Samira Gutoc highlighted the importance of peace-building efforts in the country during the 29th Symposium on Religion and Law hosted by the International Center for Religion and Law at the Brigham Young University in Utah last Oct. 2 to 5.
At least 80 delegates comprising ambassadors, Parliament members, bishops, and judges attended the event.
Leaders of the Church of Christ and Latter-Day Saints also hosted the delegates.
In her presentation, Gutoc, who is also the chairperson of Ako Bakwit, stressed that peace can bring changes in communities as she vowed to work towards preventing a repeat of the disastrous Marawi siege in any part of the Philippines and the world.
“Peace heals, and the presence of such brings about many meaningful changes: peace and order, jobs, enhanced healthcare delivery, infrastructure, improved agriculture. In short, progress and prosperity will only be achievable if there is peace,” she said.
Gutoc underscored how peace education can help end the vicious cycle of poverty and violence in the country.
The siege in the Islamic city of Marawi in Mindanao has been almost 2000 days later and displaced thousands The confrontation between the ISIS-inspired Maute group and security forces started on May 23, 2017.
On Oct. 17, 2017, the government declared the city liberated from terror forces after state forces regained control of the area and killed known international terrorists Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.
Gutoc noted that many evacuees were affected, reiterating that "the State has primary responsibility to protect evacuees per United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement." Evacuees have not yet returned to ground zero in Marawi, she added.
Gutoc, meanwhile, also stressed the need for “ayuda”, medical check-ups, and social activities.
She added mental health should also be acknowledged as a public concern.
Budget allocation must be put on mental health programs and support for practitioners in schools and offices, said Gutoc.
Gutoc has stayed in Marawi after her residency in Manila as chairperson of the Quiapo-based Muslim Youth and Students Alliance in the 1990s.