MANILA, Philippines – An Asian-based organization has named Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles as one of its role models for peace for 2012.
Deles is among the 7 winners in the ‘Role Models for Peace’ category in the N-Peace Awards 2012. N-Peace is an organization that “recognizes and seeks to support the leadership of women in conflict prevention, dispute resolution, reconstruction and peace building.”
Its network is facilitated by the UNDP Asia Pacific Regional Center.
Joining Deles in the ‘Role Models for Peace’ category are the following awardees:
- Radha Paudel (Nepal)
- Purika Damayanthi De Silva (Sri Lanka)
- Mana Lou (Timor-Leste)
- Suraiya Kamaruzzama (Indonesia)
- Farkhunda Zahra Naderi (Afghanistan)
- Quhrmaana Kakar (Afghanistan)
Other categories are ‘Men Who Advocate for Equality’ and ‘Emerging Peace Champions’. These categories have only one winner each.
According to her profile page in the N-Peace website, Deles “was the first woman to be appointed as the Presidential Adviser for Peace Process in the Philippines in 2003, and was later reappointed by President Benigno Aquino Jr. During her leadership, the Philippines became the first country in Asia-Pacific to adopt a National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 (Women, Peace and Security).”
She has been “one of the most respected NGO leaders in the Philippines,” and has “represented civil society in key governance partnerships.”
N-Peace accepted nominations for each category from six countries where it is active (Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Philippines, and Afghanistan) from March to May. Online voting for the nominees was opened from June 21 to July 16.
The organization, however, did not reveal in its website the number of votes garnered by each nominees.
Other nominees from the Philippines include:
Role Models for Peace
- Beatriz Colmo, coordinator of Coalition of Mindanao Indigenous communities
- Mary Ann Arnado, secretary general of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus
- Annabelle Abaya, founder and president of The Conflict Resolution Group Foundation
Men Who Advocated for Equality
- Temogen “Cocoy” Tulawie, a human rights advocate in Sulu
N-Peace will make a documentary film about Deles and her co-awardees, which will be used “for advocacy activities.” The winners will also be asked to attend a regional or international meeting “to talk about their peace building efforts or avail of a regional training opportunity.” -Rappler.com
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