The Centre for P.E.A.C.E. in cooperation with Digos City officials, the Rotary Club of Digos, religious and other partner organizations proudly presents the “Kalinaw: Panaghoy sa Mindanao” (Mindanao Cries for Peace) a series of peace-related events in Digos City starting Wednesday Sept. 19 and culminating on Friday, Sept. 21.

This will be a major Peace Day Event as a part of the worldwide 2007 Peace Day celebrations slated on that day. For while Filipinos remember Sept. 21 as the day Martial Law was declared by the late Pres. Marcos, it was mandated by the UN to be celebrated yearly as the Int’l. Day of Peace.

These series of peace-centered activities are designed to promote a culture of peace vis-à-vis the prevailing culture of hatred and violence, and encourage people’s involvement and participation, particularly that of the youth.

The major highlights of the “Kalinaw: Panaghoy sa Mindanao” (Mindanao Cries for Peace) will be a tri-media launching on the 19th, city wide essay-writing competitions for high school students and on-the-spot painting contests for elementary pupils on the 20th. Awarding of winners will be on the 21st.

There will be an Inter-faith Prayer for Peace in Mindanao on Sept. 21 at an appropriate venue in the city followed by a symbolic freeing of doves ceremony, and a motorcade by a group of bike enthusiasts. Local women’s groups will also participate in the celebrations.

Simultaneously similar activities will be held on Sept. 21 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle led by the Quezon City Partnership for Peace, which was established last year. The Digos City Partnership for Peace will also be organized by the Center for P.E.A.C.E. in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Digos City, Office of the City Mayor, the City Division of Schools, the Digos City Police Department, and various religious and people’s organizations in the city.

The Rotary Club of Digos invited Centre for P.E.A.C.E. Founder Don Flordeliza, Jr. as their guest speaker on Wednesday Sept. 12, at the A & B Hotel, Rizal Ave., Digos City. Flordeliza will meet with partner organizations in the city until Sept 15.

The Centre for P.E.A.C.E. was born out of the conviction to promote peace in our troubled land. It is committed to wage peace more resolutely as others wage war. Digos City is only the beginning. The Centre for P.E.A.C.E. will continue to replicate the above activities in other towns and cities of Mindanao, to encourage multi sector participation and involvement in promoting a culture of peace, particularly among Mindanao’s students and youth. Hopefully, Mindanao’s cry for Peace will ultimately be heard.