Peace Final

10. CULTURE OF PEACE

SIGNIS is the World Catholic Association for Communication, a global network of Catholic media professionals that promotes “Media for a culture of peace”.

What is the concept of culture and peace?

As defined by the United Nations, the Culture of Peace is a set of values, attitudes, modes of behavior and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups and nations.

Requirements for peace and non-violence:

1. Foster a culture of peace through education by revising the educational curricula to promote qualitative values, attitudes and behaviors of a culture of peace including peaceful conflict-resolution, dialogue, consensus-building and active non-violence;
   
   
2. Promote sustainable economic and social development by reducing economic and social inequalities, by eradicating poverty and by assuring sustainable food security, social justice, durable solutions to debt problems, empowerment of women, special measures for groups with special needs environmental sustainability;
   
   
3. Promote respect for all human rights. For human rights and culture of peace are complementary: whenever war and violence dominate, there is no possibility to ensure human rights; at the same time, without human rights, in all their dimensons, there can be no culture of peace;
   
   
4. Ensure quality between women and men through full participation of women in economic, social and political decision make, elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against women, support and assistance to women in need;
   
   
5. Foster democratic participation indispensable foundations for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security are democratic principles, practices and participation in all sectors of society, a transparent and accountable governance and administration, the combat against terrorism, organized crime, corruption, illicit drugs and money laundering;
   
   
6. Advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity to abolish war and violent conflicts we need to transcend and overcome enemy images with understanding, tolerance and solidarity among all peoples and cultures. Learning from our differences, through dialogue and the exchange of information, is an enriching process. 

10. WORLD PEACE

Our Lady of Fatima, today we pray for your Son to come to our aid and end the suffering and wars throughout the world. Help us to be like the children at Fatima; loving, trusting and faithful. May we pray to bring peace to our own world in our own small way by choosing to love and trust in the Lord.

Amen

 

There are several on-going armed conflicts in the world, including conflicts in Israel, Yemen, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and
Iraq.

On-going conflicts:
• Israeli–Palestinian conflict: Also known as the Gaza war, this conflict includes the conflict between Israel and Gaza.

• Israeli–Lebanese conflict: Also known as the Hezbollah–Israel conflict, this conflict includes the conflict between Israel
and Hezbollah.

• Iran–Israel proxy conflict: This conflict is part of the 2023 Middle Eastern crisis.

• Yemen: This country is currently experiencing a war.

• Afghanistan: This country is currently experiencing a civil war and terrorist insurgency.

• South Sudan: This country is currently experiencing ethnic violence.

• Iraq: This country is currently experiencing a terrorist insurgency and political unrest.

•  Myanmar: This country is experiencing the world's longest ongoing civil war, which has lasted almost eight decades.

As of today, the primary conflict between the Philippines and China centers around territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with escalating tensions marked by frequent confrontations between their coast guard vessels near disputed shoals like Sabina Shoal, including accusations of dangerous maneuvers, water cannon usage, and physical altercations, all while the Philippines continues to assert its rights based on a previous international arbitration ruling against China's expansive claims in the region; this situation is further complicated by the Philippines' strengthening military ties with the United States to counter potential Chinese aggression.

Question: Do you want to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven?

Answer:
If yes, promote peace, all can promote peace whoever and whatever you are. Remember your riches (money) should lead and not hinder you for true happiness! Pray for those whose answer is no.

Why? You are your brothers’ keeper. Strengthening a Culture of Peace through Communicative Action.

SIGNIS ASIA

Vision:

Peace as a Way of Life We, the members of SIGNIS ASIA, envision that the world that we live in today will be a different and better place in the future, and one that is marked by cooperation and mutual respect. We believe that the main battle for peace is within each human being, and not in the pursuit of weapons and violence.

We shall individually and collectively work towards fostering a Culture of Peace in Asia. We shall be a vibrant organization where all kinds of media forms are employed to foster a Culture of Peace in our communities.

Characteristics and Forms of the Culture of Violence in Asia In Asia, as in many parts of the world, we are confronted with, and also experience the culture of violence expressed in different forms: such as ethnic violence, ‘religious violence, labour exploitation, human exploitation, retail violence, such as person-to-person conflicts, and state violence, inter-state or regional conflict, symbolic

violence, such as linguistic and cultural suppression, ecological violence, and self-inflicted violence, such as suicide. While many of these forms of violence are visible and inhuman , e.g. inter-religious conflict, increasingly, violence has become hidden invisible an longterm, e.g. pesticide poisoning, which is not immediate and takes time to manifest itself.

 

Role of Communication and Media in Promoting a Culture of Violence

While accepting the usefulness of the media as “gifts of God,” some of the mainstream media, tend to focus on spectacular, dramatic, and sensational news items for pubic consumption. Many of these are based on, or a result of, conflicts and violence, usually presented without careful ‘back grounding’ or follow –up, leading to desensitisation and lack of concern for conflict and violence. Our response to the portrayal of violence in the mainstream media has not been adequate. Further, the mainstream media also promote lifestyles that are based on an exploitative social and economic system, and that have a negative impact on the environment and on future generations. They promote unsustainable consumption. Genuine “unity and advancement of people” or a value-based philosophy, do not guide or animate the mainstream media.

 

Our Challenge

The culture of violence in Asia affects the lives of individuals, families, communities and nations. This culture poses a– massive communication challenge to all social, political; economic and cultural/religious spheres. Only in meeting this challenge can the culture of violence be confronted, and a Culture of Peace be promoted. This should be don in an organized way, which includes local efforts, national and regional partnerships, innovative institution-building and the formation of communities. 

 

Integrity of the Family

Increasing problems between husband wife, between adults and children, neglect of youth and older persons have all threatened family life. The Family is the basic unit of the community and the nation. Thus, domestic peace and tranquillity are critical for the survival and continuity of society.

Forms of Communication to Promote a Culture of Peace This reflects an active engagement between people and their Creator. In the social field, such a theology recognizes communication as a two-way dialogical process. With the purpose or promoting authentic and dynamic unity, genuine advancement of peoples and sustainability of societies, we urge that the following forms of communication be used to foster a Culture of Peace.

1. Expose Communication The culture of violence manifests itself in many ways. In some cases, what is visible hides a more pernicious reality. Latent causes are, therefore, not available for public scrutiny and attention. In some other cases, acts/events of conflict or violence are far away from social attention. (Asia has regions and spaces that have not been explored, and therefore, are not available for public attention.) Such acts/events need to be drawn and presented for public attention and intervention. Both the situations above require investigative and expose communication, which involves the important aspect of ‘back grounding’ the issues.
   
   
2. Transparency in communication Genuine communication requires exchanges where the intentions and purposes of those engaged in communication, whether individual or mass, are clear and honest. While this principle may not be applied in life-threatening situations, it is a general principle that promotes trust between communicators, and therefore, promotes a Culture of Peace.
   
   
3. Reconciliatory Communication Inter-communal, inter-religious and inter-state conflicts are a reality in contemporary Asia. This reality involves people living as neighbours and having to interact with each other on a day-today basis. Many of the conflicts are civil and they are between‘ brothers and sisters’ within a locality or region. They are also between neighbours, and not an invading army. This general situation in Asia needs to be addressed through reconciliation. Reconciliatory communication is an urgent need to heal communal wounds and scars.
   
   
4. Participatory Communication In the political arena in contemporary Asia, full and involved political participation of people in public life is still an unrealistic reality. The expression of democracy cannot be fully achieved without people’s participation in decision-making that has implications for them and their communities. Participatory communication requires a free and open media. It is an urgent need for the evolution of a democratic Asia and will contribute to overcoming conflicts between individual/ciommuynites and the state. It will also contribute to the development of an active civil society. 

 

Peace is Flowing Like a River

Lyrics:

Peace is flowing like a river,
Flowing out of you and me.
Flowing out into the desert,
setting all the captives free.
His Word is flowing like a river,
Flowing out through you and me.
Spreading out into the desert,
Setting all the captives free.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Carey Landry
Peace Is Flowing Like a River lyrics ©
Epoch Universal Publications Inc

What to Do:

In your own little way do what you can to Promote a Culture of Peace

1. Expose the culture of violence as  content of communication and  ensitising people to the culture of violence.
   
   
2. Organize communication campaigns to confront the culture of violence and to promote a Culture of Peace.
   
   
3. Promote peace education as a specific process of creating a conscientization and self formation of persons from formative years to adulthood. 

 

FAMILY PEACE
ORTEGA FAMILY

The Ortega Twins_ Maria Luz Bolong and Maria Nila Argel were instructed from heaven to preserve Don Joaquin J. Ortega and Dona Francisca Lacsamana Ancestral Home, their abode with fourteen children. The residence of the First Civil Governor of La Union provides a vital link to the Ortega’s Heritage and Family History. The Ortega Twins Haven occupying the second floor of the adjacent Evaristo-Rosa Ancestral Home is a priceless treasure.

The twins consider the preservation of the Don Joaquin J. Ortega Ancestral Home a Miracle of Fatima at Elyu. These Ancestral Homes have a role to play on the education of future generations. Peace starts in the family.

We call ourselves “ the Ortgea Twins of La Union” although in the illustrations there are eight pairs. We would like to be known as the twins who have brought the memory of our grandparents through the preservation home. 

On May 13, 2016 I went to look for cousin Pablo Ortega. May 13 is the First Apparition Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima to the three visionaries. Luckily I saw him at the City Hall. He expressed approval of the museum. However up to now no action. It is fortunate though that cousin Victor is still around and so we hope the issue will be resolve soon.

But don't get us wrong. We are not imposing our will it should always be the will of God that prevails. This I have told to cousin Dinah Ortega Gonong Cantorna. That I will treasure more the relationship with cousins rather than imposing my will. We are having estranged relationship with cousin Carlos Ortega but during the Nov. 1 all Souls Day at Lingsat Cemetery peace is on the air as Carlos sister and children were pleasant in fact flowers wereoffered by them in the tomb of my parents and sister. The Ortega Ortega Clan 2025 Reunion this March is something to look forward too. In fact if relatives could drop by the Ancestral House it would be a sign that the conversion into a museum.

An article “Ortega battle for La Union Post” is disturbing. Why? because it is an indication that they could not agree as to who is to run to a particular position. It would be better that there is unity in the family for after all La Union means unity.

A picture of our late Papa Bisting was shown carrying the Pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fatima in her visit to San Fernando, La Union on March 31, 1949. Twins would like to believe that our parents’ example have made our faith strong. Family is the first place were children can find out about love, companionship and forgiveness. 

 

PEACE IN THE ORTEGA CLAN

The Ortega political dynasty of La Union, Philippines has a rich history dating back to Joaquin Ortega, the elite Spanish mestizo patriarch who served as the first civil governor during the American Regime. However, the family’s legacy has been marred by internal conflicts, particularly in the second generation, when disagreements over candidacy for political positions sparked a feud. The rivalry has continued to this day with family members running against other in elections where Vice Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega is pitted against his grand daughter incumbent Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega David.

Despite the divisions within the clan, there are still moments of warmth and connections, as some family members can smile eye to eye—to promote peace and unity within the clan, especially for those living abroad here’s a peace message from us the Ortega Twins of Papa Bisting.

As we navigate the complexities of our family history and politics, let us remember our shared heritage and what have always defined us, love, respect, and a commitment to public service. We, Twins Luz and Nila, acknowledge the pain and division that have arisen from our differences, but we also recognize the strength and resilience that have always characterized our family.

As we move forward let us strive to put aside our differences and work towards a future where every member of our clan can thrive and contribute to the well-being of our community—to La Union province— our home.

Let us celebrate our diversity and promote a culture of understanding, empathy and mutual respect. To our family members abroad, we reach out to you with love and solidarity urging you to remain connected to our shared heritage and support one another in your respective endeavors.

Together let us build a brighter future for our family and the people of La Union. May our beloved Lolo Joaquin Ortega and Lola Paca Lacsamana legacy be one of unity, love, and service to others. For once more we can always live and say “Toy agay-ayat kadakayo amin.”

With love and peace, Luz and Nila

 

ORTEGA-BOLONG CLAN

To my dear siblings,
As we journey through life, our paths may have shifted. Material pursuits may have taken center stage, leading us to drift apart. But as we stand at the crossroad, I invite you to remember the bonds that once united us. Our shared experiences, laughter, and tears forged an unbreakable connection. Let us not let the fleeting nature of material possessions and other priorities come between us. Instead, let us rediscover the love, trust and understanding that once defined our relationships.

To my children and husband As I responded to the call of faith, particularly through my devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, I may have unintentionally created distance between us. I realize that my new priorities may have been misunderstood, leading to feelings of neglect or abandonment. I want you to know that my love for you has never wavered. My faith is not a replacement for our relationships but rather a source of respect to one another, a source of strength and inspiration. I share with you. 

Let us embark on our journey of healing, reconciliation and rediscovery. May our shared experiences and love guide us back to each other. With love and hope, Lucia.

Remembering the death anniversaries of Papa Maning (Dec. 22, 1990) and Mama Pacing (Dec. 17, 1995). Grateful for the beautiful moments we shared. May you rest in eternal peace. You are forever in our thoughts and prayers. 

your love and warmth still resonate in our hearts your memory continues to inspire us. We miss you deeply.