CDO walks in unity for peace in Mindanao

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 2): CDO walks in unity for peace in Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 2 (PIA) – Students and teachers, government and non- government organizations, and religious groups in Cagayan de Oro City walked in unity despite rainfall, from Provincial Capitol Grounds to Kiosko Kagawasan, Divisoria on 26 November 2015 for the opening Mindanao Week of Peace celebration.

As the participants arrive at Kiosko Kagawasan, Divisoria, the solidarity begins. Different groups of religion – Lumads, Muslims, and Christians unite for peace through prayers in the endeavor towards peace in Mindanao. The Lumads, Muslims, and Christian may have different traditions and beliefs, but despite of these differences, there exist common thing which is faith. With that common faith, all hope for peace in Mindanao.

With this year’s theme: “Mindanaoans Aspirations for Peace: Kalinaw sa Dios – Katawhan – Kinaiyahan,” Archbishop Antonio Ledesma further highlighted the message of theme.

“Ang katawhan mao ang pinaka importante apan walay kalambuan alang sa katawhan kung walay kalinaw ug karun kita ginahagit sa pag amping sa kinaiyahan,” (People are the most important but there will be no development if there is no peace and now we are challenged to take care of mother earth.) he said.

“We have to be reminded always that we Muslims, Christians, and Lumads are one in hope, one in aspirations, and live a life that is vibrant with peace of mind. Let us continue to live harmoniously with love, respect and understanding with one another,” says National Commission for Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Director Ombra Gandamra.

“Today, we can hear lots of chaos from one place to another. There is a need for us to motivate other people in spreading peace particularly in Mindanao since we know that there is a conflict between Muslims and Christians especially the rebels and others. We need peace and that is why I am here.” says Kristal Baldon, a student from Camaman-an National Highs School.

Participants from different groups gather together, extending their right thumb connecting one hand to another as a sign of peace which symbolizes that each people is part in creating peace. It will be the kind of peace that will be shared to everybody – Muslim, Christian, and Lumad united as one.

Mindanao is a land of diversity in terms of race, culture and religion. For years, Mindanao has been encountering peace issues and recently, the number peace issues are rising in especially in terms of land ownership and rebel attacks that result to chaos.

Mindanao Week of Peace is being celebrated annually throughout Mindanao from the last Thursday of November until the first Wednesday of December covered by the Presidential Proclamation No. 127 whereas, the government recognizes the common aspirations of Mindanaoans to live in peace, unity and harmony with each other regardless of status in life, religion, or culture and in order to raise consciousness for a culture of peace among the peoples of Mindanao.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2611449019285/cdo-walks-in-unity-for-peace-in-mindanao