Tell your story through Kwentong Kapayapaan

What is Peace Stories/Kwentong Kapayapaan?

pikit, north cotabato (c) 2004

Kwentong Kapayapaan is a compilation of war and peace stories (in photo, video, or written format) told from the various perspectives of the young generation. It presents the harsh realities that the young generation faces in the armed conflicts in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon. It speaks of the brutality suffered in invisible hands—that of structural violence. The youth in the stories cry out and clamor for peace in the Philippines. These are stories that present the essentiality and possibility of peace. Kwentong Kapayapaan shows us the youth’s compelling role in peacebuilding.

Kwentong Kapayapaan is your story told from your perspective.

About Kwentong Kapayapaan

Kwentong Kapayapaan is part of the Peace Day Project which celebrates September 21 as the International Day of Peace. Few people know that the date is a UN mandated and universally recognized day of peace.

Our aim is to institutionalize the celebration of the 21st of September as the International Day of Peace, in other words reach the point where awareness of Peace Day becomes self-sustaining, and engage the different sectors, particularly the youth, in the Day’s peaceful observance.

We would like to celebrate the Peace Day by: 1) Remembering and understanding the different conflicts that need to be resolved in the Philippines; 2) Bringing to focus the peace issues by highlighting different stories of peace and conflict and; 3) Creating a collective and creative space for youth organizations to discuss, participate and express their aspirations for peace.

So, to recap:
WHAT: Kwentong Kapayapaan: Stories of War, Peace and Peacebuilding in the Philippines
WHO: You! We want to tell to a broader audience your story as a Youth NGO working for Peace, as a youth living in a community displaced by armed conflict, as an indigenous youth aspiring for peace, and so on.
WHY: Because telling your story is the best reason for everyone to work for peacebuilding. 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 human interest stories on peace and conflict.
WHEN: Deadline for submission of stories is on September 15, 2009
HOW: Mail your stories to: 21peacestories@gmail.com or send to:

GenPeace Secretariat
c/o GZO Peace Institute, 2nd Floor Hoffner Building, SDC,
Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights
Quezon City 1108
Guidelines:

1. Submission of your Kwentong Kapayapaan may be any or all of the following format:
• PHOTO (with captions)
• VIDEO (raw videos or completed works, include a one paragraph explanation of you story if needed)
• AUDIO recording
• WRITTEN (essay format or a one-page description of your story)
2. You may send your story submission by:
a. EMAIL: 21peacestories@gmail.com
b. SNAIL MAIL:
• GZO Peace Institute, 2nd Floor Hoffner Building, Social Development Complex, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City 1108

3. Topic: The story must focus on the Youth and one (or all) of the following:
a. peace and conflict Issues (personal, organizational, community, local or national in scope)
b. Initiatives in peacebuilding (best practices and success stories)
c. Aspirations for peace (Peace Philosophy)
d. Personal experiences or anecdotes in war and/or peace
e. Faith, Culture and Peace
f. Other possible subthemes such as:

• Forms of violence
• Women
• Children in Armed Conflict Situations
• Internal Displacement
• Islam as a religion of peace
• Christianity as a religion of peace
• Belief systems and cultures as vehicles of peace
• Community-based peace initiatives (Peace Zone, etc.)
• Self determination
• Agrarian Reform
• Education
• Youth Peace Initiatives
• Peace Aspirations
• Subcultures
• Indigenous Peoples
• Poverty
• Social Justice
• Governance
• Collective action
• Non-violence
• Support for the Peace process

4. The different stories will be compiled by GenPeace and presented during the 21 September International Day of Peace Celebration as a short documentary.

Possible GenPeace and Peace One Day Collaboration?

A possible tie up of Peace One Day and GenPeace?!?? Wait.. let’s rewind a bit.. what is Peace One Day? And what can we do together? Hmm..

=======================================================

In 1999 filmmaker Jeremy Gilley decided to try and establish the first ever Day of Peace with a fixed calendar date. In September 2001 the Member States of the United Nations unanimously adopted the first-ever annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence—Peace Day, 21 September.

Peace One Day now works to create global awareness of the day and manifest life-saving activity and individual action throughout the world on September 21 each year.

The day is working. Lives are being saved and individuals are making commitments.

 So… what do you think?

Wanna know more about Peace One Day? Check out the VIDEOS or visit their WEBSITE.

CLUSTER MUNITION COALITION CONDEMNS GEORGIAN USE OF CLUSTER BOMBS

After admitting use, Georgia must sign global treaty banning weapon

(Geneva, September 2, 2008) – A network of 250 non-governmental organisations across 70 countries has condemned Georgia’s use of cluster munitions, just three months after 107 nations agreed to ban the weapon. In a letter to Human Rights Watch, the Georgian Defense Ministry stated that cluster bombs were “used against Russian military equipment and armament marching from Roki tunnel to Dzara road [sic],” but that they “were never used against civilians, civilian targets and civilian populated or nearby areas.” The majority of the world’s nations that have banned the weapon have declared any use of any cluster munition in any location unacceptable, because of the harm they cause to civilians during and after conflict.

“Cluster bombs are indiscriminate killers not only during attacks but leave a deadly legacy long after conflict,” said Thomas Nash, coordinator of the Cluster Munition Coalition. “We are disturbed to learn that both Georgia and Russia have used cluster munitions. This highlights again the  urgency of the international ban, to be signed in Oslo this December by the majority of the world’s nations.”

The Cluster Munition Coalition welcomes Georgia’s willingness to acknowledge its use of cluster munitions and hopes that this is a first step toward adopting the treaty. The CMC launched a series of actions to protest the use of cluster munitions by Russia in Georgia last month and the international campaign group will now pressure Georgia as well to immediately renounce any future use of the weapon.

Convergence of the Cross and the Crescent

Salam everyone!

Just like to share this reflection forwarded to us below from a participant of the Young Leaders Program and his insights on his interfaith youth encounter.

Infinite success sa ating mga upcoming projects!

OrlanD

Kapayapaan Nawa’y Manaig sa Daigdig!
May Peace Prevail on Earth!

Convergence of the Cross and the Crescent

By Manuel Jeffrey “Jepoi” Ordaniel Sistoso

The Young Leaders Program (YLP 2008) of the Australian Embassy and the National Defense College of the Philippines last June 17-24 gave me a unique opportunity to establish networks and friendships with young Muslims and visit Mindanao for the first time. For a Christian like me who was raised in a strictly devout Catholic family, dealing with Muslims for eight straight days is close to impossible.

YLP 2008 was a national gathering of thirty young leaders from Christians, Muslims and Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups. I was lucky enough to have been chosen as one of the pioneering participants this year.

I would call it an adventure that I started to feel when the organizers emailed me the names of my co-participants including short information on where they’re from, their respective religions, affiliations, ethnicities and contact details. Twelve were Muslims, mind you. Also along with that email were the names of our roommates for the first leg of the program which would be held in Quezon City . I must admit, my Mom got worried, to the point a bit hysterical, when she found out that the person I would be sharing a room with is a Muslim. I just couldn’t blame her for having such a response. For majority of people in our hometown, the only things that come to mind about Islam and Muslims are violence, terrorism and women selling pirated DVDs downtown.

I know from that point, I had a mission.

UNYPAD STATEMENT on the Abduction of Professor Dinampo

AN APPEAL FOR THE IMMEDIATE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF PROFESSOR OCTAVIO DINAMPO, CES DRILON AND THEIR COMPANIONS

Kidnapping, for whatever purpose and by whatever group, is against the law, be it human or divine.

It is on this premise that we, officers, members and staff of the United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD), a non-government organization and a nation-wide youth organization based in Cotabato City, South of the Philippines, condemns in the strongest terms humanly possible, the abduction of Professor Octavio Dinampo, Ces Drilon and her crew in Barangay Kulasi, Maimbung, Sulu, last Sunday.

Professor Dinampo, of the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Jolo, Sulu, is a renowned peace advocate. He is the chair of the Mindanao People¢s Caucus (MPC), of which the UNYPAD is a network-member.

Whoever and wherever the abductors are, we strongly appeal to them to immediately release, without any pre-condition, Professor Dinampo, Ces Drilon, a well-known broadcast journalist, and their companions.

To the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other concerned law enforcement agencies to exercise due prudence in any rescue effort that the lives of the victims may not be exposed to danger.

Likewise, we call upon our fellow Mindanaoans to help exert efforts, through whatever legal means, for the immediate and unconditional release of kidnap victims even as we believe that things of this sort is an affront to every peace-loving citizens like us.

Finally, to the families of the victims, we say that we are one with you in praying and doing the utmost we can, humble it may be, so that the victims may be freed soon and without any pre-condition.

Stop Cluster Bombs

Cluster munitions kill and injure civilians at the time of use because they indiscriminately scatter explosives over such a wide area and many of the bomblets or submunitions fail to explode on impact killing and injuring civilians long after conflict.

The CMC is supporting a new international process to conclude a new treaty that will prohibit these unacceptable weapons and assist individuals and communities in need. This page contains information and resources to help you get involved in the process, including the CMC’s principles that set out the basic standards for the treaty.

VISIT: the CMC website for details.

365 PETITION: 365 photos, for IMT’s extension

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 Ortigas

Dialogue with Secretary Dureza of the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
2 May 2008
OPAPP Office, 7th Floor Agustin Building, Emerald Avenue Ortigas

Diplomatic Briefings With Embassies of Canada, Japan and UNICEF
5 May 2008, PM
Place: TBA

365 Photo Petition Signing
2 May 2008, whole day
Barangays in Metro Manila

GenPeace 365 Photo Petition
5 May 2008, AM
Plaza Miranda, Quiapo

Press Conference/Media Coverage
2 May 2008, AM
Plaza Miranda, Quiapo

GENPEACE OPEN LETTER TO NYC

We would like to bring to your attention a case of lack of professionalism and basic courtesy from representatives of your institution whom we have dealt with for the National Youth Peace Conference (NYPC).

INVITATION: Sulong CARHRIHL’s AWARDS NIGHT

AWARDS NIGHT+SHORT FILMS+BANDS (including IMAGO, BAYANG BARRIOS and REGGAE MISTRESS!!!)
UP FILM INSTITUTE
APRIL.19.6PM
LIBRE TO!

click for details

Where are the Filipino Youth?

by: Harvey S. Keh

The past weeks we have witnessed yet another political scandal that has rocked our country, the ZTE Broadband Scam wherein former COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos with the apparent blessings of the First Gentleman, Mike Arroyo was said to have asked for a commission of US$ 130 Million or a whopping 6 Billion Pesos in exhange for his influencing our government’s decision to award the broadband deal to ZTE, a Chinese Telecommunications Company. To make this happen, the ZTE Broadband Contract was greatly overpriced at US$ 329 Million and worse, the government to be able to make this deal push through would have to loan this amount from the Chinese government. In short, the US$ 130 Million kickback of Abalos and his cohorts will have to be paid for by our tax money.

To make things even worse, the govenrment tried its darn best to cover this deal