2 months ago
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NORWAY, through its embassy in Manila, and the Sulong Peace Inc. (SPI) remain committed to bringing lasting peace and sustained development on Negros Island.
The Embassy of Norway in Manila and SPI conducted a field visit to Negros Island as Norway's reaffirmed its commitment to peace-building, security cooperation and participatory governance.
The visit, led by Norwegian Ambassador to Manila Christian Halaas Lyster, coincided with Mount Kanlaon communities' 90th day of evacuation under Alert Level 3, highlighting the intersection of conflict resolution, disaster response and sustainable development.
"For Norway, peace and reconciliation work is long term. In the Philippines, our cooperation started in 2001 when Norway became the third-party facilitator in the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines," Lyster said.
"This visit to Negros underscores Norway's continuing commitment to the Philippines' quest toward lasting peace," the envoy said in a statement on Monday.
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Seth Villaruel, SPI executive director, said, "Continuous dialogue reaffirms the role of civil society and local leaders in shaping inclusive, community-driven policies."
"For peace to be lasting, governance must be inclusive, responsive and centered on community voices, human rights and sustainable solutions," Villaruel added.
In Bacolod City, the delegation met with Mayor Abelardo Benitez, officials from the Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade and Philippine National Police wherein they discussed security conditions, conflict prevention and disaster response in Negros.
The discussion emphasized the security sector's role in stabilizing communities, protecting displaced populations and strengthening local governance.
The delegation also met with Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas and Don Salvador Benedicto Mayor Laurence Marxlen dela Cruz, among other local government leaders.
The local officials reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining peace efforts through strong local governance.
The SPI also provided updates on its Transitional Justice and Reconciliation initiatives, implemented since 2023 to promote participatory governance, human rights advocacy and capacity-building in conflict-affected areas.
A dialogue with former rebels focused on reintegration challenges and pathways toward dignified livelihoods, reinforcing peace and stability efforts in these communities.
