Zamboanga City—The celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) 2024 concluded on a high note on Wednesday, December 4, as peace advocates from diverse backgrounds came together to affirm their shared aspirations for unity, resilience, and hope in creating a brighter future for the city and the region.
The culminating event, held at Paseo del Mar, gathered representatives from Muslim, Christian, and Indigenous communities who joined hands to celebrate the weeklong effort aimed at fostering peace and understanding. The activities, spearheaded by the Zamboanga Basilan Integrated Development Authority (ZABIDA) under the leadership of Dr. Grace Rebollos and Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) led by Rufina Cruz, were organized in collaboration with the city government.
Highlighting the closing ceremony was the recognition of key contributors to the success of the MWOP. Plaques of appreciation were awarded to various agencies, organizations, and individuals for their unwavering support of peace advocacy and their role in ensuring the week’s activities left a lasting impact.
This year’s MWOP, themed “Wanted: Transformational Leaders for Positive Peace,” ran from November 28 to December 4 and featured an array of meaningful activities designed to inspire and engage participants across all sectors of society. Among the notable events were:
- ACSPI Youth Peace Camp: Empowering young leaders to become peace advocates.
- PAZ na Barangay: Community outreach promoting harmony at the grassroots level.
- Peace Trek and Pickle Ball Sports: Fostering camaraderie through physical activities.
- School Peacetival of Learning: Engaging students in peacebuilding discussions and activities.
- Corre cun PAZ: A run for peace awareness.
- Young Peaceweaver Awards and Peaceweaver Awards: Honoring individuals and groups for outstanding contributions to peace.
- International Youth for Peace Conversation: A platform for cross-cultural dialogue among young leaders.
- Peace Conference/Summit: Discussions on strategies for lasting peace.
- Kite for Peace: Symbolizing the aspirations for harmony and unity.
- Historical Journey and Human Rights and Peace Sessions: Reflecting on the lessons of the past to inspire a peaceful future.
The week’s activities demonstrated the collective commitment of Zamboanga City and the broader Mindanao community to build bridges of understanding, foster mutual respect, and work towards sustainable peace.
“The Mindanao Week of Peace is not just an annual event; it is a testament to our resilience and determination to create a region where everyone can thrive,” said Dr. Rebollos during her closing remarks. “Let us continue to nurture transformational leadership that prioritizes positive peace, so our vision for Mindanao’s future becomes a reality.”
As the city moves forward, the spirit of collaboration and solidarity showcased during the MWOP serves as a beacon of hope for a harmonious and inclusive Mindanao.