Sustaining peace after the ink has dried

What happens when the ink in peace agreements has dried? This was the main question on the minds of delegates to the international conference dubbed “After the Peace Agreements: The Bangsamoro and Beyond.” Not only was our question fully answered, but we were also greatly inspired by the peacebuilding work that we have done over the years.

- SECRETARY CARLITO G. GALVEZ, JR.

As I listened to the insights shared by peace workers, public servants, international development partners, diplomats, community leaders, and members of the academe at the two-day conference, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride over what we have achieved in pushing forward, sustaining, and building on the gains of peace in the Bangsamoro and beyond.

The participants came from different parts of the globe - Colombia, Nepal, Aceh, Timor-Leste and the Philippines. Each had a different history, a different conflict, and a different healing process. Yet, in each story that they shared, one thing was clear: the journey to peace is, and will never be easy. It is a long, difficult and oftentimes, painstaking process.

On the other hand, the gathering also highlighted stories of hope, determination, and empowerment of those who have worked on the frontlines of peace. It was a testament to the indomitable human spirit and our ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds and emerge better, stronger, and more resilient than ever before.

Atty. Benedicto Bacani, executive director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (AIG), the conference’s organizer, put it beautifully in his remarks: shared humanity and relationships are the keys to unlocking true peace. I could not agree more. For all our policies and roadmaps, it is the human heart that plants the seeds of peace.

This is why the Bangsamoro peace process stands out. It is not perfect by any means. But it is honest, transparent, and holds all stakeholders accountable. More importantly, it is anchored on a shared vision, as It aims to build institutions that will outlast political transitions while keeping the people’s best interests at the center.