Sparked with the early morning sunshine of Pantukan’s Municipality, the United Nations International Day of Peace started with the registration of Participants at 5 o'clock comprised with Local Government Unit (LGU) Officials, 11 IPs of the eleven municipalities, Barangay Captains, Women's Group, Barangay Officials of Pantukan, PPDOC Comm. Member, PNP and the AFP and directly followed by the "Peace Walk" at 6 in the morning.
The ceremony proper was opened by the welcome message of the Mayor of the Municipality of Pantukan, Hon. Roberto Yugo highlighting the importance of peace that should root in our hearts leading to listening and whole-heartedly forgiving others.
The United Nations International Day of Peace Commemoration envisions to bring together multi-sectoral groups such as civil society, religious groups, youth organizations, security sectors and others in a common activity where the international celebration will promote awareness in peace issues and showcase peace initiatives.
Compostela Valley Provincial Women Development Council (PWDC) chairperson Sholai Lim was set as the ambasdor of the International Women's Peace Group (IWPG). "My goal is to foster friendship among nations, to share and find consensus in the various issues the world faces today and hopefully restore our faith in humanity," said Lim.
Peace Consuls of Mindanao and other dignitaries attended the event namely Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos of AFP the Commander Eastmincom, BGEN Marcelo C. Morales Director Police Regional Office II and Emmanuel Manny Fantin Pinol the Chairman of MNDA.
Highlights of the event were the turn-over of balls from Maharlika Sports and Football for Humanity and the Launching of the Solidarity Garden. " Dako akong pasalamat sa paghatag sa amua ug mga bola kay magamit namo sa among practice ug tournament. Sa Futsal nako nakuha ang akong kalipay ug puhon posible nga makaeskwela ko ug libre tungod sa futsal," said Jean Templanza, a member of the Pantukan Futsal team.
The Solidarity Garden is a joint project of the Provincial Government of Comval and the LGU Pantukan and will be opened for the public soon. #YEStoDavaoDeOro (Justeen Abella, ID Comval)