Source: The Manila Bulletin

http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED2005071139197.html

On July 11, 2005 The Manila Bulletin ran an editorial that commented, "If religious intolerance has initiated conflict throughout history, interfaith dialogue is today serving as a foundation on which to ease tensions and promote peaceful co-existence, even in areas plagued by conflict. This has presented the Philippines with the great opportunity to promote interfaith discussions, an initiative using religion as a vehicle to contribute to social cohesion and stability worldwide, especially on the issue of resolving conflict and terrorism. The Philippine Peace Model has been unanimously adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in its flagship project to achieve harmony for the world from 2006-2007. The acceptance of the Philippine model of employing religion as an antidote to conflict and terrorism by the United Nations is a source of great pride to the country and validates the government’s commitment to utilize inter-religious cooperation as an important means to pursue peace."