PAR TEAM ORGANIZING EXPANDS IN CENTRAL LUZON  By Dann Pantoja, Director of Field Operations

DECEMBER 2009, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija—Peacebuilders Community, Inc. is expanding its operations throughout Central Luzon in partnership with the Mennonite Central Committee and the Integrated Mennonite Churches, Inc.  

Peace and Reconciliation Teams (PAR-Ts) specializing in Disaster Preparation will be organized, trained, field-tested and mobilized from among the communities in Central Luzon.  The training and preparation will include various skills in responding to both natural and man-made disasters.

During a presentation held at the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) in Munoz, Nueva Ecija last December 4, 2009, 59 key leaders from civil society organizations, churches, and campus organizations have expressed their interest in developing a PAR Team that specializes in Disaster Preparedness.  During the question and answer period, a long-term goal was developed: to help increase the disaster preparedness of our partner communities in key areas of Central Luzon.  In order to achieve our goal, (a) we have to increase the capacity of our local community partners to respond to disasters caused by natural hazards and conflict; and, (b) we have to increase local disaster coordination among related agencies present in partner communities.

After each PAR organizing project, a partner community will have a program of action in the event of natural and man-made disasters led by the PAR Team in that community; the local people will be pro-active in responding to disasters instead of waiting for the outsiders to act on their behalf.  This can be measured by the number of volunteers mobilized immediately after a particular disaster.  

Professor Pacifico Vizmonte of CLSU was the lead organizer of the consultation.  He is also organizing a PAR Coordinating Group who would help PBCI develop a PAR organizing strategy that fits the context of Central Luzon.

PHOTOS (clockwise): Professor Pacifico Vizmonte welcoming the participants. Dr. Fredelon Sison, Dr. Chito Sace, Rev. Dann Pantoja, and Rev. Joy Gabasa will help coordinate PAR Team organizing in Central Luzon.  Rev. Dann Pantoja sharing the ministry of PBCI.  Rev. Gabasa leads during the question and answer period.  The key leaders in Central Luzon who participated in the PBCI presentation and public conversation.