Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Fides Service) - In the southern Philippines civil and religious leaders and many independent organisations are striving with various initiatives to build a culture of peace starting with families, workers, school children, associations, in streets and squares. Since the media are an excellent channel for spreading a culture of peace and radio is undoubtedly the most widespread means of communication also among illiterate, spreading peace over the air is becoming a full time activity in this part of the world
The southern Philippines’ island of Mindanao has a network of community radios which promotes a culture of justice and peace. Many of these local stations manned by volunteers are funded by small public grants for social or cultural projects.
Soon the town of Maluso on the island of Basilan in the extreme south of the archipelago, near Zamboanga city, will have a new broadcaster “Radio Peace”. The new radio will be broadcasting over an island where there are guerrilla and terrorist groups like Abu Sayyaf. This area in recent years has been the scene of fighting between the army and Muslim separatists a conflict which left the people even more impoverished..
Since 1999, with the help of UNESCO no less than 19 community radio networks have been opened in Mindanao in the following areas Maguindanao, Ipil, Zamboanga, Jolo, Sulu, North Lanao, Siocon, South Cotabato, Sebu, Davao, Tawi-tawi.
Recently a Canadian NGO sponsored a number of radio stations in the Mindanao Autonomous Muslim Region to serve as a power means of civil educaiton, stimulus for democratic participation and for building a culture of peace.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/10/2004 righe: 33 parole: 343)
