'Are There Two Mindanaos?', a collection of winning feature stories penned by young voices of Mindanao, is now published. The writers include Erika Rae Cruz of Iligan City, Leah Mariel Reyes of Dipolog City, Saima Kabalo of Cotabato City, Rogelio Garcia Jr. of Cagayan de Oro City, Sitti Ayeesha Dacali of Marawi City, Ahmad Musahari of Jolo, Sulu, Raiza Estino of Zamboanga City, John Philip Eijansantos of Isabela City, Suellen Ogena of Koronadal City, Kurt Ruselle Peconada of Kidapawan City, Farr Krizha Tangkusan of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, Herold Guadalupe of Lamitan, Basilan, Tricia Celine Ventura of Jolo, Sulu, Al-habbyel Yusoph of Dipolog City, Josef Clyve Cabiles of Kidapawan City, Asneah Jorge Datimbang of Iligan City, Mohaider Kairan of Jolo, Sulu, and Ellias Jamang of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, among others.
"Peace is non-negotiable. And we are all stakeholders to the peace situation in Mindanao. If we do not voice out our thoughts, if we just keep quiet and remain passive, then we will just give room for others to step on our rights," said Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat.
"We should not undermine the voices of our youth. As early as now, they should be involved with current issues especially those affecting Mindanao," said Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz.
"We need peace to push our city to development. We need to push Mindanao to grow further," declared Koronadal City Mayor Fernando Miguel.
"For while the fire of idealism still burns bright within you, it may be that breath of fresh air that we need to put our present situation in the right perspective," stressed Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Yu.
"The Voice of Mindanao opened an avenue for budding writers to share their thoughts on the conflicts in Mindanao. What was assumed as an unconcerned sector proved itself as an equally caring and affected segment of Mindanao society. Perhaps some may have been inspired...to further make use of the power of the pen to bring peace among warring peoples," said Cotabato City Information Officer Abdullah Cusain.
