IMELDA, Zamboanga Sibugay — The Philippine Army's 106th Infantry Battalion (106IB) is offering Iftar, the evening meal for Muslims ending their daily Ramadan fast, to 30 mosques throughout Zamboanga Sibugay province. This initiative aims to foster community relations and promote peace in the area.
According to Philippines News Agency, commander of the 106IB, the program commenced on March 12 with a ceremony at a mosque in Poblacion village, Malangas town, where around a hundred Muslim faithful were served. The initiative will extend to 29 other mosques in the province for the duration of Ramadan. Pumbaya emphasized that these efforts are part of the battalion's commitment to maintaining positive relations, enduring peace, and development within their operational area.
The gesture of providing Iftar meals is described as an act of giving that seeks to inspire, strengthen relationships, and express gratitude for life's blessings, particularly peace and unity. This initiative is seen as a step towards fostering goodwill and understanding between the military and the local Muslim communities.
In related developments, Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, led the groundbreaking ceremony for a new road project and participated in a medical and dental mission in Barangay Saad, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. This area, once a conflict zone and considered a stronghold of guerrilla forces, is undergoing transformation following successful peacekeeping efforts by the 102nd Infantry Brigade, which has led to it being cleared of insurgents. The Army views the road construction as symbolic of the community's healing and ongoing development.
MANILA - The Philippines has announced its intention to augment its contribution to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping efforts, with a specific focus on enhancing the participation of Filipino women in maintaining global peace and security.According to Philippines News Agency, which was themed 'Promoting Conflict Prevention - Empowering all Actors Including Women and Youth,' the Philippines, through Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, expressed readiness to expand its role in UN peacekeeping operations. Loyzaga emphasized the country's longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping since 1963 and its desire to elevate its involvement by deploying more skilled women peacekeepers known for their professionalism and compassion.
Loyzaga articulated the Philippines' dedication to fostering inclusive, intergenerational, and enduring peace. She highlighted the nation's role as a partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker, willing to contribute its experiences to the Security Council to tackle peace and security challenges effectively.
The DENR Secretary underscored the success of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), noting significant contributions from women negotiators, researchers, educators, and community organizers. The Philippines aims to share these insights with the Peacebuilding Commission as part of its continuous journey toward sustainable peace through conflict prevention, equity, and human dignity.
Furthermore, Loyzaga pointed out the Philippines' strong commitment to a rules-based international order and active engagement in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other global collaborations. She stressed the crucial role of women in peacebuilding and the country's anticipation for the 'Summit of the Future' in September and the '2025 Review of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture' to enhance strategies for the peaceful resolution of international disputes and bolster resilience against security risks.