The World Methodist Council last week honored the work of a peace activist in Mindanao for more than two decades of work as a mediator in the restive southern island.
Joy Balazo was honored during a ceremony at the Wesley Mission in Sydney, Australia, on Thursday, said a statement from Australia’s Foreign Affairs office.
Balazo works with the Uniting Church in Australia and Uniting World, an aid organization, to help build peace in communities caught in conflict and violence.
Bishop Ivan Abrahams, secretary general of the World Methodist Council, presented Balazo with the award, commemorating her years of service to peace and praised her inspiring dedication and commitment to sowing peace even in the most difficult situations.
Balazo’s work has taken her to countries across the region, including Ambon in Indonesia, the southern highlands of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India and Timor Leste.
She has now returned to the Philippines to support efforts for peace and sustainable livelihoods for the indigenous Subanen people of Mindanao.
