Peace Stalk

The virus continues to threaten us with death. The resulting economic crisis threatens us with hunger. The political duplicity and deceit threaten our freedom. All of these threaten the very future of our children and their children.

I was rudely awakened from my afternoon nap by an alarmingly bad coughing fit so I decided to isolate myself at the guesthouse. I asked everyone in the house to wear facemasks and observe distancing.

Through all these, we are fortunate to have earned your support. We are particularly grateful for your help in spreading the good news of the transformative victories of peoples and communities working and helping each other, and of our efforts at exposing, opposing and transforming injustices and structural violence in our society.

I come from the most war-ravaged region of the Philippines – Mindanaw. I work with a small NGO, Balay Mindanaw, doing modest community-based peacebuilding trying to help create spaces for dialogue in areas directly affected by violent conflicts. I am also mediating a peace process between the Philippine government and the communist Revolutionary Workers Party of Mindanao.

My Thoughts on Celebrating the Spirit of Volunteerism and Citizenship

Everytime I introduce Balay Mindanaw, I would always say: It is a small NGO. I usually would get reactions of disbelief and unconvinced smile or laughter. But I am really serious about it. BM is indeed small… And hopefully, successful.