By Gian Isaac Jaroda & Hector Tuburan III |
Artwork by Chrezvel Tejero
"Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die." - Herbert Hoover.
For decades, Mindanao's diverse landscape has carried the weight of division, serving as a melting pot for Lumad, Muslim, and Christian families.
In the spirit of unity, the Mindanao Week of Peace emerges annually from the last Thursday of November until the first Thursday of December. It envisions creating a harmonious common home for all Mindanaoans, irrespective of religion or culture.
Mindanao's demographic landscape sets the stage for this initiative. With a considerable youth population, this diverse group is pivotal in steering the region towards lasting peace. Recognizing this, Mindanao Week of Peace aims to collaborate with all sectors, upholding the past, maintaining the present, and striving for a better future.
The youth become vital contributors to the Mindanao narrative with their boundless creativity and capabilities when handling pressing issues, including education, deforestation, opportunities, and peace. The youth population constitutes a massive chunk of Mindanao's total population, emphasizing the need for their active involvement in initiatives like Mindanao Week of Peace.
One non-profit organization actively participating in Mindanao Week of Peace is the Mt. Apo Foundation. Established in 1993, the foundation focuses on empowering indigenous tribes and upland dwellers surrounding Mt. Apo. Aligned with their slogan "Empowered Communities, Sustainable Futures," the Mt. Apo Foundation leverages the creativity of the youth to address pressing issues such as education, deforestation, opportunities, and peace. In a world shaped by technology, the rising influence catalyzes the young generation to emphasize peace in themselves, their families, communities, and society.
To commemorate this year's Mindanao Week of Peace, the focus of all action should be done for and with the youth to create a community where prosperity and order thrive. "Each young leader is called to be inclusive, learn to listen and communicate properly, and understand the differences to affect common and collective actions towards achieving peace in Mindanao," says Executive Director Armando C. Pacudan.
As we celebrate and look forward to future Mindanao Week of Peace movements, let us unite with empathy, inclusivity, and a genuine desire for peace. The efforts of organizations like the Mt. Apo Foundation illuminate the path toward progress in Mindanao. The collective flame of the youth will undoubtedly shine brighter, leaving a lasting legacy. Rise, youth of Mindanao, for your actions today uphold the past, maintain the present, and shape future generations' destinies.
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