A day of hope and history

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Today is a historic day that could mean the big difference between the troubled condition and the very delayed, or even lack of progress in the vast and supposedly very promising area of our country, its third region known as Mindanao.

For decades, maybe amore than a century now, Mindanao, had been the site of disorder and resentment from people who have been perceived to consider themselves as not truly citizens of this country, despite the geographical location of their territory. The fact that many of its residents belong to a different religious belief had also aggravated the condition. Years and years of unsuccessful attempts to come to a common ground with the people in the area and the pockets of leadership that have sprung up over the years, only led to the conclusion of some that the time may never come when a solution would be found, and the various leaderships there would come to terms with their government.

Upon his assumption of the Presidency, President Benigno Aquino III made the Mindanao problem one of his highest priorities, and made it a point to look for the right people to negotiate with, this time, the group known as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Patiently, and with humility and understanding, the negotiating people led by Marvic Leonen from the academe, took one little step after the other, met the setbacks head-on, until the talks winded up with the agreement that is to be signed today in Malacañang, between representatives from the MILF and the government.

This is, therefore, a day to be hailed, because it could mean that a complete change in the skyline of Mindanao can be expected. Already, some foreign entities have signified their interest in investing in the area once called “The Land of Promise”. Will this event today mean that the promise of Mindanao is soon to be fulfilled?

Let us give thanks that this agreement also means that peace is being given a chance to flower in Mindanao. Let us all support this development and pray that all parties will sincerely keep their part, and that the glimpses of peace and prosperity that we are seeing will reign in our country at last.*