SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – The signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in October marked a huge leap towards achieving lasting peace in Mindanao.
But beyond the negotiating table, peace requires the active involvement, not just of those directly affected by the conflict, but also of each and every Filipino who has a stake in the well-being of our country.
Rappler’s Friday, December 14, conversation on understanding peace in Mindanao, showed how everyone can participate in the peace process through social media.
There were varying reactions from participants all over the country but all were one in declaring: #IAmForPeace.
Let social media help foster an identity that portrays diversity and unity of Philippine culture through online discourses. #IAmForPeace
— John Allanegui (@JohnAllanegui) December 14, 2012
Erasing misconceptions
What the conversation revealed was that despite the 40-year conflict in Mindanao, most Filipinos have yet to be aware of the real meaning of the war in the South.
#IamforPeace In the 70s, most Manilans never got to read and see the true meaning of the war in Mindanao.I think most still don’t
— edwin espejo (@edwinespejo) December 14, 2012
A youth advocate revealed that Mindanao being stereotyped by outsiders as a war-torn and violent area has caused emotional strain on some Mindanaoans.
@stacydejesus @rapplerdotcom Some fellow mindanawan youths have their self esteem lowered coz of the stereotyping we receive. #IAmForPeace
— James Annjo Salomon (@JimboySalomon) December 14, 2012
@rapplerdotcom @stacydejesus Every time I tell people esp. those from Luz and Vis I am from Mindanao, they always ask me, “me gyera don?”.
— James Annjo Salomon (@JimboySalomon) December 14, 2012
Because of this, Mindanaoans feel the need to enlighten people.
Stories about Mindanao are sometimes exaggerated. I lived in Zamboanga for 16 years and I had a relatively peaceful existence. #iAmForPeace
— Michelle Bugante (@purpledamaris) December 14, 2012
That’s not to say that there’s no conflict there. Conflict exists and I’m glad there are now steps being made to address it. #iAmForPeace
— Michelle Bugante (@purpledamaris) December 14, 2012
One way to change the mindset of the public is through responsible media coverage, with consideration for diversity and sensitivity.
Coverage on Mindanao is a fight between the sensationalized and exact truth. The latter helps in understanding the situation. #IAmForPeace
— John Allanegui (@JohnAllanegui) December 14, 2012
Media must refrain frm phrasing their headlines “Gulo sa Mindanao” cuz it gneralizes d entire island as chaotic #IAmForPeace @rapplerdotcom
In the same way that stories from Mindanaoans themselves will help correct the stereotype, local reporters, who live in and understand Mindanao, also play an important role in shaping public opinion.
@rapplerdotcom Reporters from Mindanao are important actors in correcting the wrong mindset of our Fellow Filipinos. #IAmForPeace
— Reymond Pepito (@reywildrmr) December 14, 2012
The journey towards peace
What steps should be undertaken to achieve lasting peace? Perhaps the most important factor is political will from the national government to carry through concrete reforms on the ground.
@rapplerdotcom for starters, govt needs political will to collect all the LOOSE firearms there. peace is detailed ground work #IAmForPeace
— Glenda Gloria (@glendamgloria) December 14, 2012
Labor advocate Susan Ople believes that Muslims need to be more involved in national affairs.
@rapplerdotcom sana dumami ang Muslim national leaders, elected or appointed, na social media savvy & eloquent. #IAmForPeace @kokopimentel
— susanople (@susanople) December 14, 2012
To erase the stereotype, the educational system must accommodate the unique culture in Mindanao. Some suggest that the history of Mindanao, as well as Islamic culture, should be incorporated in the school curriculum.
Curriculum is also one factor of making Mindanao invisible. It’s time to incorporate the situation of Mindanao in education. #IAmForPeace
— John Allanegui (@JohnAllanegui) December 14, 2012
Growing up in ZC, inter – religious dialogue was at the core of our education. This is a necessary step to attain peace. #iAmForPeace
Art, is another way of promoting reconciliation and strengthening relationships.
Why not read OUR Literature… you’ll discover a lot, you’ll surely appreciate various Mindanaons’ culture 🙂 @rapplerdotcom #IAmForPeace
— Reymond Pepito (@reywildrmr) December 14, 2012
Sana may creative writers who can do an anthology of poems, essays and short stories re Mindanao 🙂 #IAmForPeace
— susanople (@susanople) December 14, 2012
Exploring Mindanao
These #IAmForPeace tweets make me wanna go and experience Mindanao again. What a beautiful place!
— YVES™(@MissIVYJOY) December 14, 2012
“Malapit na ang panahon na ang gustong magbakasyon sa Pagudpud, puwede na ring sa Sulu magpunta,” promised President Benigno Aquino III.
But to some, the time to do it is now, and the best way to truly get to know the place is to walk on its streets and explore what it has to offer.
@rapplerdotcom I’d say there is a need to travel Mindanao, get to know its people & its culture. Mindanao is a beautiful place. #IAmForPeace
— Renier Louie B. Bona (@renierbona) December 14, 2012
And when the entire Mindanao finally attains peace, there will be no stopping its development.
@rapplerdotcom Tourism Industry: Key to Mindanao’s Socioeconomic Peace and Progress. #IAmForPeace
— andrew garlitos (@andrewordsmith) December 14, 2012
@rapplerdotcom rambutan, lanzones, crabs in Jolo? yummy! #IAmForPeace. imagine having these in peacetime 🙂 #IAmForPeace
— Glenda Gloria (@glendamgloria) December 14, 2012
Keep the dialogue alive. Join the conversation by using #IAmForPeace on Twitter and Facebook.
– Rappler.com
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