THE Cordillera region will lead a nationwide prayer for peace on September 21.
Traditional prayers will be given by elders of the region as Secretary Jesus Dureza of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Papp) opens the celebration of Peace Consciousness month.
A nationwide caravan dubbed as "peace buzz" will be staged September 21 in the hope to bring government initiatives for peace to key areas in the country starting from the Pines City moving to Quezon City, Legaspi, Catbalogan, Butuan, Davao, Iligan and ends in war-torn Marawi.
Cordillera elders will ask for blessings to keep the caravan safe as it travels all over the country.
An Uggayam will be done by Baguio City Mauricio Domogan followed by interfaith prayers by Most Rev. Victor Bendico of the Catholic Church, Rt. Rev. Joel A. Pachao of the Episcopal Church, Imam Bedejim Abdulla of the Islam faith, Br. Homer Tiomico of the Iglesia ni Cristo and Rev. Oscar Magallanes of the Good News Community Church to ask the gods for peace for the nation.
Domogan, Regional Development Council and Regional Peace and Order Chairman, will then give a presentation on the past and present situation of Cordilleras and its aspiration for self-determination.
The Cordillera example for peace is being modeled for the accord done in the historic Mt. Data in Bauko, Mountain Province as well as for the mantle of life the area gives to several river systems with indigenous communities relying on the life source.
The 2017 peace month celebration is themed "Puso para sa Kapayapaan, Magkaisa para sa Bayan," which calls upon Filipino's passion for peace and are called to be catalysts at attain peace throughout the country.