Lanao del Sur youths urged to end culture of violence

YOUTH ROLE --- A participant interacts during the Provincial Youth Leadership Summit held in Butig, Lanao del Sur on Saturday (February 22). The youth leaders have been urged to help the government put an end to the culture of fear and violence in their communities. (OPAPP PHOTO / MINDANAO EXPOSE')  

BUTIG, Lanao del Sur ---  Youth leaders from seven municipalities across Lanao del Sur have been urged to help the government put an end to the culture of fear and violence in their communities during the Provincial Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) held here Saturday (February 22).

With the theme “Developing thru Genuine Friendship and Service to Humanity,” the summit aimed to harness the potential of the 123 youth delegates and transform them into agents of peace and development.

The event included lectures and workshops on leadership development, peace building and advocacy, environmental awareness, causes and effects of terrorism, and ways to prevent criminality and drug addiction.

Building an army of peace builders

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Director Pamela Ann Padilla-Salvan encouraged the youth leaders to play a more active role in helping prevent and counter the spread of radical ideologies and beliefs in their communities.

“One of the most challenging issues that we face today is the armed conflict and terrorism. Because of these, our communities have become prisoners by the culture of violence,” Salvan said in the vernacular during the summit.

“It is time to end this problem. Let us, once and for all, put an end to these twisted and radical ideologies,” she added.

Salvan suggested ways to help the youths carry out this crucial task. First, is for them to be responsible members of society and always seek the truth. Second, is for the youths to use their voices to spread the message of peace and solidarity.”

Further, she encouraged the delegates to learn from the experiences of their local leaders who understand the sentiments of their people. And lastly, for the youths “to be active partners of the government in implementing peace and development initiatives in their communities.”

For his part, Butig Mayor Dimnatang “Jimmy” Pansar expressed the local government’s continued support to the youth sector as they make their journey as peace builders.

“It’s an honor to welcome you in the municipality of Butig. Rest assured, you have our 100 percent support for this endeavor for the youth leadership program,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, commanding officer of the 49th Infantry Battalion, said he is optimistic the summit will help increase the youth’s capability to respond to the issues confronting them.

                                                                 

“This YLS will be a big help to you all because you will be exposed to situations that can help improve your awareness on the government’s program for the youths,” he said.      

In a statement issued by Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. for the summit delegates, he said OPAPP is pleased to support community-driven peace building initiatives such as the youth summit.

Galvez noted that the recent activity complements his agency’s efforts, which are focused on implementing measures that aim to prevent and counter violent extremism (PCVE) in the country.

“These terrorist groups take advantage of the most vulnerable groups of our society, especially the women, youth, and marginalized sectors,” Galvez said.

“The PCVE should not only be a concern of the government alone but of all stakeholders in the community. Let us remember that the safety and security of our children lies in our hands,” he emphasized.

The Provincial Youth Leadership Summit was spearheaded by the Joint Task Group “HARIBON,” with support from the Balay Mindanaw Foundation, 49th Infantry Battalion, 103rd Brigade, local government units, and OPAPP.

Support to Marawi’s recovery

Over the past three years, the OPAPP has been implementing its Social Healing and Peace-building (SHAPE) Program under the peace and order sub-committee of Task Force Bangon Marawi.

The SHAPE Program is part of the agency’s early recovery and rehabilitation efforts in response to the humanitarian crisis which broke out during and after the five-month siege.

The program is designed to enhance social cohesion, promote peace building, and contribute to enhancing peace and security conditions in Marawi using a Conflict Sensitive and Peace Promoting Approach.

Aside from the SHAPE Program, the OPAPP is also carrying out other interventions in Marawi such as the Build Peace Project, Welfare Assistance to Vulnerable Entitiesproject  and the College Educational Assistance Project.

These programs are being implemented through partnerships with the Marawi City government and its 72 barangay local government units, World Food Program, and the United Nations Development Program.

During last year’s peace month celebrations, the OPAPP conducted interfaith dialogues, peace conversations, and peace bazaars, which seek to promote the principles of peace, reconciliation, and mutual understanding among the people of Marawi. (PR, MINDANAO EXPOSE', PNA)