by Asst. Prof. Ludivina B. Dekit and Engr. Marlon C. Grande
September of every year is declared National Peace Consciousness Month by Proclamation No. 675 issued in 2004. The aim is to instill greater consciousness and understanding among the Filipino people on the comprehensive peace process and to sustain institutional and popular support for participation in promoting a culture of peace. Last September 28, 2022, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) celebrated National Peace Consciousness Month at Juanito Bruno Gymnasium with over 1000 participants representing different Colleges. The theme for this year’s Peace Month, “Pagkakaisa at Paghilom: Isang Bansa para Kapayapaan,” aims to remind Filipinos that through unity and cooperation, the nation can attain genuine and sustainable peace.
During the program, the Director of the WMSU-Biosafety and Biosecurity Office Dr. Malou Elago gave the opening remarks and officially welcomed the participants. WMSU Jambangan Dance Troupe through the Office of the Culture and the Arts gave an astonishing cultural dance performance. The event was a huge success and would not be possible without the support of the University President, Dr. Ma Carla Altea Ochotorena who inspired the participants by saying, “If we hold on together, we can build and sustain peace”. PBGEN NEIL B ALINSAÑGAN Regional Director, PRO-9 was on the stage as well to express his support for the event and discussed how the importance of this collaborative activity towards the whole of national approach on National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and eventually gave the honor to induct to the office the new set of WMSU Youth Peace Mediator UNESCO Club officers.
Part of the program was the sharing of PEACE Stories which mainstream “KA ERIC” a former NPA who narrated his flight back to the rule of law. The sharing of PEACE Initiatives was focused on the inspiring story of SHEIK MOHAMMAD SALMAN SAKILI of the Ulama Council of ZamboPen who also happens to be an alumnus of the College of Nursing. The continuous effort of the security sector was emphasized by MAJ ANDREW M LINAO (INF) PA Group Commander, 4th Civil Relations Group. There was also a Signing of Peace Commitment Ceremony to leave a mark of remembrance of this momentous event. The LGU expressed its support with Special Messages given by the respective representatives of HON. KHYMER ADAN T. OLASO 1st District Rep., ZAMBOANGA CITY and HON. JOHN M. DALIPE City Mayor, Zamboanga City. There was as well an awarding of winners for the Peace Slogan Contest that was conducted earlier in the morning. Prof. MAHMOR N. EDDING Dean of Student Affairs also affirmed his support for the call for unity toward peace and also gave the closing remarks. The most memorable experience was during the community singing where all participants’ cellphones were lit and appeared like a sea of stars in the universe kind of vibe.
The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Peace and Human Security Institute(PHSI), Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA), University Disaster Risk Reduction Management t Office, National Service Training Program (NSTP), Office of the Director for Student Affairs, Biorisk Management Office, in partnership with PNP Police Regional Office 9(PNP PRO-9), Western Mindanao Command(WestMinCom), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Joint Task Force Zamboanga(JTFZ), and PAF Tactical Operations Wing Westmin(PAF-TOW WestMin), and units that supported its preparation the Director for Administration, College of Home Economics, University Health Services, Public Affairs Office, WMSU Peace Mediators UNESCO Club, Security and Utility Personnel and the Jambangan Dance Troupe through the Office of the Culture and the Arts.
