Ulama hails PGMA in conducting dialogues in achieving peace
by Rose B Palacio
Davao City (5 August) -- The ULAMA League of the Philippines lauded the call of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the conduct of continues dialogue with communities in resolving conflicts among conflict areas.
ULAMA league regional chairman Aleem Mahmod Mala Adilao said the ULAMA league is supporting the call of the President as the same policy has also been adopted by the 42 nations worldwide during the recently-concluded 4th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) held in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Chairman Adilao was one of the delegates representing the Mindanao region during the ASEM.
President Macapagal-Arroyo has been spending a lot of consultations in various conflict areas and we, the Muslim group, is fully supporting this, Adilao said.
The President has recently led the local Peace and Security Assemblies (LPSAs) in Tuguegarao City and made major stakeholders agree on a workable action agenda to address the problems of peace and security with the provision of livelihood and development programs.
Adilao said that "during our ASEM interfaith dialogue in Amsterdam participated in by 42 countries worldwide, the meeting underscored the importance of dialogues to be able to resolve understanding among nations and be able to achieve peace and prosperity among all countries."
Our Muslim brothers recognized the different cultures, religions and beliefs among other countries but we also believe that we only have to share our common values and understanding in achieving peace and stability in our various communities, Adilao said.
There is a need to increase communication among each other to foster greater understanding in facing the challenges that our country is facing right now, he said.
The ASEM interfaith also dealt on the poverty reduction which is similar to the agenda of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo aimed at narrowing economic gaps among Filipinos, he said.
In our working group during the Interfaith dialogue, we also discussed the poverty reduction and how other countries can play in poverty alleviation in terms of people's trust and humanitarian motivation, Adilao said.
Rich countries are willing to reach out to the poorest members of the community and mobilize needed resources at their own levels just to be able to help the poor. The 42 member countries are also willing to provide elements for sustainable development through values formation and empowerment, he said. (PIA) [top]
