The news "Oasis of Dialogue and Peace" is promoted by Silsilah Dialogue Movement, published every week in a local newspaper in Zamboanga City and envoys through the net to share our experiences in Dialogue and Peace!

2nd Week - October 12, 2011

Silsilah Forum - Marawi Conducts Transformative Youth Leadership Forum and Symposium on Dangerous Drugs Prevention

The Silsilah Forum- Marawi in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enhancement Agency (PDEA) and the ARMM Regional Office of National Youth Commission (NYC) - Mindanao conducted the Transformative Youth Leadership Forum and Symposium on Dangerous Drugs Prevention on September 11, 2011 at Benansing Macarambon Hall, Mamitua Saber Research and Technology Center, Mindanao State University, Marawi City.

The forum focused on the theme “Transforming Youth Leaders: Building and Developing Community” which    aimed to give   youth leaders ideas for good governance and develop within them a sense of responsibility. Another aim of the forum/symposium was to raise awareness among youth leaders and students in the Mindanao State University   the vital need to campaign for the eradication of the use of prohibited drugs within the university and in the city as a whole.

The one day forum was divided in two parts:  a brief orientation on the Importance of dialogue was given in the morning which highlighted the Mission and Vision of the Silsilah Dialogue Movement in promoting the culture of dialogue as path to peace and the role of Silsilah in drug eradication and youth transformation. In the afternoon, a representative of the Philippine Drug Enhancement Agency (PDEA) gave a talk on Dangerous Drug Awareness and Prevention which highlighted the salient provisions of the Comprehensive Drug Act of 2002. The speaker touched on the vicious effects of dangerous drugs like marijuana, shabu, ecstasy, and the like on the human body and the role of the youth and law enforcing agencies in drug eradication and prevention. The  symposium also encouraged the youth to support anti-drugs campaigns and to be observant and vigilant in their surroundings of those engaged in the business of illegal drug and its uses.The talk from the National Youth Commission was about Transformative Youth Leadership for Nation Building, The Role of the Youth in the Community and the Framing of the Local Youth Development Plan. This talk   helped the youth to know what to do and how significant their role is   in solving societal problems.

The forum was participated in by 100 youth -   60 are freshmen students of the university and 40 members of the Silpeace Youth. The  event  was organized under the leadership of Jihan S. Bacug and Melodia S. Udtohan, Muslim and Christian coordinators respectively of Silsilah Forum Marawi.
In the pursuit of its vision of dialogue the Silsilah Dialogue Movement continues to engage members and other people in discussion and actions on matters that promote the vision. The activity reported here is a good example of the continuing effort of the Movement to engage the youth in the various aspects of dialogue.