While we are inspired by a global vision, our projects and initiatives address local issues of concern. In the Philippines, the concern for the resolution of the conflict in Mindanao (involving Muslims and Christians) has been ongoing for decades.
Although Mindanao is the homeland of Muslims in the country, many Muslims have fled their homeland to seek better lives elsewhere. Many of them have settled in Metro Manila where various factors, including differences between them and their predominantly Christian neighbors, have made living conditions nonetheless challenging.
In response to the perceived need for peace among Muslims and Christians, The Peacemakers’ Circle engaged itself in partnership with the Office of the President on Muslim Affairs in embarking on the following projects and initiatives:
1. BUILDING MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS IN GRASSROOTS COMMUNITIES IN METRO MANILA
Although Mindanao is the homeland of Muslims in the country, many Muslims have fled their homeland to seek better lives elsewhere. Many of them have settled in Metro Manila where various factors, including differences between them and their predominantly Christian neighbors, have made living conditions nonetheless challenging.
In response to the perceived need for peace among Muslims and Christians, The Peacemakers’ Circle engaged itself in partnership with the Office of the President on Muslim Affairs in embarking on the following projects and initiatives:
1. BUILDING MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS IN GRASSROOTS COMMUNITIES IN METRO MANILA
A. Tala, Caloocan City. In October 2003 The Peacemakers’ Circle reached out to Muslim and Christian residents in the community of Barangay 188, Phase 12, Riverside in Tala, Caloocan City. It conducted weekly Inner Work sessions and monthly peacebuilding workshops and values formation seminars for a group of local residents who, one year later, were inspired to form a Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association. They elected their own officers, and planned and implemented their own programs for the community. see www.muslimchristianpeace.blogspot.com
B. Maharlika Village, Taguig City. In October 2005 The Peacemakers’ Circle conducted a medical and relief mission for the fire victims of the Muslim community. Consequently, a project called “Angat Buhay Maharlika” (Uplifting the Quality of Life in Maharlika) is being launched that will consist of feeding the hungry children, educating the mothers, and involving the youth in leadership training for community building.
C. Golden Mosque Community in Quiapo, City of Manila. The Peacemakers’ Circle has been assisting the Muslim leaders in the area in organizing a Federation of Muslim Religious Leaders. This Federation is being organized to promote peace and good will among Muslims towards their Christian counterparts, and to help bring to their attention the plight of the Muslims in the predominantly Christian metropolis.
D. Barangay Culiat in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. The Peacemakers’ Circle is in the process of reaching out to the Muslim youths in this area where differences among Muslim tribes and between Muslims and their Christian neighbors is an ongoing cause for concern. The focus of this endeavor is in training the youth in the ways of peace through various creative approaches to dialogue.
2. CONDUCTING MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE WORKSHOP-SEMINARS promoting self-empowerment and mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation among Muslims and Christians for Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation.
3. PROVIDING COMMUNITY SERVICES (e.g. organizing medical and relief missions, meeting of community leaders and members, bridge-building between the local government officials and the people in grassroots community, etc.)
B. Maharlika Village, Taguig City. In October 2005 The Peacemakers’ Circle conducted a medical and relief mission for the fire victims of the Muslim community. Consequently, a project called “Angat Buhay Maharlika” (Uplifting the Quality of Life in Maharlika) is being launched that will consist of feeding the hungry children, educating the mothers, and involving the youth in leadership training for community building.
C. Golden Mosque Community in Quiapo, City of Manila. The Peacemakers’ Circle has been assisting the Muslim leaders in the area in organizing a Federation of Muslim Religious Leaders. This Federation is being organized to promote peace and good will among Muslims towards their Christian counterparts, and to help bring to their attention the plight of the Muslims in the predominantly Christian metropolis.
D. Barangay Culiat in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. The Peacemakers’ Circle is in the process of reaching out to the Muslim youths in this area where differences among Muslim tribes and between Muslims and their Christian neighbors is an ongoing cause for concern. The focus of this endeavor is in training the youth in the ways of peace through various creative approaches to dialogue.
2. CONDUCTING MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE WORKSHOP-SEMINARS promoting self-empowerment and mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation among Muslims and Christians for Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation.
3. PROVIDING COMMUNITY SERVICES (e.g. organizing medical and relief missions, meeting of community leaders and members, bridge-building between the local government officials and the people in grassroots community, etc.)
