In the Philippines, the special event, which is being held in our shores for the first time, is spearheaded by the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP).
In our beautiful city, the VFP-Baguio District is at the helm for the CAR celebration with (Ret.) Colonel Napoleon Gojo, Baguio District Commander as the overall chairman. With pardonable pride, I was designated by the VFP-CAR and Baguio District to serve as the executive program coordinator. Of course, I accepted the distinguished position with the pledge to help ensure the successful implementation of the project.
Again, I would like to take this grand opportunity to convey my deepest appreciation to the VFP-CAR/Baguio for their trust and confidence in recognizing my humble yet sincere efforts as a project maker.
The importance of this international undertaking, calling all nations to join in unison cannot be over-emphasized. The UN General Assembly declaration adopted in 2001 states that "the International Day of Peace shall henceforth be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, an invitation to all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities for the duration of the day." Certainly, we as a nation and as a people must get deeply involved in the activity considering that our country is also saddled with peace and order problems by lawless elements from the MILF, the NPA and other hostile groups who are against our Constitution especially in Southern Philippines.
Colonel Gojo said at the forefront of our local "Walk for Peace" sked are the VFP, USAFIP Northern Luzon, United States Navy Fleet Reserve, Baguio Chapter, Veterans of Foreign Wars, WWII Sons and Daughters Association Inc. (SDAI) and Baguio Elderly Assembly (BEA) composed of the five major city elderly organizations such as BARP Foundation, Philippine Government Retired Employees Association (PGREA), Federation of Baguio Senior Citizens Association (FBaseca), USAFIP NL and social organizations from the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
A throng of supporters led by the Department of Tourism-CAR; Philippine Military Academy; PVAO; BCPO; Boy and Girl Scouts from the local BSP and GSP City Councils; non-government groups including the Muslim sector, schools, communication groups led by the BBPICAG and Spectrum Communications; foreign communities; and the Universal Peace Federation are in the bandwagon.
The day's offering starts with the "walk" which kicks off simultaneously at 8 a.m. from the top of Session Road and at Harrison Road, all toward the Baguio Convention Center for a brief program with Congressman Antonio Diaz, chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives as the principal guest. Except for the veterans and members of the BEA, who will assemble at Harrison Road, the rest of the walk participants will start from top of Session Road. BBPICAG and Spectrum Communications were assigned as "walk formation" coordinators. Handsome 24-inch tall trophies are at stake as prizes for the biggest group participation for senior citizens, youth, school and NGOs. Certificates of Commendation will be given to all group participants. City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. and Congressman Mauricio Domogan will welcome the "walkers" and other guests.
Other salient parts of the program will focus on the doxology to be offered by Phases Learning Center, the flag rites, select entertainment numbers from the Universal Peace Foundation and from several schools. Immediately after the program a core of pupils from Phases will lead in the candle light-roses and prayer ceremony in front of the Convention Center. The release of ceremonial doves of peace and unity together with representatives from the VFP-CAR/Baguio and the Muslim community in the city will highlight the morning program. At noon, the general public wherever they may be are invited to offer a "one minute of silent prayer," for world peace and solidarity. At 2 p.m. the famed Philippine Military Academy Band will be featured in a concert at the Baguio Convention Center.
The concert is dedicated to all peace-loving citizens, young and old. The occasion is just once in a blue moon. Be with us when it happens! Let's join hands and hearts to make the "International Day for Peace," a purposeful and meaningful undertaking regardless of race, creed, religion and political beliefs.
Welcome back to the recent Beijing Olympiad wushu bronze medalist Marianne Mariano and Benjie Rivera.
Last Friday, the University of the Cordilleras (UC) where the two wushu warriors are Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) students held a motorcade and a get-together party.
This corner is hoping that his time around the city government will settle its long overdue cash incentive awards before the duo will go back to Manila for training again for the World Wushu Championships billed in China on Sept. 16-22, 2008.
