By Jong Cadion

Civil society organizations, religious organizations, the local government unit, and public school teachers and students in Pagadian City marked the first World Interfaith Harmony Week last Saturday.

According to Corazon Mendoza, Silsilah Pagadian City Chapter coordinator for the Harmony Chain Initiative, the weeklong celebration is in line with the implementation of Republic Act No. 10525 declaring every first week of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week in the entire country and mandating its observance by the relevant government agencies.

Sultan Maguid Maruhom, Ummah Fi Salam (UFS) Executive Director and Interfaith Muslim convenor, said: “The theme of this year’s celebration ‘Strengthening Love for God and One Another: A Celebration of Hope for Life, Peace and Solidarity’ is a clear message that the collaborative effort from all religious organizations through Interfaith, CSOs and government agencies is one solution to achieve peace especially in Mindanao."

Vice Mayor Divina Grace Yu cited that the first launching celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week is also a celebration of World Hijab Day, which aims to have one million Muslim and non-Muslim women worldwide wear a hijab for one day to improve religious understanding for peace.