With the theme: Enduring Peace: Mindanawons living in Solidarity, Service and Security Towards A Sustainable Future, the Davao City Association of Catholic Schools (DACS), in partnership with Ateneo de Davao University, celebrated the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) 2022 on November 24, 2022.
An annual celebration of the diversity of cultures in Mindanao, MWOP 2022, started with a eucharist at the Lady of the Assumption Chapel in Ateneo. Presided by Fr. Tony Basilio, SJ, it was attended by members of the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) led by Fr. Pete Lamata and DACS Member schools.
The highlight of the MWOP this year was the BUC Keynote with Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ, University President of the Ateneo de Davao University, attended by some 100+ participants from the academe, religious and private organizations. In his keynote, he highlighted the history of BUC and the importance of the Document on Human Fraternity in celebrating the MWOP. He left the participants with reflection questions that can guide the direction we wish to undertake as Mindanawons looking forward. His questions were focusing on the themes of collaboration and mutual understanding of how human fraternity works in our world. The contributions to peace in Mindanao and how we must continue engaging the government in sustaining the gains of peace in BARMM and in Mindanao.
One of the highlights of the MWOP 2022 was the very solemn interfaith prayer by representatives of the tri-people in Mindanao at the start of the keynote. The interfaith prayer captured the essence of the unity in diversity in Mindanao among its tri-people.
Ending the launch day of the MWOP was the FOCUS Conversation Series on Peace-building titled: #BrothersandSisters at the Bapa Benny Tudtud Auditorium with OPAPRU Secretary Carlito G. Galves Jr., MP Froilyn Mendoza of the BTA and AdDU Theology Department Chairperson, Dr. Roawie Quimba. Sec. Galvez picked up where he left off during the 1st FOCUS conversation and shared the directions of the OPAPRU in firming up programs and initiatives of the agency anchored on the Document on Human Fraternity. MP Mendoza highlighted peace through the lens of the Indigenous Peoples in the BARRM, and Dr. Quimba generously shared his insight on the Document on Human Fraternity.
MWOP 2022 was a rousing success after three years of virtual celebrations. Harnessing technology provided more opportunities to engage in the events through face-to-face and virtual events, made the launch more accessible.
Article and Photos by the University Community Engagement & Advocacy Council (UCEAC)