ZAMBOANGA City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has urged the residents to join and support the observance of the week-long World Interfaith Harmony Week in Mindanao.

Salazar has issued Executive Order No. BC 16-2016 that enjoins the active participation and support of all schools, government entities, private institutions, non-government organizations, parishes, church-based organizations, civil society groups, urban poor communities and other people’s organizations in the various activities lined up for the said week-long celebration.

The UN General Assembly during its 34th plenary meeting has proclaimed the first week of February of every year as the World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs.

The harmony week celebration in this city is spearheaded by UN Interfaith Harmony partners, the Silsilah Dialogue Movement and the National Ulama Conference.

The UN General Assembly issued the proclamation as it recognizes the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people.

The international organization further recognizes that the moral imperatives of all religions, convictions and beliefs call for peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme: “Celebrating Harmony: The Wellspring of Hope and Peace.” (Bong Garcia)