Irene M. Santiago spoke at the UN as part of the review process of the UN Peacebuilding Commission. On her right is Sophie Haspeslagh, policy analyst at Conciliation Resources; and on her left is Andrew Tomlinson, executive director of the Quaker UN Office.

“The only way to manage people’s expectations and fears is to ensure that significant publics are part of the peace process.” This is one of the central messages shared by Irene M. Santiago, Chair and CEO of the Mindanao Commission on Women during a lunchtime event at the United Nations on 26 May. The event was organized by the Mission of Norway, the Quaker UN Office, and the Conciliation Resources which is part of the International Monitoring Team. (more…)

About 35 participants attended the Islamic Seminar hosted by the Iligan Bae Rawatun Peace Circle headed by ACG member Celia M. Rajah on May 30, 2010 at Madrasha Upper Hinaplanon, Iligan City.   The topic was “Ten (Attitudes of a Woman That Can Lead her to Success on Earth and in the Hereafter.”

The Mindanao Commission on Women and the Mothers for Peace Movement strongly urge the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to act on a concern made by the UN Security Council over women’s continued “under-representation in formal peace processes.” (more…)

Local governance and basic services delivery have a big impact on daily life in conflicted affected areas. How are women able to make local government institutions and the delivery of basic services effective and efficient? This was the topic of the paper presented by Dr. Melchie J. Ambalong, MCW Vice Chair for Politics and Governance, at the UN ESCAP-sponsored  Regional Technical Seminar on Local Governance and Basic Services Delivery held June 2 - 3, 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand.   (more…)

To highlight the substantive role of women in mediating clan and family feuds, MCW has embarked on a series of meetings to document the experiences of women. Focused group discussions among women as well as community meetings with religious, academic and other leaders have been held in Cotabato City, Maguindanao, Zamboanga Province, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan. A book and film will be out by October 2009 to be used in an educational campaign on how to resolve conflict through peaceful means, especially with women as mediators. » Read more about the project.

… instead of joining the conflicting parties. This is the peacebuilders’ training, MCW provides for the Mothers for Peace Circles, usually undertaken by Irene M. Santiago, Chair and CEO, Arlene M. Lozano, Program Officer, and Geejay Arriola, Media and Arts Director. Read more about the training in General Santos City, January 29-30, on » Mindanews

The next Thirdsider-Training will take place in Kidapawan City, where MCW is invited by Habitat of Midsayap. Read more about the Thirdsider-Training on this site.

ANC will air its panel discussion on Mindanao’s future after the failure of the peace talks on February 6, Friday, at 7.30 p.m. and on February 7, Saturday, at 7.30 pm. Irene M. Santiago, CEO and Chair, and Margie Floirendo, Vice-Chair of MCW, are invited to panel discussions, anchored by veteran journalists Tony Velasquez and Lynda Jumilla, it aims to bring Mindanao back on the national agenda. The panel of speakers represents a wide range: national government, business sector, military, local government, civil society, media, and the academe. » Read more about the show.