Primer on Mindanao Week of Peace 2024

(28 November – 04 December)

This year’s Mindanao Week of Peace Celebration with the theme, “Sustaining the Gains of Peace, Solidarity and Resilience Through Diverse Challenges”, aims to exemplify sustaining peace, solidarity and resilience in the Philippines amidst the complex and evolving peace and conflict landscape in the country.

The Moro Conflict, one of the longest-running conflicts in the Philippines, involves Muslim separatist groups in Mindanao. Despite the significant milestones of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), considerable challenges remain in ensuring lasting peace and development in the region.

Addressing underlying issues like poverty, inequality, and governance is significant for the long-term stability in a country. This underscores the crucial role and involvement of multiple stakeholders, including the government, local communities, non-governmental organizations, and international partners.

As we “sustain the gains”, we maintain and continue the benefits and positive outcomes achieved through previous efforts or interventions, addressing emerging issues, and adapting strategies to maintain stability and growth.

The Mindanao Week of Peace, established through Proclamation No. 127, is an annual observance aimed at promoting peace, unity, and understanding among Mindanao’s diverse communities. It encourages dialogue and cooperation among various cultural, religious, and ethnic groups to address conflicts and foster lasting harmony in the region. It is celebrated from the fourth Thursday in November to the first Wednesday in December.

From:
(sgd.) FR. PETE LAMATA
Archdiocesan Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue (ACEID) – Archdiocese of Davao