What happens when we share a cup of coffee and an open heart?

Last February 6, the Social Development Unit, through the Ateneo Peace Center and the Ateneo Center for Leadership and Governance, and in collaboration with the Religious Studies Department of the School of Liberal Arts, kicked off the first of our #KuwentuhangEDSA series: ENCUENTRO.

In solidarity with the 2026 World Interfaith Harmony Week, we gathered for a session centered on “the act of coming together,” creating a safe and welcoming space for people of diverse faiths to encounter one another through dialogue. Our resource sharers, Sir Kevin Roy Jimera, Director of the Campus Ministry Office, and Sir Datu Akmad Duran, Muslim Affairs Coordinator and Moderator of the Muslim Students Association-AdZU, with a solidarity message from Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, PIME, founder of Silsilah Dialogue Movement, reminded us that dialogue is the first step toward meaningful social transformation, reminded us that dialogue is the first step toward meaningful social transformation.

Through their lived experiences, participants explored how to find harmony in the midst of conflict, the “faith that does justice” that fueled the EDSA People Power Revolution 40 years ago, and the quiet, daily practice of interfaith encounter in our very own classrooms.

Grounded in the Filipino tradition of Kapi-kapihan, participants engaged in heartfelt roundtable exchanges, using conversations to bridge divisions and spark hope to continue building a just, humane, and peaceful future together.

ENCUENTRO is a reminder that meaningful social transformation begins with dialogue, shared values, and courageous faith. May we continue to be active navigators of peace, carrying the spirit of solidarity into our nation’s future.