Starting Point
Dr. Grace C. Jimeno-Rebollos is a distinguished leader, notable for her role as former president of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) in Zamboanga City. She earned her Master’s Degree from the University of the Philippines and developed her expertise through training in peace education and conflict research. Her credentials cover research and evaluation in education, governance, and peace development.
As an educator at the WMSU, she taught various subjects, including Philosophy and Advanced Statistics, as well as Research Methodology. As the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development, she has worked to advance the university's mission and the study of Research Methodology.
Peace Journey
Dr. Rebollos co-founded Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ). This organisation serves as a beacon of hope during a violent period in Mindanao, including the period of Abu Sayyaf group's bombings and kidnappings in Zamboanga and Basilan. This coalition of Muslim and Christian leaders promoted peace through an interfaith non-violence approach, effectively addressing extremist ideologies. Within this organisation, Dr. Rebollos developed the "Culture of Peace" framework, which integrated global peace-building concepts to foster harmony in conflict areas.
In 1994, PAZ included key figures like Father Bill Kreutz, Zamboanga Archbishop Francisco Cruces, and Claretian Father Angel Calvo. Particularly in engaging the Muslim community, PAZ established the SALAAM Foundation to promote diverse perspectives and foster understanding. This Muslim peace-building initiative engaged the local Muslim community in peace activities. It inspired the Mindanao Bishops-Ulama Council to advocate for interfaith dialogue.
Success Stories
Dr. Rebollos tirelessly advocates for peace, engaging in diverse programmes and roles such as lecturer, activist, policymaker, and community organiser. She served on the negotiating panel from December 2008 to June 2010. As the Vice President of PAZ, she has transformed the organisation into a vital movement in Mindanao, which led to the establishment of the Mindanao Peace Weavers coalition. PAZ is also a proud member of the Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance (ZABIDA), which is dedicated to regional development and peace. Under ZABIDA, the two areas benefit from the implementation of critical programmes, including disaster management, peace education, local governance improvement, and housing projects. Moreover, ZABIDA undertook projects to rehabilitate displaced persons, support livelihoods, promote women’s and children’s rights, combat trafficking, and foster interfaith dialogue.
After the 2008 peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) broke down, Dr. Rebollos joined the government peace panel to revive the dialogue that had taken place in Malaysia. She utilised PAZ’s Culture of Peace to integrate MILF rebels into security services, under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. She organised the wives of rebels into productive groups and now applies these experiences to rehabilitate families impacted by the 2013 Zamboanga attack. A vital part of this effort is security sector reform guided by the Armed Forces' Integrated Peace and Security programme (IPSP), known as the “bayanihan” approach. She leads the IPSP’s Bantay Bayanihan initiative to monitor its local effectiveness, addressing security concerns following the 2013 events.
Additionally, Dr. Rebo and ZABIDA foster interfaith relations with initiatives like the Interreligious Solidarity for Peace, bridging communities toward understanding and cooperation for lasting peace. Through these efforts, she remains a key force for peace, development, and unity in Mindanao.