Cebu stakeholders hold peace dialogue

CEBU, Philippines - Amid the threats of violence, different stakeholders in Cebu province converged yesterday for an open-table dialogue to explore ways to address the pressing issues on peace and order.

The one-day activity gathered various sectors including the Church, police and military personnel, the business sector, academe, and former media practitioners to come up with plans to further promote peace.

Central Command's Civil Military Office head Colonel Medel Aguilar said the discussion had been productive especially since they solicited good ideas from the stakeholders involved.

He said the discussions varied but centered on the threats of violence and extremism happening in society nowadays.

He said the participants talked about the problems and identified its root causes and its impact to the community.

“You cannot solve the problem alone, you need the help of various stakeholders and find solution,” Aguilar said.

The dialogue was planned by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, who is the chairman of the Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board of Central Command.

He said they are now looking into the problem for a deeper understanding for them to find effective means on how to address it, like building alliances.

He said they also ascertained the different responsibilities and roles of each sector.

Palma further said they tackled the different issues concerning peace and order like the recent encounter between government forces and terrorist groups in Bohol.

He said the discussion did not only center on this issue but covered general topics on violence and extremism.

Palma also pointed out that this is only the first step that will further expand as they go further in determining what needs to be done for them to achieve their goal of having a peaceful and orderly community.

“This is a good start for a campaign that ultimately leads us to a peaceful and developed and progressive society. That is our vision,” Palma said.

“We are happy that the participants here are active. They contributed and shared good ideas based on their experiences of their field of expertise,” he added. (FREEMAN)