The Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP) and Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) in collaboration with Youth Solidarity for
Peace (YSP) and Society of Young Peace Weavers (SYPW) had conducted series of multi-Stakeholders Orientation for the Week of Peace 2010,
one of which involves the Student Council Officers of various colleges, state colleges and universities in Zamboanga City. With the aim of convening major stakeholders representing various sectors from the religious, academe, business, youth, civil society organizations, government line agencies and other members of the community in an avenue to discuss peace engagements for this years week of peace
celebration.
PAZ conducted a Stakeholders Orientation with the members of the Supreme Student Council/Government Officers with the aim of
strengthening a peace network of student government which influences the youth and student populace for a culture of peace as against
culture of violence and active involvement for the incoming Mindanao Week of Peace Celebration.
The orientation dubbed “Alliance of Peace Governments: International Day of Peace tribute to the Decade of Peace” was held last September
21, 2010 (Tuesday at the Solidarity Center, RT Lim Boulevard, Zamboanga City.
IRSMP’s Chairman of the Golden Crescent Consortium of Peace Builders and Affiliates, Prof. Ali T. Yacub, Al-Haj graced the event and shared
foundations of IRSMP’s Frontiers of Peace among the participants. Meanwhile, Moh. Abdul Raouf Ekong, 1st Young Peace Weaver shared an inspirational message focused on bridging leadership and peace for interfaith dialogue.
Grounded on the elements of peace and leadership, Aldrin Abdurahim, PAZ Youth Coordinator discussed the peace advocacy program of the
organization and presented the concept behind the alliance of peace governments. It had been noted in the history of student governments
that there no exist an alliance of governments from various schools geared towards peacebuilding. Thus, PAZ shared an inspiration of
convening leaders to discuss among them the element of peace through governance.
Mindanao Week of Peace 2010 theme “Responsive and responsible Governance: Key to Peace, Development and Sustainability” encourages
active participation in various entities that links governance for peace and development. A commitment was shared by and among the
student leaders for an active and full support to the various campaigns and advocacy projects of the organization.
The Alliance will still seek support to other colleges who have not graced during the said event. With the inspiration of forging a brand
of unity among student councils, the alliance will strengthen its peace commitment not just after the celebration of the 7th National
Consciousness Month and celebration of the forthcoming Mindanao week of peace but looks forward in developing youth council peace agenda in
the coming months and a unified network of peace builders among the schools of the city.
Young Peace Weavers Rosie France Montojo, Christine Faith Casipe, Fatima Jane Salihuddin and Christian Olasiman inspired the
participants when they share some of their successful stories throughout their journeys in peacebuilding. PeaceTechnology Inc.
Mindanao Coordinator Nerissa Piamonte and Western Mindanao State University-center for Peace and Development staff Abdul Baqui Berik
presented the incoming PeaceTech Videoconference. Moreover, it was a renewal of commitment for the members of the Society of Young Peace
weaver that marked the success of celebration of the International Day of Peace.
Participants includes rex Philip F. Luciano (Universidad de Zamboanga), Samuel T. Alfaro Tan (ICAS), Princess Jeanne R. Gairanod
(Pilar College), Aedrick Yanga (Pilar College), Joan Mae Barredo (Ateneo de Zamboanga University), Henabelle Duran (Pilar College),
Ralph Aleucar (Mein College), Moh. Zen N. Johan (Ateneo de Zamboanga University), Jomarec Bañez (AMA), Vince Ignacio (Universal College
Southeast Asia and Pacific), Mary Martha Dulatre (Universal College Southeast Asia and Pacific), Raymond Alam (AMA), Paul Lyle
Espiritusanto (ICAS), Jonathan Alvarez (Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College), Stephanie Sinsuan (J-Jireh School), Margie Dagon
(J-Jireh School), Ariel Kenneth Cael (Ateneo de Zamboanga University), Jeffrey Danag (Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and
Technology), Erwin Truita (Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology), Camille Candido (Nuevo Zamboanga College Inc.),
Jasmin Li F. De Vera (Mein College), Jefferson Lahaman Jr. (Mein College), Karl Alexis Jingco (Pilar College) and DM Dela Torre (Universal College Southeast Asia and Pacific).
The convergence of the student council is another success story of PAZ in the promotion of peace throughout the city. ( Aldrin B. Abdurahim/Joshua Pierra)
