Pilgrimage for Peace moves to Negros
As a response to the worsening peace and order situation of the country, a group of Baptist pastors and youth, University student leaders, social workers and development advocates initiate a Pilgrimage for Peace covering Panay-Guimaras-Negros Islands on April 23 --May 2, 2007.
Launched on April 23 at Central Philippine University, the group toured the Panay island enroute North Iloilo towards Capiz. A short stop in every town was made for distribution of voter's education materials and prayer for peace. The first major stopover was held at Capiz Evangelical Church where a worship for peace and voters education was conducted. Filamer Christian College and Capiz Emmanuel Hospital hosted the overnight stay of participants. Traversing the province of Aklan towards Antique, the second major stop was held at Kalibo, Aklan where similar activity was conducted at the Lifeline Center. After an overnight say at Culasi, Antique courtesy of the Culasi Evangelical Church, the pilgrimage proceeded to San Jose where they were joined by Aklan Kasapulanan of Baptist Churches for an Ecumenical Peace Rally at the town plaza. After guesting in a radio program of DYKA, the group returned to Iloilo to rest and prepare for the Negros and Guimaras pilgrimage on April 30-2, and May 4, respectively.
The Negros Pilgrimage will commence at the Provincial Lagoon with a send --off Prayer Service at 7:00 am. A motorcade around Bacolod City will follow before the group proceeds to Cadiz City for a stop over lunch and Voters Education. Moving farther north towards San Carlos City, the group will have an overnight stay in Canlaon before traversing the Central Negros areas towards south..A voter's education and Peace Prayer fellowship will be held at the Canlaon Evangelical Church. The next major stop overs will be in Moises Padilla and Kabankalan before the group returns to Bacolod City for a motorcade and Ecumenical Peace Prayer Rally at the Provincial Lagoon on May 2, 5:00-8:00 pm.
As the name implies, the Pilgrimage centers on the word PEACE. For the organizers this means PRAYERS for peaceful election; EDUCATION towards responsible exercise of the right to suffrage; ADVOCACY for clean and honest election; establish/strengthen COOPERATION among individuals, groups, organizations and institutions that seek and advocate for peace; and ENDEAVOR towards the development of the culture of peace and understanding.
The Regional Pilgrimage is spearheaded by Central Philippine University and Convention Baptist Ministers Association and Convention Baptist Youth Fellowship of the Philippines. Joining the group are members of the civil society organizations under the network of the Iloilo Coalition of NGOs and POs (ICON) and churches under the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. In Negros, the CROWD and Christian Community in Bacolod City take the lead. They are joined by the North Negros Baptist Bible College, Convention Baptist Bible College, Venture Christian Academy, and Kaspulanan of Baptist Churches.
Pilgrimage for Peace is a response of local Christians to the universal call for peace. It will be recalled that in May 2004, the first Pilgrimage of Peace-Panay wide was started by Central Philippine University, Convention Baptist Ministers Association, Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, and the Iloilo Coalition of NGOs and POs (ICON) National Council of Churches in the Philippines and, and other individuals, groups and organizations. For the May 2007 Election, the movement will reach out to Guimaras and Negros with broader participation of individuals, groups and organizations.
In a press statement, Rev. Edwin I. Lariza, over-all chairman of the Pilgrimage and national president of Baptist pastors, calls on all opposing and warring parties both in the government and private sector to give peace more chances. He also challenges the public to advocate peaceful behavior and non-violent resolutions of conflict in whatever forms- be it political, ideological, religious, familial and personal.
In reminding voters to value their right of suffrage and exercise it wisely this coming May 14 elections, Rev. Lariza endorses candidates, as well as partylist group that do not only promote peace but are truly men and women of PEACE. He describes them as "Principled; Empowered and empowering; Advocate of human rights and fundamental freedoms; Committed to the cause of what Jesus Christ referred to as "the least of our brother and sisters"; and Environmentalist."
"Principled leaders have integrity. They are not easily swayed by fortune and favor. Neither can they be cowed by fear nor enticed by fame. Empowered and empowering persons do not abuse their authority but use it to develop others. True leaders have genuine concern for the rights and flight of the people whom they intend to serve. Responsible leaders uphold and subsequently protect our environment. Thus, preserving the beauty of God's creation. Let your vote in the May 14, 2007 Elections a VOTE FOR PEACE," Lariza added.