Duterte backs PH hosting of global peace movement launch

FILE: President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Friday expressed his full support for the country’s hosting of the Global Launch of the International Peace Movement: Not by Force but by Art on May 20-23. (ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Friday expressed his full support for the country’s hosting of the Global Launch of the International Peace Movement: Not by Force but by Art on May 20-23.

Organized by Earthsavers UNESCO Artists for Peace, the event coincides with the twin observance of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Day for Cultural and Biological Diversity for Dialogue and Development on May 21 and 22, respectively.

“I express my firm support for your initiative to use art as a powerful medium to promote harmony, goodwill and cooperation among our citizens,” Duterte said in his message read by Earthsavers UNESCO Artist for Peace director Cecile Guidoto-Alvarez, in a press conference held at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañang.

“Your peaceful manner of fighting against the social ills that plague communities is indeed worthy of praise and admiration,” Duterte’s message read.

Duterte challenged local and foreign artists to work with the government to help foster peace, eradicate poverty and protect the environment.

“Let us all be vigilant and help stop criminality, corruption and terrorism. It is our collective will that shall bring us closer to the bright and better tomorrow that we aim for,” the President said.

He commended the Earthsavers UNESCO Artists for Peace for helping achieve the government’s goal of peace and progress, which are common aspirations of all nations.

Alvarez said the Art Speak for Peace Festival involves performers from claimant countries of the disputed West Philippine Sea and the divided Korean Peninsula, and will be held during the four-day event.

She said the Senate Spouses Foundation, headed by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III’s mother, Lourdes Pimentel, will also host an interdisciplinary, interfaith and inclusive leaders’ forum.

“This will even showcase the dynamic possibilities of art mediation and cultural understanding for mitigating armed conflict and promoting reconciliation, unification and rehabilitation,” she said.

Alvarez added that representatives and participants from conflict-marred countries, such as Sudan and even from Mindanao, will attend and share their experiences.

Some of the forum panelists and guests who will grace the event are: Mohammad Saif Al-Afkham from the Arab region; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development of the United Arab Emirates; International Theatre Institute Director General Tobias Biancone; world-famous writer-director Laterna Magika; award-winning international director Taek Hyung; renowned opera singer Sumi Jo; and, Fiji’s first Paralympics gold medalist Iliesa Delana.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Secretary Jesus Dureza, has agreed to provide a perspective of the future of the peace process and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.