During the Project Steering Committee meeting of the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) held in Cotabato City, Presidential Peace Adviser and Defense Secretary Carlito G. Galver, Jr. commended the Committee for its accomplishments since it started operation in 2021, in the institutionalization of best governance practices in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The SUBATRA is a project duly supported by the European Union (EU). On the same occasion, Sec. Galvez was also lauded by the BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim for his steadfast support to maintaining peace in the region and for once again leading the peace process.
Among the items discussed in the said Project meeting was the proposal for the development of the BARMM’s justice system consistent with the Sharia Law, which lays down governing principles for spiritual, mental and physical behavior that must be followed by Muslims. Sec. Galvez believes that the SUBATRA’s support will be instrumental to this endeavor. He likewise recalled that the Supreme Court, and Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo have committed to help spear the culture of peace in Mindanao by strengthening the rule of law. Sec. Galvez even remembered the exact words of the Chief Justice –
“Without peace, there will be no development. But we should also agree that there is no peace if there is no rule of law and justice.”
The national government intends to enhance Executive Order 570: Institutionalizing Peace Education in basic Education and Teacher Education through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) by requiring universities across the country to set up peace centers. Sec. Galvez said that education plays a vital role in countering violent extremism.
These efforts are also in line with the UNESCO efforts of preventing and countering violent extremism by strengthening the capacities of education systems thereby effectively contributing tonationalpreventionefforts. Suchmaybedonebyequippinglearnerswithknowledge,values and behaviors fostering responsible citizenship, critical thinking, empathy and ability to take action against violent extremism.
References: Peace.gov.ph website UNESCO website
