By Sam Ramos
Peace advocates from various sectors gathered at Paseo del Mar on November 28, for the grand opening of the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP), an annual celebration aimed at fostering unity and harmony among Mindanaoans regardless of status, religion, or culture.
This year’s celebration, themed “Wanted: Transformational Leaders for Positive Peace,” runs from November 28 to December 4. The event is organized by the Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance Inc. (Zabida) and Peace Advocate Zamboanga (PAZ), in partnership with the City Government of Zamboanga.
During the opening program, Mayor John Dalipe underscored the importance of the celebration, urging all sectors to work together not only during the MWOP but beyond. “Today, we come together not just as individuals, but as one people, bound by the same aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future,” Dalipe said, emphasizing the need to renew the collective commitment to values that promote peace.
The MWOP features a series of activities designed to engage the community in peacebuilding initiatives, including the ACSPI Youth Peace Camp (November 28-29), PAZ na Barangay activities (November 29-December 3), Peace Trek and Pickle Ball Sports at Pasonanca Park (November 30), and the School Peacetival of Learning (November 30-December 1). Other highlights include the Young Peaceweaver Awards and Peaceweaver Awards on December 1, the International Youth for Peace Conversation via Zoom on December 2, and a Peace Summit at the Western Mindanao State University gymnasium, also on December 2.
Additional events such as the Kite for Peace activity in Talon-talon and a Historical Journey in Arena Blanco will take place on December 3, while the Human Rights and Peace session and the closing program will conclude the week on December 4. Post-MWOP activities include a Peace Job and Trade Fair on December 8 and PAZ Salamat on December 9.
The Mindanao Week of Peace, which began in 1997 through the efforts of PAZ and SALAAM Foundation Inc., has grown into a region-wide event. In 2001, it was officially declared a national celebration through Presidential Proclamation No. 127. The annual observance remains a vital platform for promoting peace, inclusivity, and shared aspirations across Mindanao.