DECLARATION OF THE KABATAANG MINDANAO FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT AND LASTING PEACE FOR MINDANAO


We, the youth of Mindanao, reflecting various cultural, religious and
faith heritage, gathered in Davao City, on August 12-14, 2005:
Recognizing the youth of Mindanao as catalyst for peace and
development;

BEARING IN MIND the determination to fulfill the responsibility to
contribute to national efforts in promoting culture of peace in
Mindanao;

REAFFIRMING and upholding the importance of the youth of Mindanao to
develop and preserve their faith and belief and religious freedom
shall be safeguarded in an atmosphere of peace and tolerance;

BEARING IN MIND that the challenges and potentials of youth in
Mindanao are addressed by policy influenced by the current social and
economic conditions;

RECOGNIZING that the continued support from government and non-
government organizations through policies, programs and technical
interventions to sustain the strength and vitality of the youth in
Mindanao;

RECOGNIZING the efforts and objectives of the Kabataan sa Mindanao
NATIN;

ACKNOWLEDGING that young men and women in Mindanao aspire to full
participation in promoting lasting PEACE and DEVELOPMENT;

MAINTAINING that the contribution of youth organizations in Mindanao
could make a difference by serving and upholding the interest, rights
and welfare of the young people in the island in order to attain a
STRONG MINDANAO;

Declare our profound conviction that:

1. The different tribes and cultures existing in Mindanao are
advocating peace, compassion, and tolerance among mankind;

2. The promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental
freedoms, especially the right of individual to choose religion or faith can contribute to upholding respect for the diversity of faith and religion which is essential in combating ideologies based on extremism, discrimination, prejudice, intolerance, hatred, and the use of violence; unity among the diversity in Mindanao;

3. It is more important than ever for people of different
religion and faith to stand united and not allow use of violence to divide them; put an end to oppression, exploitation and
discrimination affecting the Mindanaoans;

4. Peace, justice, compassion, tolerance and moral values need
to be cultivated and nurtured to help create an environment conducive to building harmony within Mindanao;

5. Define and promote positive values;

6. Promote the protection and preservation of the environment;

7. Address corruption in all forms;

8. Enhance policies and programs on basic education; the need to
continuously mentor teachers to improve their teaching skills and
abilities which shall ultimately redound to better education;

9. Intensify campaign against the use of illegal drugs and
substance abuse thru information and education;

10. Revive the spirit of volunteerism among the youth of Mindanao;

11. Provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and sustainable
employment programs;

12. Recognize the role of the youth with special needs;

RESOLVED THEREFORE that the youth of Mindanao do solemnly declare its
urgent adoption and implementation to the fullest
institutionalization of the KABATAAN SA MINDANAO NATIN program in all
aspects of Peace and Development in Mindanao;

RESOLVED FURTHER that duly attested copies of these declarations be
furnished in all offices concerned for their information and guidance