Tag: coffee for peace

PARTNERSHIP AND COMPANIONSHIP: REFLECTIONS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL PEACE ORGANIZATIONS

In the realm of peacebuilding, the relationship between international and local peace organizations often fluctuates between two distinct modes of interaction: companionship and partnership. These modes represent different approaches, values, and outcomes, each significantly influencing the effectiveness and sustainability of peace efforts. Grasping the subtleties of these interactions is key to fostering genuine, lasting peace in conflict-affected regions. This dialogue began during the July 2024 gathering of Mennonite missionaries working in Asia, and subsequently became a topic of informal reflection among the staff and volunteers at PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI) and Coffee for Peace (CFP) throughout the month of August. These concepts of partnership and companionship are illustrated through the relationship between our spiritual siblings at Mennonite Church Canada and us at PBCI-CFP.

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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2024/08/15/partnership-and-companionship-reflections-on-the-relationship-between-international-and-local-peace-organizations/

COFFEE FOR PEACE ACCEPTS ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY’S SOCIOLOGY STUDENTS AS INTERNS

The Department of Sociology and Developmental Studies at Ateneo de Davao University has extended an invitation for us to collaborate as a partner in their Sociology Practicum Program. This program is designed to enrich students’ understanding of the social world by offering them hands-on experience through work with real communities, organizations, or institutions. The Sociology Practicum Program bridges academic learning with structured, supervised work experience, allowing students to apply classroom theories and principles in real-world settings. Through this integration, students are not only trained in the practical use of research and project management but are also guided in developing problem-solving skills rooted in sociological concepts.

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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2024/07/29/coffee-for-peace-accepts-ateneo-de-davao-universitys-sociology-students-as-interns/

LEARNING THE THEORY & PRAXIS OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AS PART OF MY INTERNSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES

As an intern, one of my responsibilities is to regularly read and reflect on various books and informative pieces. Recently, I read “How To Manage a Business that Does Good.” This activity is crucial because it broadens my understanding of key concepts related to social enterprises, peacebuilding, and the sociopolitical context in the Philippines. Reflecting on these readings helps me contemplate new ideas, challenge existing beliefs, and critically assess what I’m learning. This ongoing process of reading and reflection will work in tandem with my fieldwork. As I apply what I’ve learned in real-world settings, my perspective will be further enriched. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience will enhance my ability to contribute effectively to the projects I am involved in. Over the course of the year, this integrated approach will help me expand my worldview, making me a more informed and empathetic participant in the field of social enterprises and peacebuilding.

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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2024/06/10/learning-the-theory-praxis-of-social-enterprise-as-part-of-my-internship-in-the-philippines/

WE’RE GLAD TO BE INVOLVED IN A COLLABORATIVE COFFEE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT IN BASULTA

Last 17-22 May 2024, I, Joji Pantoja, Board Chair and President of Coffee for Peace, had the privilege of traveling to the island provinces of Sulu and Basilan in the southern Philippines. Accompanying me on this journey was Joseph “Ka Boyet” Ongkiko, Executive Vice President of PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. Our mission was clear and purposeful: to explore the potential for developing a sustainable coffee industry in these regions, fostering both economic growth and peace. We were invited by Maradeca Inc., a dedicated local non-governmental organization, and People in Need (PIN), a reputable international NGO. Both organizations recognized the transformative potential of coffee farming in these provinces and sought our expertise in designing a comprehensive training program for the local coffee farmers. This is part of the LEAP Project (Leveraging and Expanding Agri-Aqua Production), a groundbreaking initiative by PIN designed to boost economic development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2024/05/24/were-glad-to-be-involved-in-a-collaborative-coffee-industry-development-in-basulta/

PBCI-CFP INCLUDEV TEAM EXPLORES PARTNERSHIP WITH P.I.N. IN COFFEE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT IN BASILAN, SULU, AND TAWI-TAWI

The Inclusive Development Team of PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI) and Coffee for Peace (CFP) is exploring a partnership with People in Need (PIN) in doing peace and economic development initiatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The PBCI-CFP IncluDev Team is composed of community development and social entrepreneurial advocates and practitioners. They also provide training on peacebuilding and conflict resolution. “A partnership between PBCI-CFP IncluDev Team and PIN would be an energizing servant for good in BaSulTa,” says Joji Felicitas Pantoja, President and CEO of Coffee for Peace and a 2020 honoree of the Oslo-based Business for Peace Foundation. “The two organizations,” adds Ms Joji, “would be able to combine our expertise and resources to help the people create a more sustainable and peaceful future for their Island Provinces within the BARMM.”

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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2023/08/31/pbci-cfp-includev-team-explores-partnership-with-p-i-n-in-coffee-social-enterprise-development-in-basilan-sulu-and-tawi-tawi/

MATIGSALOG ANCESTRAL DOMAIN SEMINAR PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE COFFEE INDUSTRY AND PEACEBUILDING

Davao City, August 24, 2023 — The Kapehan Sa Davao Network (KSDN) hosted an enlightening seminar titled “Building Sustainable Peace and Gender Responsive Coffee Industry” at Sebastian’s Restaurant in Barangay Baganihan, Marilog, Davao City. The event witnessed the participation of 36 prequalified individuals hailing from the Matigsalog Indigenous People, including farming cooperative leaders, youth leaders, spiritual leaders, and tribal leaders. The central theme of the seminar was conflict transformation in the workplace, with a specific focus on coffee farms and companies.

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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2023/08/25/matigsalog-ancestral-domain-seminar-promotes-sustainable-coffee-industry-and-peacebuilding/

WE PARTICIPATED IN THE LAUNCHING OF ‘PRINCIPLES FOR PEACE’ IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

The Principles for Peace (P4P) Southeast Asia launch took place on 11th July 2023 in Davao City, Philippines. Organized by the Principles for Peace Foundation in collaboration with the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC), Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), International Center for Innovation, Transformation, and Excellence in Governance Inc. (INCITEGov), and GZO Peace Institute, the event aimed to redefine and rejuvenate support for the Bangsamoro Peace Process. Lakan, our PBCI President, co-led in the interfaith prayers. Joji, CEO of Coffee for Peace, was one of the speakers. The event became a festive reunion of most peacebuilding organizations and leaders in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2023/07/19/we-participated-in-the-launching-of-principles-for-peace-in-southeast-asia/

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Honours and distinctions we received for excellence and impact