The provincial government of Negros Oriental, in collaboration with the Bayanihan para sa Kabataan, the People Power Volunteers for Reform, the Army’s 302 Brigade, and the Philippine National Police held a candle-lighting ceremony for peace Nov. 11 at the Ninoy Aquino Freedom Park.
The activity was participated by about 5,000 participants, including ROTC cadets from various colleges and universities in the Province, NGO volunteers, government employees, the religious sector, civic clubs, business sector, farmers, reservist’s personnel from Negros Oriental Ready Reserve Battalion, and the men and women in uniform of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
The candle-lighting was organized to show massive support for the resumption of the peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front, as well as the peace process with other threat groups.
The candle-lighting ceremony was preceded by a program, where prayers for peace were given by the heads of various faiths and Christian denominations. Inspirational messages were delivered by the leaders of the Province, followed by heads of the academic institutions in Dumaguete, including Silliman University President Dr. Ben S. Malayang, and Negros Oriental State University President Henry A. Sojor, and heads of the police and the military, represented by Sr. Supt. Edward E. Carranza, provincial police director, and Col. Jonas Sumagaysay, assistant division commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
The ceremony ended with a Concert for Peace featuring the 302 Brigade (Achievers) Band. (Maj. Conrado P. Evangelista/PIO)
