Global Peace Festival Foundation
Philippines
University Students and Officials celebrate 3rd Global Peace Festival Day in the Campus by giving to GPFF-ALS Communities
University Students and Officials celebrate 3rd Global Peace Festival Day in the Campus by giving to GPFF-ALS Communities
Since University of Makati President, Dr. Tomas B. Lopez declared 1st day of March 2010 and every year thereafter as the "Global Peace Festival Day" in the campus, university students and officials have been participating to promote, implement and celebrate programs to stand as “one family, one community under God.”
On February 27, 2012, the 3rd Global Peace Festival Day in the university kicked off with the Commitment Signing for Peace and the launching of “Share-A-Treasure” Campaign, a book donation drive for the Alternative Learning System students of GPFF communities in Metro Manila and Mindanao.
Since a well-educated population is vital for a progressive country and with the awareness that it can be achieved through 100% literacy starting with young Filipino learners, a year-long campaign dubbed as “Share-A-Treasure” was launched that aims to collect new or gently used books and other reference materials for young to adult learners from a diverse community of Christian, Muslim and indigenous people in Mindanao.
The campaign will run for the entire Academic Year 2012-2013 and will be participated by students, university officials and partners.
Meanwhile, dignitaries such as Vice President of the Philippines, His Excellency Jejomar Binay and Senator Aquilino Pimentel steered the Commitment Signing for Peace together with municipal leaders, city councilors and university officials. The commitment signing is an affirmation to promote, implement and celebrate programs that bring together people to stand as “One Family under God”, building a world of lasting peace by strengthening godly marriages and families, facilitating intercultural and interreligious cooperation, and fostering a culture of service and peace.
On February 28, 2012, 171 students and youth leaders from various colleges in University of Makati assemble for a student leadership conference with the theme, “Youth Empowerment: A Response to Greater Responsibility on Peace-building.” Dr. Edmon Pacson, National President of GPYC- Philippines imparted the significance and correlation of Service and True Love towards peace-building. He also encouraged the students to become pro-active affiliates of the university and in the society.
To culminate the celebration, hundreds of blue and white balloons where released carrying messages of peace to symbolize the universal aspirations for peace among all people, while remembering countries currently struggling to attain peace, such as Syria and Iran.
"We are so blessed and grateful being part of GPFF’s advocacy for peace and leadership. It is an honor to work with this organization. I hope that our school community and youth leaders will continue to aim one goal for peace," Jonnel Diaz, President of University of Makati Supreme Student Government told GPFF during an interview.
The week-long activities to commemorate the 3rd Global Peace Festival Day in the campus, in conjunction with the university’s 40th Foundation Day was made possible through the partnership of University of Makati Office of the Student Affairs, Supreme Student Government, GPYC Philippines and GPFF Philippines.