Peace Caravan and Youth Forum
About 70 young people from Iligan City, Marawi City, Lanao del Norte Province and Lanao del Sur converged at the Mindanao State University main campus in Marawi City on November 30, 2007 for a special forum on the role of the youth in peacebuilding and volunteerism. Kapamagogopa, Inc as the lead organization, in cooperation with Pakigdait CC, has started a productive synergistic relationship with university officials last year. At present, the self-help organization has about 12 new all-Muslim volunteers from different fields. Youth student leaders from different cultures and religions, youth community leaders, artists, NGO workers and youth entrepreneurs composed the group in the forum. A special meeting with MSU President Ricardo de Leon was one of the highlights of the activity.
Culture of Peace Workshop
For the PNP of Lanao del Norte
Sponsored by Pakigdait CC, VSO and CAFOD, the COP workshop was conducted from November 29 to December 1, 2007 at Villa Lacida, Linamon, Lanao del Norte. This was the first of its kind to be held in Mindanao. Workshop Programme Officer Xarifa Sanguila welcomed the first batch of PNP officers at the opening and after dinner the participants in civilian clothing went to Iligan City to join the Civil Society Organizations for Peace (CSOFP), and the Civil Society Organization Lanao del Norte Partnership for Peace and Development (CSOLNPPD) for the opening salvo of the MWOP. Resource persons included Pakigdait Director Musa Sanguila (“Ako at ang Aking Tribu,” and “Towards a Culture of Peace” ); Pakigdait Board Chairman Rev Fr Reggie Quijano (“Culture: Source of Conflict and Wellspring of Unity”); and CAFOD Country Accompanier Carino V. Antequisa (“Understanding Conflict: An Introduction to Conflict Transformation,” and “Peaceful Approaches to Resolving Conflict” ). Closing was given by Pakigdait Board Member Ptr Reu Montecillo. Guests during the graduation and awarding ceremonies included: Brig Gen Edgardo M. Gurrea (Ret.) who was awarded a Plaque of Recognition for his role as Chairman of the GRP CCCH; Lanao del Norte Board Member Robert Matalines (Representing Gov Mohammad Khalid Q. Dimaporo); and PNP Provincial Director P/SSupt Linog M. Bagul.