XAVIER University, together with the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro and the City Government, ended the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration with a peace concert participated by local artists at the Kiosko Kagawasan, Divisoria, Wednesday night, December 4,
The Peace Concert Forum featured the local bands such as Dodu Abrio, Dhassig Band, and Elirockj, also poets and dancers who shared good messages and hope for peace through their talents.
“This is an avenue for the youth, for the artists. It’s also a good message of the young generations. For how many years, ang mga peace efforts some nag fail sya, some until now we’re still working on it,” Nestor Banuag Jr. of the Student Social Involvement and Advocacy Program of Xavier University said.
“To create that bridge and to introduce the path to peace, pwedeng i-introduce mo in a way na this is really possible, feasible, especially for the younger generations,” he added.
The Peace Concert, according to Banuag, aims to show that artists can also engage and take part in the efforts towards peace.
The Mindanao Week of Peace, anchored on its theme: “Towards Human Fraternity for Peace in Mindanao,” started last November 28 with a Walk for Peace activity.
Throughout the week-long celebration (from November 28 to December 4) there were fora and discussions that showcased successful programs towards achieving lasting peace.
“It’s always an open-ended effort or activities ang ginagawa. Pabaon for those who are engaged na [peace] is really possible. Kahit maraming casualties sa mga conflicts but we offer and provide that hope na pwede pag nagtulong-tulungan lang,” Banuag said.
“It’s a product of collective effort for us to introduce na there are many ways and means on how to engage,” he added.