Cagayan de Oro, Philippines - The Global Peace Festival-Mindanao was held at the Capitol Grounds in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, on September 21 in celebration of the International Day of Peace. All the vibrant colors of Mindanao were unfurled as 8,000 members of different ethnic groups, including the Subanens, Higa-onons, Balangas and others, performed their traditional dances during the parade and at the Capitol Grounds. Garbed in bright costumes, they danced along the streets to the delight of the people until they reached the Capitol Building. The lively and heart-stopping performances from the delegations of the different tribes in Mindanao with their rich and colorful costumes added great joy and festivity to the event. Their dance numbers showed how unity is achieved even in diversity.
Before the main program officially started, high school students along with the audience recited the Pure Love Pledge, committing themselves to keeping their purity before marriage and fidelity within marriage. Then True Love Power International offered the 1.4 million signatures of high school students who pledged to keep their purity to Senate President Manny Villar, who was represented by his brother, Mr. Jojo Villar.
International families were also called onto the stage to share about their unique experiences as they live together despite their differences. They showed how the family is indeed the school where children learn the values of love and peace so they can practice them in their communities.
Hon. Governor Oscar Moreno of the Province of Misamis Oriental gave the 13,000 people in the audience a warm welcome. He emphasized that only through peace that is all encompassing can we achieve peace and prosperity in the nation and the world.
Dr. Estrella Babano, as Co-Chair of Global Peace Festival-Mindanao, challenged everyone to work for peace with the recognition that since we came from one Creator, we are all one family under God. She urged everyone not to waiver until they see the beginning of peace in their midst.
Former Speaker of the House Jose de Venecia, Jr., gave a powerful speech about the need for peace in Mindanao. He praised the Universal Peace Federation for initiating substantial peace initiatives that can truly bring change to the world. He stressed that UPF is the only solution to the problems of unrest in the world.
Mr. Jojo Villar read the prepared speech of Senate President Manny Villar, who could not come because of an important trip to Jordan. He pledged his support for the vision of the Global Peace Festival in its endeavor to bring peace and harmony through realizing the vision of “One Family Under God.”
A video of the Global Peace Festival 2007 in the Philippines was shown to the audience. It was immediately followed by the Global Peace Address of Dr. Hyun Jin Moon as read by Dr. Chung Sik Yong, Regional Chair of UPF-Asia. The message stressed the centrality of the family in building peace in the society, nation, and the world. The audience resonated with the theme of building one family under God, one family under Allah.
The presentation of Ambassador for Peace certificates ensued. Governors, mayors, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as noted musicians Ms. Iya Villania, Mr. Kris Lawrence, Billy Crawford, Jay-R and Miguel Escueta, were appointed Ambassadors for Peace.
Before the Peace Concert began, everyone sang the Global Peace Festival theme song, “Where Peace Begins.” As they lit the candles together, they called upon everybody to give peace a chance.
To read UPF's Peace Declaration and reports of observances in other nations, click here.