It’s about time to introduce our Book in the making entitled ‘PeaceScapes.’

 It’s about time to introduce our Book in the making entitled ‘PeaceScapes.’

What is PeaceScapes?

The project seeks to strengthen the idea of peace and human security through documentary articles and videos paired with activism to stand with millions worldwide suffering the devastating impact of violence and conflict.

Last 2014, the theory—PEACESCAPES—was born. It seeks to highlight an inclusive definition of peace in the Philippine context. Peace is contested by multiple meanings, which may stem from social and cultural contexts. Peace can suddenly disappear, even in places where peace is a longstanding norm. We, as people, have explored various aspects of peace, such as what it is, what it should be, and the different factors influencing the chances of achieving it.

Through PeaceScapes, people can explore how their framing of “peace” helps or hinders the chances of achieving it. Peace rests on a complex, fragile fabric of interrelated values, attitudes, and behaviors. It is necessary in the implementation of international treatises as well as in the course of daily life. The project aims to increase awareness about history and relationships between cultures and highlight the processes spurring intercultural dialogue and the reconciliation of previously contending cultures. Particular attention is given to the influential roles of women and youth, and minorities like indigenous peoples, whose significance in societies has often been overlooked. There is a particular focus on claims of cultural identities and citizenship.

Government agencies and non-government organizations in the Philippines recognize that armed conflict, extrajudicial killings, and human rights violations devastate societies. Women and girls, and men and boys are disproportionately affected in conflict and post-conflict settings. They are often tragically subjected to gross human rights violations, including sexual and gender-based violence, as these are used as a weapon of war. We all want to see effective justice for all people affected by sexual violence. We know that some sectors deliberately exclude vulnerable groups from rebuilding peace. In the landscape of peace or PeaceScapes, we want everyone to take their rightful place in rebuilding peace; we want to stress the significance of their involvement and participation in peace. We know that women, youth, and other vulnerable stakeholders’ participation in institutional reform facilitate access to justice.

Since then, PeaceScapes, as our project, has held a series of consultations, forums, and focus group discussions in various fields through a multi-sectoral approach. During the height of the grassroots campaign on Anti-Terror Law, I introduced our project PeaceScapes to Kristiyano – Islam Library (KRIS), a non-government organization focused on capacitating young people in the Philippines. Today, PeaceScapes will focus in the province of Sulu.