In photographs: NCMF brings PCVE to NCR bannered by Sen. Ping Lacson

(SDN) — PREVENTING and countering violent extremism (PCVE) is live now in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The PCVE is a major project of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) headed by Secretary/CEO Saidamen Balt Pangarungan, who has often emphasized that Marawi City should be the first and last victim of violent extremism and terrorism.

Funding for the PCVE, conducted nationwide, came from the Japan people through United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) worth around Php14 million.

“We in NCMF usher peace by bravely bringing our campaign to the war front. We have been to critical areas in the cities of Marawi, Maguindanao and Zamboanga, which in recent memories were the scenes of violent extremism,” said Pangarungan, a former governor of Lanao del Sur, mother province of Marawi, known as the Philippines’ only Islamic City.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson graced the whole event at the Blue Leaf Hotel, Aseana City, Paranaque City, Metro Manila.

In photographs, here is the National Capital Region (NCR) edition of the PCVE, “Strengthening National and Local Resilience to uRisks of Violent Extremism in the Philippines.”

 Need we say more.

NCMF Secretary/CEO Saidamen B. Pangarungan.

Sen. Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson.

Long-time Philippine resident Italian Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra shares inputs on preventing violent extremism and his experiences and work in interfaith dialogue in the country.

Plaque of Appreciation for Keynote Speaker Sen. Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson (center).

Peace and one for all, all for one against violent extremism.

Another Plaque of Appreciation for Second Secretary Yojiro Konno (5th, right), Economic Section, Embassy of Japan.

NMCF Secretary Saidamen B. Pangarungan (in coat) presents a Plaque of Appreciation to Brig. Gen. Rolando M. Aquino (Ret.).

NCMF Secretary Saidamen B. Pangarungan takes call from another plea for help.

NCMF-BPCR Director Cosanie M. Derogongan calls on Moro youth to reject and prevent violent extremism.

Selfie for the moment.

More lady participants.

Part of the PCVE conference and workshop attendees for the Moro youths.

Presidential table with (from left) Sen. Panfilo ‘Ping’ M. Lacson, NCMF Secretary/CEO Saidamen B. Pangarungan, Embassy of Japan Second Secretary Yojiro Konno, and NCMF Executive Director Tahir Lidasan, Jr.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Assistant Secretary Allan Cabanlong with red T-Shirt.

A lighter moment as the PCVE conference winds down. 

All smiles for the camera.

Dr. Yumiko Kaneko, program officer for Peacebuilding, Resilience and Peacebuilding Unit, United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Of the long queue for the registration.

 

Moro (Muslim Filipino) youth participants in the PCVE workshop.

For the lighter side of things, a pink socks, easily the event’s more eye-catching scenery.

More people are hoping to see more of this kind of initiative from the NCMF to help Filipinos — not just the Moros, the local Muslims — understand more the risks of dangerous ideologies which have no place in a peace-loving society. (SDN)

(Note: This story had multiple updates and edits.)