(Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2016/09/23/dabawenyos-join-international-peace-day-celebration-499369)
HUNDREDS of Dabawenyos joined the musical celebration of International Day of Peace on Wednesday night, September 21, dubbed as “Huni sa Kalinaw: A peace and solidarity concert” staged at the Roxas night market where a bomb exploded last September 2.
The initiative to stage the concert at the blast site aimed to promote culture of peace and resiliency.
Gus Miclat, executive director of Initiatives for Intentional Dialogue and one of the conveners of All Out Peace, said the event aimed to pay tribute to the victims of the blast.
The gong was sounded several times to honor the 15 fatalities. A lighting of candles then followed as several individuals prayed.
“Kaya po tayo nandito para po gunitain natin at bigyan sila ng tribute,” Miclat said.
Miclat encouraged the public to do their regular routine such as eating street food, strolling around the night market, and pamper themselves through a massage.
The concert was graced by National Youth Commission chair Aiza Seguerra, Joey Ayala, Popong Landero, and other Mindanaoan artists.
Prior to the concert, a silent march was conducted from A. Pichon St. going to C.M Recto and stopping at Freedom Park.
The peace advocates and various organizations brought with them their banners saying, “Honoring and seeking Justice to all victims of the past and present violence and atrocities.”
The all-out peace also called for peace and defiance against violence through its mantra, “Barug Dabaw, Barug Kalinaw”.
It is also a rejection of all forms of violence by taking back the space of the blast spot and making it a space for peace instead of violence.
Leah Lisette Aying of Cyber Peace Project also participated in the event through art, which she called as “color of peace.”
“The idea is, we allow them to express their interpretation of peace,” she said.
Blank walls and sprays were provided for interested individuals who want to express their thoughts and ideas.
This, according to Aying was an initiative of Alert Philippines and Cyber Peace Project, which aimed to celebrate diversity, peace and unity through art. (JCR)
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