Pinay named 2012 international peace awardee

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino-Australian has joined the list of distinguished international peace awardees after receiving the World Methodist Peace Award for 2012.

Joy Balazo, who hails from Mindanao, has been recognized for over 20 years of work as a mediator and builder of peace by the World Methodist Council at ceremonies held last week at the Wesley Mission in Sydney.

World Methodist Council general secretary Bishop Ivan Abrahams presented the award to Balazo, who has been working with the Uniting Church in Australia and Uniting World, an aid organization, to help build peace in communities caught in conflict and violence.

Ten years ago, she established the Young Ambassadors for Peace, and worked with local communities to establish eight peacemaking centers in various parts of the Asia-Pacific.

During the awarding ceremony, Abrahams spoke of Balazo’s inspiring dedication and commitment to sowing peace even in the most difficult of situations, as her work took her across the Asia-Pacific region including Ambon, Indonesia, the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Timor Leste and Bougainville.

Last year, Balazo returned to the Philippines to work and support efforts for peace and sustainable livelihood for the indigenous Subanen people of Zamboanga.