UN Initiated World Interfaith Harmony Week Activities Set

Different religious groups in Davao have identified activities for the celebration of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week from Feb. 1-7, 2016.

According to Asiah Adilao of Silsilah Davao, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III signed a Republic Act 10525; an act declaring the first week of February of every year as World Interfaith Harmony Week in the entire country and mandating its observance by the different government agencies.

“In 2012, there are already initiatives that have been organized by the different organizations in the Philippines and in 2013, here in Davao, we have also organized an activity that involved different religion, beliefs and traditions.” She added.

Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla said that the main purpose of this celebration is the importance of knowing each other as an organized religion and at the same time also, knowing each other as human being.

“The bottom line of this dialogue is human friendship. Once there is friendship, then we can talk about anything under the sun because without an atmosphere of friendship, there is no dialogue, respect and trust,” he added.

Several activities were raised along with the meeting: to post or advertise the World Interfaith Harmony Week on social media; to conduct a Harmony Forum that focuses on mercy and harmony; to conduct a Press Conference or Media Hopping and to include the World Interfaith Harmony Week in churches / mosque sermons.

On February 1, there will be a Prayer and Candle Lighting at the Freedom Park around 4:00-5:30pm followed by a Harmony Meal at 6:00pm. On February 4, there will be an Interfaith Harmony Forum. Details of the upcoming events will be done on January 22, 2016.

As a message to all Christians and Muslims, Archbishop Capalla said, “harmony and peace are essential elements of working together in this part of the world, without these elements of peace and harmony, there would be no effective development, programs and the pursuit of reconciliation among the believers who have been divided by political issues, we pray and hope that everyone will join us in prayer that the God of peace will make this possible in Davao.” (Irven John Valenzuela | Renzy Julls Quirog)