What a gift it was to witness the launch of The Road to Peace: Crafting the Bangsamoro Organic Law, a coffee table book by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. It’s perfect to celebrate this during the Christmas season — a season of hope, joy and peace.

The passing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in 2018 was an important step towards achieving peace in Muslim Mindanao. After years of painstaking processes and negotiations, this law helped end decades of conflict between the Philippine government and indigenous Moro population and helped set up a political entity for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Now, thanks to Sen. Zubiri, who also happens to be its principal author, we have a rare glimpse into the entire process that went into crafting this law. Legislators, diplomats, academics and peace advocates all gathered at the Old Senate Session Hall at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila to witness the launch. It was inspiring to be back at the National Museum surrounded by works of art that helped shape Philippine cultural and history. Of course, I took the opportunity to take photos in front of Juan Luna’s masterpiece, The Spoliarium. It was a sight to behold at 13.8 ft × 25.18 ft!

This launch was kicked off by a welcome address and introduction by Audrey Zubiri, followed by a highlight of the rich cultural heritage of Mindanao, and a heartfelt speech by Sen. Zubiri. He also graciously gave us our very own copies, which he also signed at the launch.

It’s such a wonderful addition to every bookshelf to know more about peace building, Mindanao’s history and the work and passion that goes into making a law. It’s so insightful and new knowledge for me!

Thank you, dear Dette, for having us. Such a wonderful event to be a part of. I encourage everyone to grab a copy. Cheers!