Last 15 January 2019, Joji served as plenary speaker at the Learning Conference 2019 which was held at the Mary Hill Retreat Center, Taytay, Rizal. This conference was organized by the Asian School of Development and Cross-Cultural Studies (ASDECS) in partnership with Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (KMBI). The conference theme was “Conspiracy of the Wise Builders” — it’s about building sustainable, regenerating, and transformational communities.
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2019/01/16/joji-serves-as-plenary-speaker-at-the-2019-learning-conference/
More than a decade of friendship. Three years in a relationship. Then got legally married last 14 February 2018. Early this evening, they publicly exchanged their sacred vows before their families, friends and larger community. Their wedding prompted the coming of our loved-ones from Canada.
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2018/12/30/byron-pantoja-and-mandy-velasco-exchange-marriage-vows/
It’s difficult to say “Merry Christmas” when deep inside we’re crying as we watch our fellow human beings suffer because of unjust political policies and natural disasters happening around us. But we still shout, with much conviction, that in the midst of these painful realities, God is with us. Immanu El! The Creator chose to visit us as a human being. The Eternal One chose to dwell with us as a mortal. This is Hope Incarnate!
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2018/12/25/we-hope-in-christ-even-if-theres-not-much-reason-to-be-merry-in-the-world-today/
Last Wednesday, 12 December 2018, the 17th Congress extended the martial law in Mindanao until the end of 2019. It was President Rodrigo Duterte who requested the legislative body to extend the military rule in our island. This means also that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in our region is suspended. The government can arrest persons of interest without a warrant. This is the current socio-political context of our peace-and-reconciliation ministry.
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2018/12/15/my-rants-while-advocating-peace-and-reconciliation-under-martial-law-in-mindanao/
I was taking pictures of one of the Kadayawan dance groups in Davao City. The face of a woman dancer caught my attention. I felt in her facial expression what I’ve been hearing from certain leaders of the Lumad or Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao with whom I interact: “Listen! Hear my voice! Listen to my angry heart. Stop lecturing on us! You’ve been killing our people. Stop killing us! You’ve been pitting us against each other. Stop dividing us! You’ve been destroying our mountains and rivers. Stop stealing our lands!”
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2018/11/30/equipping-disciples-of-love-in-the-midst-of-resource-based-armed-conflicts-in-mindanao/
PeaceBuilders School of Leadership (PBSL) started its new SouthPeace Equipping program focusing on developing individuals and groups who are ready to be trained as social entrepreneurs. The two-year program consists of Entrepreneurial Introspection & Ideation; Introduction to Inclusive Development; Basic Social Entrepreneurial Skills; and, Proposal Writing for Social Business. These skills are imparted to the participants along with a set of ethical values we call Peace and Reconciliation (PAR) Principles and Practices.
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2018/11/20/pbsl-launches-south-peace-equipping-a-mentorship-program-for-social-entrepreneurs/
Mining is one of the major factors causing violent conflicts and environmental devastation in the Philippines. This is specially true among the Indigenous Peoples’ ancestral domains. Canadian corporations are a major player in the mining industry in this country. Social and environmental activists call on mining corporations, including Canadian companies, to stop the destructive impacts of their business activities in the Philippines. They also call on the government to repeal the current pro-business and anti-people laws that allow the destructive impacts of mining in our country.
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2018/11/10/canadian-mining-industry-and-peacebuilding-in-the-philippines/
We are sent by Mennonite Church Canada Witness in partnership with our international community.
