In consonance with the United Nations Resolution 55/282, we the members of KAAKBAY - Tri-People Youth Dialogue hereby uphold the observance and celebration declaring September 21, 2002 as International Day of Peace.

       The Philippines has been battered and bruised again and again for so many years that the people of this land, without knowing it, have unconsciously acquired a culture of violence in their search for that elusive peace. Whether they be government, revolutionary or secessionist, they have mistakenly assumed that peace can only be achieved by stamping out the opposition. Without realizing it, the very people they were stamping out are their own brothers, for are we not of one color, one race, one blood, and one past. And because of their adversarial stance in getting peace by means of force, they seemed to have forgotten that the majority, or the innocent civilian masses for whom they are trying to provide peace, have for a long time been the very victims of their actions.

       If they could only open their eyes and see that peace can never ever be attained through force, this country would have been a land of peace long ago. Sadly though, that is not the case. In many instances, frustrating predicaments do not taper off with us. They rise to new heights. That is, they fall off the scenario only to rise again up to an escalating degree during the most crucial situations. Nevertheless, hope still remains that someday our leaders and protectors from the opposing sides see the light soon.

       We the youth believe that sustainable peace can be achieved, whether in this city, on this island, or in this country. We believe that, to attain peace, the desire to have peace must come from the heart of each one of us, whether Christian, Moro, or Lumad. A culture of peace, not a culture of violence, should be espoused and advanced by our elders in the different sectors of our society.

       We believe that this day, September 21, 2002, should be a day commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace and alleviating tensions and causes of conflict. It is our stand and conviction that a cessation of violence and conflict throughout the world and the related importance of achieving the broadest possible awareness and observance of the International Day of Peace among the global community is vital to the very survival of humanity.

       We, therefore, make this clarion call to all the sectors of society in General Santos City and the SOCSKSARGEN area as a whole and invite all parties concerned to honor a cessation of hostilities for the duration of this day. This is the humble request of the youth sector. "Peace", "Kapayapaan", and "Kalinaw" to the Christians and the majority, "Salam" and "Kalilintad" to the Muslims and the Moro people, and "Kagatnak" to the Lumad, they all mean the same thing. And we all desire that same thing. So let us give peace a chance, not only today, not only tomorrow, but for the rest of the days to come.