Thursday, March 16, 2006
Province lauds interfaith talk
Top government officials, religious leaders and diplomats gathered at the Capitol social hall Tuesday night as the Cebu Provincial Government honored them for taking part in the Dialogue on Regional Interfaith Cooperation for Peace, Development and Human Dignity.
Capitol gave importance to the regional dialogue of some 200 delegates from Southeast Asia and Oceania because it deals with human dignity and peace.
Cheaper
“It should be admitted that in almost all countries of the world, that while the prices of commodities are skyrocketing, the value of human lives is becoming cheaper. And that most talked-about topics now are stock markets or foreign investments, but peace is such a lovely word,” Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez Jr. said in his welcome remarks.
The delegates were entertained by songs and dances performed by the University of San Carlos Dance Troupe and Mandaue School for the Arts Children’s Choir, among others.
“Cebu is known as the cradle of Christianity in Asia and it has become the number one province of the country because we have struck a balance across the different peoples that have chosen to make this island their home, the different faiths that have sprung up and flourished here,” Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said in her speech.
“You have greatly honored the island of Cebu by coming here, from across the world, across geographical boundaries, across races, across cultures, across faiths, to talk about our shared hopes and our common future,” she also said.
The President was in Cebu last Tuesday to address the three-day international gathering at Shangri-la’s Mactan Island Resort.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, who is on a four-day state visit, also delivered a speech and met with President Arroyo.
The regional dialogue will end today. (MBG)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (March 16, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
