Yt Framework

A grand parade, children solidarity exchange, and art exhibit on November 24 will kick off this year's celebration of Week of Peace in Zamboanga City, which is also observed throughout Mindanao.

As in past years, thousands will once again be marching in the parade to express their call for peace as the war in Mindanao enters its fifth decade of communal conflict and violence.

The theme of this years' celebration is “Common Word Between Us and You: Love of God and Love of Neighbor,” which was authored by the Bishops-Ulama Council (BUC), annual sponsor of the Week.

Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) president Fr. Angel Calvo said the other activities during the Week will include the 6th National Samabadjao Movement Anniversary on Nov. 25; Blood for Peace sponsored by the Center for Peace and Development of Western Mindanao State University on Nov. 25; Historical and Solidarity Journey in Taluksangay Barangay sponsored by the Liga de Barangay and Dept. of Interior and Local Government city office on Nov. 26.

Peace Weavers Awards Night on Nov. 27; Wall of Peace mural painting on Nov. 28; Ka PEACE ta! Forum and Mindanao Youth Peace Forum in WMSU on Nov. 29; Sta. Cruz Island Coastal Cleanup on Nov. 30; Peace Ecology in WMSU on Dec. 1; and the closing torch parade on Dec. 1 capped by a musical festival in Paseo del Mar.

Fr. Calvo also announced that the recipients of this year's Peace Weaver Awards are: the late Mayor Cesar Climaco and the late Fr. Fausto Tentorio – both posthumous; Human Rights Commissioner Atty. Jose Manuel Mamauag; Ayala National High School principal Dr. Socorro Canaya; Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer; and, Claret School of Tumahubong. The awarding ceremony shall be held in Garden Orchid Hotel.

In their Week of Peace 2011 statement, the BUC said: “Christian and Muslim believers are called People of the Book the contents of which are believed to have been revealed by God/Allah Himself. Because of this divine revelation, they believe they have a common origin and a common destiny which they can only achieve through a life based on “Love of God and Love of Neighbor”, a core commandment to know and to obey...For this reason, we urgently appeal to all Christians and Muslims in this country, in Asia and in the world to renew their faith and life by a thorough study, reflection and living out of this theme.”

The BUG has been spearheading inter-religious advocacies in Mindanao since it was founded in 2000 in a convention in Zamboanga City. It immediately adopted the city's Week of Peace celebration for Mindanao-wide observance.

The celebration is covered by two presidential proclamations that enjoin all sectors of Mindanao to participate in and support it.

PRESS RELEASE