Our CEO, Rev. Luis Daniel Pantoja, represented PBCI in a round-table-discussion on “Ways Forward for the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation in the Bangsamoro”. The forum started with the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) report of Atty. Cecilia Jimenez. Commissioner Jimenez highlighted the following findings of the TJRC Report: Legitimate Grievances. The ‘legitimate grievances of the …
Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2016/03/pbci-participates-in-a-transitional-justice-discussion/
The Bangsamoro peace process stands again at a crossroad. The first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), envisioned as a key milestone in the democratic transition from armed struggle to self-governance, have been postponed—again. What was once scheduled for May 2022, later moved to October 13, 2025, is now uncertain after the Supreme Court’s latest rulings on the constitutional validity of Bangsamoro districting laws and the exclusion of Sulu province from BARMM. As peacebuilders, we must not only analyze these legal and political developments; we must also discern their ethical and social implications. The question before us is this: What does it mean for justice and peace when democracy itself is delayed?
Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2025/10/when-democratic-transition-waits-barmm-election-postponement-and-justice-based-peacebuilding/
On the afternoon of 16 November 2024, the Malipayon Peace Hub in Managa, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, became the vibrant venue for PeaceBuilders Community, Inc.’s (PBCI) First Annual General Meeting. The hybrid event—combining onsite and online participation—brought together 42 attendees, including field volunteers from across the Philippines, from Canada, from among PBCI and Coffee for Peace (CFP) staff, partners, impact investors, friends, and online followers. This diverse gathering marked a milestone in the organization’s journey, fostering a collaborative spirit to shape its strategic direction. Emil Jonathan Soriano (PBCI Board Chair) and Joseph “Ka Boyet” Ongkiko (PBCI’s Executive Vice President for Institutional and Program Development) led the meeting with a balance of warmth and clarity, ensuring both onsite’ and online participants were fully engaged. The three-hour session was structured yet dynamic, creating space for individual reflection, group collaboration, and collective decision-making.
Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2024/11/first-pbci-annual-general-meeting-generates-strategic-plan/
As part of our inclusive approach in peacebuilding, I and one of my Field Operations staff members, Arafat ‘Toto’ Balono, participated in a military-organized conversation on counterinsurgency, peace, and development in Davao Region. It was held last 24 January 2023, 0830-1300PHT, at the headquarters of the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army, Datu Balunto Hall, Camp General Manuel T Yan Sr., Barangay Tuboran, Municipality of Mawab, Province of Davao de Oro. We listened to the military reports and conversation between civil society leaders and Philippine Army officers. When given the chance, I shared our perspective on justice-based peacebuilding beyond the box of the counterinsurgency campaign of the military.
Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2023/01/pbci-shared-justice-and-peace-concerns-of-civilians-at-the-armys-10th-infantry-division/
How do we proceed towards healing — as individuals, as communities, as peoples — from the legacies of widespread violence and of massive human rights abuses in the past and in the present? We’re looking into Transitional Justice as “Dealing with the Past” — initiatives that uphold the people’s right to know, right to justice, right to reparation, and guarantee of non-recurrence towards conflict transformation and reconciliation. As a team of peace and reconciliation (PAR) missionaries, Transitional Justice is a motivation for us to contribute to the healing of our multi-ethnic country, one PAR community at a time.
Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2019/04/dealing-with-the-past-a-path-of-the-people-towards-healing-the-future-of-our-nation/
04-06 August 2024 — Doug Klassen’s visit to Mindanao was, at its heart, a journey of companionship. As Executive Minister of Mennonite Church Canada (MCCanada), Doug came not merely to see projects or attend meetings, but to walk alongside us—listening, learning, and sharing in the life of our community. For three days, we moved together through the varied landscapes of Mindanao, carrying conversations that deepened our bond as companions in peacebuilding. On the first day, he shared breakfast with CFP staff and baristas, lunch with PBCI staff, held an afternoon meeting with Bennette Grace Tenecio-Mañulit, and concluded the day with dinner alongside the Mindanao PeaceWeavers’ leadership. The second day took us to Camp Darapanan for a meeting with senior Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) representatives, followed by lunch in Cotabato City with Datu Haron Al-Rasheed Baraguir. On the third day, we traveled to the Malipayon Peace Hub (MPH) where Doug had breakfast with MPH staff before returning to Davao City for a lunch meeting with the PBCI Board of Trustees. The visit concluded with a reflective meeting between Doug, Joji, and me.
Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2025/08/deepening-companionship-doug-klassen-visits-pbci-cfp-fields-in-mindanao/
Last Tuesday, 18 June 2024, we participated in the Principles for Peace Constituency Convening held in Davao City, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing Bangsamoro Peace Process. This crucial event, organized by a dedicated body committed to peace—Initiatives for International Dialogue, InciteGov, GZO, Principles for Peace—brought together key stakeholders whose insights and commitment are essential for formulating future strategies and initiatives. As PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI), we joined a diverse array of attendees, members of civil society organizations, and leaders from various sectors involved in the peace process. The event underscored our dedication, along with that of other organizations, to fostering collaboration and dialogue among all stakeholders. We believe that the collective wisdom and dedication of our partners are indispensable in advancing the Bangsamoro Peace Process. This convening provided an opportunity for us to align our strategies and reinforce our commitment to lasting peace in the region.
Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2024/06/we-participated-in-convening-a-peace-constituency-supporting-the-bangsamoro-peace-process/
Last 27 March 2024, our team participated in the Commemoration of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. CAB is a peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), aimed at ending decades of conflict in the Bangsamoro region. The commemoration prompted us to think differ about CAB. How was it implemented in the past 10 years? What were its accomplishments, gaps, and challenges? In the intricate landscape of peace negotiations and conflict resolution, the journey towards stability is often marked by milestones and challenges alike. Honorable Mohagher Iqbal’s 2024 Status Report on the CAB encapsulates this nuanced narrative, delineating the accomplishments, gaps, and challenges in the implementation process. Here are our notes and reflections on what we’ve heard.
Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2024/03/notes-and-reflections-on-hon-mohagher-iqbals-2024-status-report-on-the-comprehensive-agreement-on-the-bangsamoro/
There is a need to sustain strategic peacebuilding through impact investment. Such investments support social entrepreneurial endeavors that lead towards regenerative and inclusive development. This is how Coffee for Peace (CFP) and PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI) operate in synergy.
Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2020/02/peacebuilding-sustainability-through-impact-investment-inclusive-development-and-social-entrepreneurship/
The Mindanao PeaceWeavers (MPW) and the All-Out Peace (AOP) Network, with the leadership of the Initiatives for International Dialogue(IID), spearheaded a solidarity gathering of Mindanao survivors, defenders and healers last 23-25 January 2019 in Davao City. Dubbed as Healing the Past: Mindanaw Survivors Solidarity Assembly, the invitation states that this is “a solidarity gathering and consensus building exercise of Mindanao survivors of the armed conflict and human rights violations — past and present.”
Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2019/01/mindanao-peace-advocates-gather-for-holistic-healing/
Love necessarily involves listening. Listening is the first act of love. We listen because we love and worship a Creator-God who listens. We listen because it is the initial action we need to demonstrate as we seek to love, and to build peace with, our neighbors.
Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2018/12/listening-is-the-first-act-of-loving-and-building-peace-with-our-neighbors/
FREE PAR TEACHING MATERIALS AND FIELD RESOURCES You are welcome to use our resources online. Please register below to have access to the following materials. Learner’s Manual PAR Book One: Note-taking Outline PAR Book Two: Note-taking Outline PAR Book Three: Note-taking Outline Slides Presentations to Accompany Learner’s Manual PAR One: PowerPoint Set PAR Two: …
Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/resource-materials/
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