By Rose B. Palacio

Davao City (31 August) -- Davao City 2ndst District representative Vincent Garcia said that while the city government and his district embarks on series of peace campaign for a sustained peaceful atmosphere in Davao in line with the National Crime Prevention celebration, families which are the basic foundation of the community should also actively participate in building a culture of peace.

Congressman Garcia said families have big responsibilities in reporting immediately to concerned authorities any suspicious looking persons roaming around their respective community. Talagang malaki ang partisipasyon at tulong ng pamilya at mismong komunidad para mabawasan ang krimen sa ating mga lugar, kung mismong taongbayan ang kikilos at magreport sa pulis ng sinumang suspetsosong tao na nasa kanilang mga paligid, he said.

He said peace issues involved not only demonstrations but also segregating garbage and where to properly dump it including understanding between husband and wife on who has the authority to discipline their children.

It is very important for every citizen to know and understand the issues on peace such as issues on: why are we having peace talks, why are there threats behind a peaceful city like Davao, why are there Abu Sayaffs or international terrorists. It is highly important that people should understand these issues, the prejudices and biases which are obstacles to peace, he said.

He cited some situations that need peace like structural violence and division of humanity, organized armed conflict, cultural solidarity, the tribal phenomenon (the lumads, indigenous people, the Muslim sector), the care for environment. The public should understand issues like these.

Congressman Garcia who instructed his men to have "a touch" with his constituents in District Two said the most affected in a certain community are the children who are too young to be deprived of their rights to live in a peaceful community and a wholesome environment.

He said Dabawenyos are peace-loving people and parents are peace builders. Peace can be done by doing it first within the family which is the smallest unit of society.

"The way to peace building is when we can create the avenue and become faithful builders of peace in the family," he further said.