Category: SOCIO-POLITICAL TRANSFORMATION

Stories and ideas about being in harmony and at peace with Others.

SILFRED “KUYA FRED” ABELITADO IS A FRIEND TO MINDANAO’S FARMERS

In a cinderblock-walled courtyard half shaded by palm and balete trees, in the quiet Davao City subdivision of Juna, stands the industrial array of Coffee For Peace (CFP). Bamboo drying frames and stacks of hard plastic tubs flank locally fabricated de-pulper and roaster machines. Close by are tables for sorting beans and, in an adjoining …

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Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2016/03/kuya-fred-is-a-friend-to-mindanaos-farmers/

‘US’ AND ‘THEM’: THE POLITICS OF CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM CONFLICT

Have you found yourself into the divisive language of ‘us’ and ‘them’? Or perhaps are you struggling to combat this divisive language? I would say, it happens to all of us—one way or another, and realize we’re stuck in a wicked socially constructed situation. As rational being, you are always at choice about these things. …

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Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2016/03/us-and-them-the-politics-of-christian-muslim-conflict/

SUMACHER TRIBE IN KALINGA INVITES PBCI FOR INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

We were invited by the Sumacher Tribe of the Upper Kalinga to explore an inclusive development partnership with them starting with coffee production and marketing. This is part of our long term relationship with the Kalinga people that started in 2010. Twinkle Alngag Bautista, or Tala for those who are close to her, is the …

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Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2016/02/sumacher-tribe-in-kalinga-invites-pbci-for-inclusive-development/

PAR-BASED INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT MULTIPLIES IN EASTERN MINDANAO

The PAR movement in Eastern Mindanao is growing faster than we have anticipated. PAR Bukidnon now have their own coffee buying and processing operations complete with all equipment. Because of this, more coffee farming communities are joining the Coffee For Peace network. Meanwhile, a number of people’s community organizations are working together towards inclusive development …

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Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2016/02/par-based-inclusive-development-multiplies-in-eastern-mindanao/

RELATIONAL PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN PEACE AND RECONCILIATION

Two Kalinga tribes — the Sumacher Tribe and the Naneng Tribe — have invited Joji and me to become a ceremonial part of their people. This is equivalent to becoming both a spiritual member of the tribe and becoming a ‘naturalized citizen’ of the community. Being embraced by the loving and caring tribal community is …

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Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2016/02/relational-privileges-and-responsibilities-in-peace-and-reconciliation/

RENEWED BARBARISM: THE GLOBAL ROOTS OF CURRENT REFUGEE CRISIS

How should we respond to global refugee crisis? As a personal response and a sign of solidarity, I participated in a multi-sectoral gathering in the central city of Groningen, Netherlands. We celebrated, expresed, and gave a warm welcome to Syrian and Eritrean refugees. During the celebration, I had mixed feelings — both happy and unsettled …

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Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2016/01/renewed-barbarism-the-global-roots-of-current-refugee-crisis/

A CHRISTIAN UNDERSTANDING OF THE MORO STRUGGLE IN MINDANAO

The Bangsamoro is the Moro Nation Muslims in the Philippines are mostly located in the islands of Mindanao. There are thirteen Muslim tribes: the Iranun, Magindanaon, Maranao, Tao-Sug, Sama, Yakan, JamaMapun, Ka’agan, Kalibugan, Sangil, Molbog, Palawani and Badjao. Collectively, they are also known as the Bangsamoro people. The term Bangsamoro is a combination of two …

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Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2016/01/understanding-the-moro-struggle-in-mindanao/

WE EMBRACE THE LARGER REALITIES IMAGINED BY A NEW PAR COMMISSION

It’s 2016! PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI) looks forward to this New Year with renewed energies of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). These characteristics have been our corporate prayers since we said goodbye to 2015. PBCI is also inspired by a new national Peace and Reconciliation (PAR) movement. Last 22-26 …

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Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2016/01/we-embrace-the-larger-realities-imagined-by-a-new-par-commission/

DR. ZERBE SHARES NEW TESTAMENT INSIGHTS ON JUSTICE AND PEACE AMONG DAVAO’S CHRISTIAN LEADERS

  Dr. Gordon Zerbe, Academic Vice President at Canadian Mennonite University, graciously offered his expertise in New Testament through a series of public lectures among selected leaders, field workers, and volunteers of various Christian churches and organizations in the Greater Davao Area. Upon the invitation by four groups — UCCP Davao (the Davao City congregation …

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Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2015/12/dr-zerbe-shares-new-testament-insights-on-justice-and-peace-among-davaos-christian-leaders/

BIBLICAL PEACEBUILDING IS TAKING A RISK TO LOVE LIKE JESUS

Perhaps, the only way a good thing can happen is by taking a risk. That means opening one’s self to the possibility of failure, and being utterly vulnerable. This was the case when our group of Evangelical Christian peace theologians and missionaries headed by PCEC National Director, Bishop Noel Pantoja, travelled to Midsayap, North Cotabato …

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Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2015/12/biblical-peacebuilding-taking-a-risk-like-jesus/

BUKIDNON COFFEE PROCESSING FACILITY IS SET

The Opportunity. PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI) has been organizing Peace and Reconciliation (PAR) Communities in armed conflicted areas of Mindanao and throughout the Philippines for the past 10 years. A major aspect of this PAR community development is the establishment of inclusive growth initiatives. Coffee growing, processing, and marketing is the most sustainable livelihood program …

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Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2015/11/bukidnon-shared-service-facility-for-coffee-processing-is-set/

BAGOBO TRIBAL COMMUNITY AND LOCAL FARMERS INVITE PBCI-CFP FOR CONSULTATION

14-16 November 2015.  The Managa Tribal Council (MTC) and the Balutakay Coffee Farmers Association (BaCoFA) invited PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI) and Coffee For Peace (CFP) for a series of consultations. With the guidance of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the discussion revolved around the socio-cultural procedures and legal steps towards an inclusive development …

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Permanent link to this article: https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2015/11/bagobo-tribal-community-and-local-farmers-invite-pbci-cfp-for-consultation/

OUR GLOBAL PEACE COMMUNITY

Together with Mennonite Church Canada Witness and our international peacebuilding partners, we journey in companionship, nurturing relationships that strengthen our collective commitment to justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace.