ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines/ BP Garcia–Lawyer-educator Adel Tamano is challenging the so-called “presidentiables” seeking to run in next year’s presidential elections to reveal at this early how they intend to resolve the decades-old conflict in Mindanao and foster the Christian-Muslim unity among Filipinos.

Tamano, the guest speaker Tuesday at the commencement exercises of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), said the country’s “presidentiables” should also explain their position on the ongoing Mindanao peace talks aside from disclosing their “Christian-Muslim Unity Agenda.”

“In fairness to the people of Mindanao, I believe it is only fair that our presidentiables should now tell us what their Mindanao conflict resolution agenda and how they intend to foster better harmony among the Muslims and Christians in Mindanao,” Tamano said.

Tamano, President of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ACLA), said finding the elusive peace in Mindanao should be an utmost priority of the next occupant of Malacañang Palace.

“That (agenda) is not a matter of choice, it’s a political imperative,” he said citing achieving economic prosperity and political stability for the entire country will never be attained unless the Mindanao conflict is resolved.

“The bitter lessons of war have taught us this painful reality and anyone seeking the presidency in 2010 must know this by now,” he added.

He pointed out that the Mindanao conflict must be resolved and honorable peace must descend on southern Philippines before the entire country can prosper.

Tamano, who is also an advocate of inter-faith dialogue and conflict resolution in the grassroots level, said the Mindanaoans should be given all the necessary information about the proposed programs of governance of each presidential aspirant, particularly on the issue of the Mindanao conflict.

He encouraged the graduates to use their education in helping create a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, specifically by having a Muslim-Christian unity agenda.

He told the graduates that as they received the gift of education, they have also been given the opportunity in using the knowledge and skills to help others.

“As your graduation theme states clearly, you must be catalysts for development and a just and lasting peace in Mindanao,” he added. (BP Garcia, The PhilSouth Angle)

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