HCDC conducts film, forum to culminate Peace Consciousness Month

In manifestation of the Holy Cross of Davao College’s values on peace, the institution successfully culminated its month-long celebration of Peace Consciousness Month through a film showing and forum, held last September 30 at the HCDC 7F Cross Theater.

The featured film was a documentary titled “Fallen Not Forgotten,” produced by Caelestis Production. It showcased the experiences and realities of the Special Action Force (SAF) and the heroism of the 44 policemen.

Former Chair of the Government Panel Implementing the Bangsamoro Peace Agreement and founder of the Kahayag Foundation, Irene M. Santiago, shared during the forum that the community must understand how violence is triggered order to halt it.

“I would like us to do some fresh thinking, to focus not on reaction, but on understanding why violence happens, including what happened [in] Mamasapano. My hope is that when we begin to understand how violence comes about, we will be able to prevent it and even stop it,” she said.

Santiago also emphasized that “nonviolence is for the brave, nonviolence is for the courageous. It does not avoid conflict. Nonviolence transforms conflict and resists direct, structural, and cultural violence.”

She also encouraged that the community must continue to raise awareness of peace and mobilize in the next critical months, as the elections are forthcoming.

“Continued awareness and the start of mobilization—we need this to have an effective struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity for all, which are the bedrock of peace,” Santiago said.

Among the resource speakers during the forum, along with Santiago, were the film producer Atty. Felipe Cruz and journalist Ferdinandh Cabrera, with their moderator, Kahayag Foundation President Patmei Ruivivar, who also shared their invaluable insights in maintaining and promoting peace, and in advocating for nonviolent peace processes.

The event was made possible through HCDC’s Center for Social Communications and Alumni Affairs-Institute of Peace Communications Studies, in collaboration with the Davao Historical Society and Kahayag Foundation.

In its continued efforts to be an agent of peace formation, HCDC never ceases its initiatives on peace promotion to help the community become aware of the importance of living in a peaceful and harmonious society. (Razl Teman)