Capiz dad seeks post evaluation of Global Peace Festival
ROXAS CITY – A member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan wanted to have a post-evaluation of the recently conducted Global Peace Festival hosted by the province of Capiz.
Board Member Gilbert Ardivilla said that he wanted to have a post-evaluation to determine the impact of the Global Peace Festival particularly on social, economic, security and tourism aspects.
Board Member Esteban "Nonoy" Contreras agreed with Ardivilla's proposal.
The Global Peace Festival held here Nov. 17-19 became controversial after the Roman Catholic church withdrawn their support and manifested their strong opposition to it.
The Catholic church even announced on Sunday mass calling people not to support the said festival since it is anti-Christ.
However, organizers denied they are anti-Christ saying that they are bringing people to "One Family under God" regardless of whatever religion they have.
Religious schools such as: Filamer Christian College, Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion, St. Mary's Academy, St. Anthony College Hospital, St. John College, Hercor College reportedly withdrawn their support during the grand parade.
It was learned that thousands of Capizeños attended the peace rally and concert at the Villareal Stadium on November 18.
Earlier, Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, Sr., clarified that the provincial government is not promoting religion by hosting the Global Peace Festival rather the activity will boost the tourism industry of the province.
"We are not promoting religion here but tourism especially our place which is sleeping in terms of tourism," Tanco said.
According to him, with the province's hosting of the said festival hundreds of tourists, both local and foreigners, are coming in benefiting the hotels, restaurants, tricycle drivers and the Capiz business community.
Reacting on negative feedback, Tanco said that the province does not discriminate religions and beliefs as guaranteed in the Constitution.
It was learned that five celebrities graced the affair. They are: .Singer-actress Pops Fernandez, Billy Crawford, Kris Lawrence, Jeffrey Hidalgo, and John Prats.