to participants.
This is the list of verified relief centers where people can drop off their donations for the victims of “Ondoy:”
UP College of Arts and Letters
Go to: College of Arts and Letters (CAL)
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
Hotline: 09296454102 (Prof. Roselle Pineda)
Look for: Guard on Duty (in UP CAL)
Operations: 24 hours until Wednesday tentatively
You can:
# Donate medicines, clothes, blankets, food to be distributed by Citizens’ Disaster Response Center.
Erica Paredes
Go to: Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
(Call or text contact number for complete address) Contact #: 09174741930
Look for: Erica Paredes
Operations: Throughout the week tentatively, from 10 am to 6 pm
You can:
# Donate ready-to-eat foods like hard-boiled egg, bread, packed juice, sandwich filling
# Volunteer to prepare sandwiches and distribute goods
NoyMar Relief Operations – QC
Go to: Balay Expo Center, Farmers Market, Cubao or in White Space, Pasong Tamo Ext., Near BMW, Makati
Look for: Clare Amador or Jana Vicente
Hotlines: 09285205508, 09285205499, 0908-6579998, 0939-3633436, 9137122
Operations: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the week until further notice.
Website: www.marroxas.com
You can:
# Donate drinking water, old medicines, clothing, blankets, canned goods, noodles
# Volunteer to man stations and repack food.
Miriam Quiambao and World Vision Development Foundation
Go to: One Orchard Road Building in Eastwood or at the World Vision office at 389 Quezon Avenue, corner West 6th St., Quezon City
Hotline: 0917-8623209
Look for: The guard in the lobby (on One Orchard Road)
Website: http://www.twitter.com/miriamq, www.worldvision.org.ph
Operations: Until Sept. 28, 2009 (Monday), 24-hour operation
You can:
# Donate goods like clothes, blankets, canned goods, crackers, mattress, hygiene kits, noodles, bottled water, oatmeal, instant coffee, sugar (for relief pack to be distributed by World Vision)
# Volunteer to help repack relief goods for World Vision starting today at 7pm
# Deposit cash donations to World Vision Development Foundation, BPI savings account number 4251002415 and BDO savings account number 270043411
Philippine Army
Go to: Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio, Makati or General Head Quarter’s Gym in Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, EDSA, Quezon City
Hotline: 892-3417 (direct line), 845-9555 (trunkline) local. 6464 and 6466
Look for: Any personnel on duty
Operations: Ongoing everyday for 24 hours until further notice
You can:
# Donate relief goods (no cash)
# Call hotline for rescue, evacuation or relief assistance.
# Call to report missing persons
Papemelroti Gifts and Decorative Accessories
Go to: 91 Roces Ave., Corner Scout Tobias, Quezon City or mall branches in Ali Mall Cubao, SM City North EDSA, SM Fairview, SM Megamall, Glorietta 3 in Makati, SM Centerpoint, SM Southmall
Hotline: refer to website for individual branch numbers
Website: www.papemelroti.com
Operations: Mall hours (10am-9pm), ongoing everyday until further notice
You can:
# Donate goods like canned goods, clothings, blanket, cooking utensils and other relief goods EXCEPT cash.
Ateneo de Manila University Disaster Response Group
Go to: Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights , Quezon City, Manuel V. Pangilinan Building Center for Student Leadership Lobby, University Dorm Cervini Hall
Hotlines: 09089977166, 09178952792, 4266001 local 5050
Look for: Gio Tiongson, President, Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral
Website: www.ateneosanggu.com
Operations: 24-hour operations for the entire week
You can:
# Donate goods like bottled water, sardines, canned goods, candles, cup noodles.
# Volunteer to help repack relief goods, administer basic first aid.
# Report missing persons.
# Seek evacuation/temporary shelter at University Dorm Cervini Hall.
Citizens Disaster Response Center (CDRC)
Go To: 72-A Times St., West Triangle Homes, Quezon City.
Hotlines: 9299820, 9299822
Operations: 8 a.m. onwards.
You can:
# Donate money, old clothes, blanket, bigas, munggo.
# Volunteer to help distribute goods.
Radio Veritas
Go To: Veritas Tower , West Ave. corner EDSA
Look For: Karla Turingan
Hotlines: 9257931 to 39, 0918VERITAS
Operations: 24-hours, tentatively until Tuesday.
You can:
# Donate old clothes, food, assorted goods, bottled water, cash.
Our Lady of Pentecost Parish
Go to: 12 F. dela Rosa cor. C. Salvador Streets, Loyola Heights , Quezon City
Hotlines: 632 4342397, 63 2 9290665
Operations: 7 a.m. till 10 p.m. Sunday, until further notice.
You Can:
# Donate packed meals, bottled water.
MAKATI/TAGUIG/MUNTINLUPA
Victory Fellowship – Fort Bonifacio
Go to: Victory Fellowship, Every Nation Building , across Market-Market, Fort Bonifacio
Look for: Pastor Bernard Marquez
Hotlines: 813-FORT, 8171212
Operations: Tentatively until 5pm, may may extend hours. Entire week until Friday.
Website: www.twitter.com/VictoryFort
You can:
# Donate canned goods, milk, bottled water, clothes, cash.
# Volunteer to help pack relief goods
Sacred Heart of Jesus Chaplaincy
Go to: Hillsborough Village, Cupang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila
Hotline: 8428148, 8079847
Look for: Genelyn Sembrano, Meanne Cuneta
Website: www.sacredheartofjesus-alabang.org
Operations: Tuesday-Sunday (Sept. 29-Oct 4). 8 am to 12 noon, 2 to 6 pm
You can:
# Donate water, blankets, shoes, clothes and other goods
# Donate in cash
PASIG CITY
LUZON RELIEF: Volunteer / Donate / Pray
Go to: Renaissance Fitness Center, 2nd Floor, Bramante Building, Renaissance Towers, Ortigas, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City
Hotline: 0929-8713488
Look for: Warren Habaluyas, co-founder
E-mail: luzonrelief@gmail.com
Operations: Monday to Saturday (Sept. 28-Oct. 3), 9am-7pm
You can:
# Donate non-perishable food items, beddings, pillows, blankets, clothes
# You can donate cash but it is not encouraged
- Compiled by Annalyn Ardoña and Patricia Faustino, GMA NEWS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The Peace Day Project has 2 main components:
1.) Peace Mosaic
The Peace Mosaic will be composed of 100 tile pieces bearing peace messages/images coming from 100 different youth organizations/formations all over the Philippines. The Peace Mosaic will be displayed at a public venue on September 21 and a permanent installation of the artwork will be determined thereafter.
2.) Peace Stories
Peace Stories will be collected from the different peace youth groups participating in the Peace Day celebrations. The Stories will highlight the role of youth in peacebuilding, best practices in peace advocacy, as well as document the effects of war and conflict on the young generation. The stories aim to provide a “human face” to the advocacy of peace. We are now accepting submissions of interesting human stories on peace and conflict.
PARTICIPATE IN THE PEACE MOSAIC: ADD PEACE! (Ask, Discuss, Design Peace)
1. ASK.
Ask your school/organization to design a piece of 1×1 foot tile for the Peace Mosaic Project. You may also ask GenPeace for a piece for your organization. GenPeace is providing a limited number of tiles to be given to youth organizations for free. Of course, the offer is good while the supply lasts.
2. DISCUSS.
Discuss peace issues that affect the young generation. We want the designing of your peace tile to be a collective effort of your organization. Before designing your Tile, discuss among your colleagues your definitions of peace, the youth’s collective aspirations for peace, and your experiences of conflict. You may use some of the guide questions that are included in the Peace Tile Submission Form.
3. DESIGN.
Design your tile piece. (For the technical specifications, etc. Please refer to the Guidelines below.)
Guidelines for Peace Tile Designs
Material: 1ft by 1ft piece of white tile
Tools: Acrylic paint (or alternative paints such as oil or poster paints), brushes (or its alternatives)
Content: Images and/or Messages related to Peace
GenPeace Secretariat
c/o Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute
2nd Floor Hoffner Building, SDC,
Ateneo de Manila University,
Loyola Heights Quezon City 1108
PEACE TILE SUBMISSION FORM
Name:
Youth Organization/Community:
Type of Youth Group:
Address:
Contact Number:
POSSIBLE DISCUSSION POINTS DURING YOUR ARTWORK DESIGN:
What is peace for me/us (i.e. as an organization, young generation, community, school, etc.)?
What are our aspirations for peace?
Share your peace/war story. Alternatively, share what you (personal and your youth organization) are doing for peace.
Send your Peace Tile designs to:
GenPeace Secretariat c/o Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute, 2nd Floor Hoffner Building, SDC, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights Quezon City 1108
New York, July 6th 2009 – “Knowing and understanding people’s beliefs is critical in building better relations within and among societies and religions. This is why the Alliance of Civilizations has made it a priority to work toward this goal. The Alliance has created an online network, named the Clearinghouse on Education about Religions and Beliefs (ERB), which provides users with educational materials and resources on tolerance and civic education,” said UN Alliance of Civilizations High Representative and former President of Portugal Jorge Sampaio.
Launched this week, the website (www.aocerb.org) features news, guidelines, learning and teaching materials, links to organizations, and lists of events relevant to learning about diverse religions and beliefs. It also includes an online forum which allows educators and policy-makers to exchange views and resources, learn from each others’ work and advance ideas about successful programs that teach about religions and beliefs.
The participants learned dialogue and advocacy skills during the training. Part of the training also identified the principles of dialogue that GenPeace ascribes to. The GenPeace dialogue principle can also be seen on this site.
Youth leaders from the GenPeace network as well as other youth leaders in their communities underwent this training to increase their capacities in dialogue and lobbying. Also, prominent leaders from the civil society in the country are invited to share their experiences and learnings in using dialogue as a primary tool for non-violent conflict resolution in their fields. The experiences of a community Muslim leader, a community organizer working for agrarian reform, and a former National Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development shared their experiences in dialogue as well as strategies that they use for their advocacies.
We were also able to have a follow-up dialogue with the head of the Technical Working Group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front where we asked questions related to the current issues that the peace process face, the obstacles and the ways to move forward in a political impasse with the government.
Here is a draft photoblog of GenPeace activities in October-December 2008: CLICK HERE
Seven youth organizations have been awarded funding during the pilot phase of the AoC’s small grants mechanism for youth-led projects.
The Youth Solidarity Fund was announced at the Alliance of Civilizations Forum in Madrid in January 2008 and aims to provide seed funding (in amounts up to $20,000) to outstanding youth-led projects aiming to enhance intercultural and interreligious dialogue.
The call for applications was launched in February 2008 and the announcement of the first round of funded projects was made to the successful applicants on June 24, 2008. Youth played a critical role in the selection process; an international team of seven young people was called upon to review submitted project proposals and make recommendations for funding.
The winning projects are as follows:
READ MORE ABOUT THIS AT THE AOC WEBSITE!
GenPeace North Luzon Peace and Human Rights Caravan
Last July 26, 2008 the Generation Peace Network (GenPeace) started its North Luzon Peace and Human Rights Caravan – a project that aims to increase the youth’s awareness on the 1) concepts and dynamics of peace and conflict; 2) the fundamental rights of Filipino youth, and the local and international instruments protecting it, and; 3) youth peace initiatives in the Philippines. The caravan also encourages the different youth organizations to include the peace dimension in their youth projects.
PREVENT THE MAYHEM AFTER MAY 10!
After May 10, the fragile peace in Mindanao can turn into an all-out war. The Malaysian delegation, having the largest contingent in the International Monitoring Team of the GRP-MILF Peace Talks, is pulling out this May. We can do something about it! Your support is crucial so that government leaders and the international community can hear us out.
Join the 365 Petition, NOW!
We are asking for 365 photos of individuals calling for at LEAST a 365-day extension of Malaysia’s delegation to the IMT. Your photo means:
1. You are supporting the peace process in Mindanao.
2. You are calling for the signing and implementation of the peace agreements (with MILF and MNLF)
3. You are asking for Malaysia’s extension in the International Monitoring Team.
Frequently Asked Questions:
WHAT HAPPENS ON MAY 10?
On May 10 the International Monitoring Team (IMT) of the GRP-MILF peace talks is pulling out of the peace process. The IMT is composed of representatives from different countries such as Malaysia, Japan, Libya, Brunei and groups from AD HOC Joint Action Group (AHJAG) and Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH). Its main role is to keep the peace in Mindanao, monitor ceasefire violations and initiate or support peacebuilding initiatives.
WHY IS THE IMT IMPORTANT?
The May 10 pull-out has dire consequences to the peace process. When Malaysia led the IMT in early 2000, the number of armed incidents between the government (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) dramatically decreased from an estimated 700 incidents to less than 20. Violence that affected communities has been minimized. The monitors have effectively instituted confidence-building measures such as ceasefire mechanisms and joint military actions between GRP and MILF, opened lines of communication between parties and helped bridge the gap through backroom channels of dialogues. The IMT also plays a crucial role in the investigation of conflict incidents such as the July 10 Basilan incident. The IMT further acknowledges and involves local communities in peacekeeping which empowered local stakeholders to sustain a peaceful environment.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
While only the Malaysian delegation of the IMT is pulling out, they play a major role as the leader in the IMT and consist of the largest delegation. Malaysia’s pull out can cause eventual breakdown of the IMT. Without the IMT, the conflict in Mindanao can escalate into a full-blown war. The communities in Mindanao cannot afford to have another all-out war in the midst of peace initiatives, rehabilitation and development efforts. This will cause not only deaths, displacement of thousands of families and destruction of communities but can gravely affect the peace process between the MILF and the government.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1. Join the 365 Faces for 365 Days Photo Petition.
Sign up with the 365 petition of GenPeace! The petition asks for pictures of individuals supporting the call for the IMT to stay at least another year. The aim is to gather 365 pictures of supporters for a 365-day extension of Malaysia in the IMT. We need effective and urgent action to counter the looming threat of the pull-out.
VISIT: http://picasaweb.google.com/nikki.delfin/Campaigns
for photo petition ideas and resources.
You may send your photos along with your names, organizations and addresses to genpeacenetwork@gmail.com
2. Encourage others to sign up.
You can ask your friends and family to sign-up and support the Mindanao peace process. You may send your photos along with your names, organizations and addresses to genpeacenetwork@gmail.com
You may also do email campaigning by adding this on your email signature:
“Prevent the May 10 Mayhem! Support the Peace Process! IMT Please Stay!” visit http://youthpeacenetwork.wordpress.com and join the 365 PETITION.
3. Write statements of support.
If you belong to an organization, write a position paper showing your support and send them to your partners, networks, friends and communities. You may also forward your letters to the embassies of countries with members in the IMT.
4. Join “Prevent the May 10 Mayhem” Activities:
Dialogue with Chair Rudy Garcia of the GRP Panel negotiating with MILF
2 May 2008, Friday 3PM
4th Floor Agustin Building, Emerald Avenue OrtigasDialogue with Secretary Dureza of the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
2 May 2008
OPAPP Office, 7th Floor Agustin Building, Emerald Avenue OrtigasDiplomatic Briefings With Embassies of Canada, Japan and UNICEF
5 May 2008, PM
Place: TBA365 Photo Petition Signing
2 May 2008, whole day
Barangays in Metro Manila
GenPeace 365 Photo Petition
5 May 2008, AM
Plaza Miranda, QuiapoPress Conference/Media Coverage
2 May 2008, AM
Plaza Miranda, Quiapo
