Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Davao (Agenzia Fides) – Awaken consciences, educate, spread awareness among the people, so they can make an intelligent vote that takes into account the problems and entire future of the island of Mindanao...It is with this spirit that the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in the Southern Philippines have launched a “Voters' Forum” for discussion and formation in preparation for elections scheduled for next May, in which the nation will choose its new President.
As sources from the Oblates on Mindanao tell Fides, the Forum was participated in by Oblate institutions and organizations such as Notre Dame University in Cotabato and the magazine Mindanao Cross. The independent information site “Mindanews” also participated, sharing in the spirit and goals of the initiative.
The Forum organized meetings for formation, debate, public initiative, etc in which to present the challenges, possibilities, and future of Mindanao to citizens, especially the youth, following an educational process marked by stages of “knowing, taking to heart, asking, deciding,” which is in reference to all the most important topics on Mindanao: governance, economy, human development, the peace process, social reconciliation, education, and Islamic-Christian relations.
One of the topics addressed in the meetings of the Forum, which remains central in view of the vote, is that of good governance and transparency, missionaries told Fides, as these are crucial in achieving what is called a "sustainable peace", i.e. peace that is rooted in the conscience and society, and therefore lasting. This would herald a comprehensive development plan covering all areas, civil, moral, and religious, in the Southern Philippines.
The Oblate Forum has developed and issued an "Agenda for Peace and Development" which outlines a comprehensive plan, with significant and essential steps for Mindanao in the coming decade: to ensure a permanent peace and security for the population; to build a direct and transparent relationship between central government and local governments; give responsibility to local organizations and empower individuals in the peace and development process; enhance and stimulate the local economy through a network of small and medium enterprises, especially in tourism and agriculture; mobilize resources and projects for social cohesion and welfare of the population; protect and preserve the natural environment. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 04/26/2010)
