Zamboanga City, Philippines – In a celebration of transformative leadership and a commitment to fostering sustainable peace, the Peaceweaver Awards 2024 was held on December 1, 2024, at the Grand Astoria Hotel. Organized by Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) and the Interreligious Solidarity for Peace (ISP), the event was a highlight of the Mindanao Week of Peace 2024, honoring individuals and institutions who have significantly contributed to positive peacebuilding in Mindanao and beyond.
Anchored on the theme “WANTED: Transformational Leaders for Positive Peace,” the awards ceremony brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, emphasizing the power of collaboration in advancing peace and development. The event received support from the City Government of Zamboanga, through Ordinance No. 552, and the Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance (ZABIDA).
Key Attendees
The ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, who represented the city government; Col. Kimberly Molitas, Police City Director; LCDR Jose Covarrubias, representing the Western Mindanao Command; Col. Rommel Cabanayan of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga; representatives from the DepEd Peace Education Council, and partners from Nagdilaab Foundation Inc.
Honoring the Pillars of Peace
A total of 15 awardees were celebrated for their exceptional contributions to various sectors, including health, education, environment, and economic development.
Highlights of the Awardees:
- Dr. Gloria G. Florendo and Dr. Edwina Desiderio-Cabato (Health Sector) were lauded for their pioneering contributions to medical education, mental health, and public health outreach.
- Most Rev. Leo M. Dalmao, CMF, D.D. (Interreligious Sector) was recognized for fostering interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding across communities.
- Sarang Bangun Learning Center and the Education Development Center, Inc. (Education Sector) were honored for their work in inclusive education and youth empowerment.
- Mr. Nestor R. Carbonera and Dr. Jurgenne H. Primavera (Environmental Sector) were celebrated for their leadership in ecological preservation and marine biodiversity conservation.
- Dennis Coffee Garden and the Pagadian-ZDS Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Economic Development Sector) were recognized for their contributions to cultural preservation and entrepreneurship.
- Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) Manicahan (Disaster Risk Reduction) was commended for its effective health and emergency response systems.
Posthumous Honors
The awards also paid tribute to influential individuals whose legacies continue to inspire peacebuilding efforts:
- Jaafar Kimpa for grassroots peacebuilding and interreligious understanding.
- Rosita U. Furigay for promoting good governance.
- Dr. Salihmatal H. Lagbas and Prof. Alih S. Aiyub for their roles in education and human rights advocacy.
A Testament to Collaboration
The Peaceweaver Awards 2024 underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among local government units, educational institutions, security forces, and civil society organizations in creating a harmonious and inclusive society.
Moving Forward
The celebration served as a call to action, inspiring the next generation to continue the work of building a peaceful Mindanao through transformative leadership and sustainable practices.
Congratulations to the 2024 Peaceweaver Awardees!