Nonviolent Peaceforce praised by Rotarians and Mindanao Commission on Women representative at Rotary International Peace Symposium May 4 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Tuesday, 22 May 2012 14:15 Joy Mosley

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w mindanao grp To a crowd of over 100 Rotary Peace Fellows and Alumni, Maria Lourdes Arcenas praised the work of Nonviolent Peaceforce on Mindanao. “I know first-hand of your work in Mindanao especially the building of capacity of our Mindanao women to play a key role in keeping the peace in their communities.”

Dr. Ann Frisch and another returned peacekeeper Muhamed Butera Mpira from Rwanda presented the work of Nonviolent Peaceforce at the Rotary International Peace Symposium in Bangkok on May 4. “Much can really be accomplished in peace-building without firing a shot with forming a critical mass of peace advocates as you are doing and we continue to do in our conflict areas in Mindanao. And it looks like the Rotary Club of Zamboanga is very interested to team up for a 'peace building partnership' in the island of Basilan especially to pursue Rotary's theme 2012-2013 ‘Peace through Service’,” Ms. Arcenas said.

“I personally thank you for all your efforts and the sacrifices of the NP team to help us weather the crisis in our communities. On behalf of the women in Mindanao, all our appreciation and prayers to you and our NP friends for lighting our way to peace.”

Maria Lourdes A. Arcenas is Trustee, Mindanao Commission on Women
Davao, Philippines.

Ann and Butera (center) are pictured here with Rotary Peace Fellow alumnus Gregorio Hernandez and Maria Lourdes Arcenas, left, Lydia Lubaton, President of Zamboanga City Central District 3850 in the Philippines (right). Also pictured two unidentified attendees.