MSPC XVI Welcome Address

October 16, 2017, 5:00 PM, San Pedro Cathedral, Davao City

Madayaw!

On behalf of the City Government of Davao, I would like to welcome all the delegates from various parts of Mindanao – the bishops, priests, religious and lay people – gathered here for this 16th Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference. Maayong pag-abot sa Siyudad sa Dabaw and I hope you will enjoy your stay in our city.

We in the government delight in your mission to form a communion of local churches in Mindanao. It is promising to know that you have taken on the journey to be warriors of faith. Just as you foster justice, peace, and reconciliation in our communities, the City Government of Davao, through poverty alleviation, and peace and order, and the other key priorities under the 10-point Byaheng Du30 Program, supports you in this endeavor.

To date, we have recently issued a new executive order forming the Davao City Local Peace Committee, with the membership of Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, to manage the localized peace talks with the New People’s Army. We believe that this committee can help us to see a better Davao City.

These are just some of the efforts of the local government which I gladly share with you. Like MSPC, we are committed to build a harmonious relationship among Christians, Muslims, and Lumads in Mindanao, and we thank you for joining us on this communion of social transformation. May this event inspire us to be major examples of responsible leadership.

Daghang salamat ug maayong gabii kanatong tanan.

SARA Z. DUTERTE
City Mayor