By Crisha Nel Enerio, 16
Notre Dame Village National High School (BARMM)
Peace is a reality we can attain; it is also a choice every generation must make. In Bangsamoro, communities were torn apart, and countless innocent lives were lost in the long, vicious war between the Philippine army and Moro armed groups. But out of the disturbing events came a chance to reconcile. This shows that despite how intense or acrimonious disagreements might be, it can give way to optimism, friendship, and a common commitment to peace.
Peace is not always easy. Challenges exist even as considerable progress is achieved. Politics has sometimes tested the cohesion that the people of Bangsamoro have fought long to achieve. Power struggles between achieving equal representation and a shared identity divided people but this does not mean peace is impossible.
Imagine a Bangsamoro where differences are appreciated and understood and not used against each other. They will find harmony in their diversity and will have representation from a government that will listen to all voices.
But if we want this future, we need to commit to peace now. It is in our choices today that we build the future we hope for.
Education must take center stage. To build a culture that gives importance to harmony, we have to instill values such as peace, respect, and tolerance at home. School curriculum in Bangsamoro must teach students to respect various backgrounds and beliefs. Conflict resolution has to be taught so the next generation views peace as something attainable and important, rather than simply an ideal.
Inclusive governance is also important. The peace process remains open and based on equality and justice, but adaptable enough to be changed when needed. That means overcoming political conflicts requires leaders who can be honest, ethical, and inclusive. Views of underprivileged groups should be valued and elections should be fair and open; focused on issues rather than personalities.
Economic development relies heavily on addressing the roots of violence, poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity. Bangsamoro will build its economic future through entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and employment. Doing so can create stability, reduce poverty, and increase access to social services, health care, and education. More opportunities= and hope can drive down the likelihood of strife.
Peace also implies the expression and preservation of culture. This is important in sustaining the rich cultural heritage that Bangsamoro has. Areas where peoples can practice their customs and where the youth can learn about them should be provided.
It will take us a while—one fraught with challenges—to reach a peaceful, prosperous Bangsamoro. But it is worth the hardship. In every step we take today, be it in education, governance, economic growth, or cultural preservation, we ultimately get closer to making peace truly last.
So, let us no longer regard peace as an ideal that is beyond our reach but as something we can actively build at. Let’s work at creating the ideal Bangsamoro, where everybody will live with respect, with dignity, with opportunities. It will be a place of enduring peace, mutual prosperity, and unwavering solidarity—a strength and hope where future generations can grow and thrive.