Center for Social Action (CSA), together with Center for Lasallian Ministry (CLM) and selected members of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) pep squad held an uproar for peace in Mindanao by hosting a noise barrage and interfaith prayer in front of Benilde Taft campus last February 17.
Objectives of the event included mobilization of the Benildean community to uphold the peace process through advocate gathering, as well as expression of support on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) passage, an act that aims to abolish the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and replace it with the political independence of Bangsamoro. A further objective was to conduct an interfaith prayer for the Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash casualties.
“As Lasallians, we are asked to continue to offer prayer [for] the casualties of the Mamasapano incident and to seek justice for them, and continue our support in the peace process.” This was part of the project description in the proposal of CSA.
Aside from DLS-CSB, students from De La Salle University and St. Scholastica’s College also took part of the event. Members of Anak Mindanao, a party-list, were also present in the rally represented by student Aradelria Belleng and parent Nohaiya Macusang, who gave their own versions of testimonies in the event. Justinne Jerico Socito, CSA volunteer and Consular and Diplomatic Affairs student, represented the studentry in the event.
The said protest aligned to a statement dated February 10, 2015 by Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC, De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) president, entitled “The continuing pursuit of peace in Mindanao: in solidarity with young people rendered vulnerable by situations of conflict.” The message was mentioned in the program through Ms. Norie Ador Dionisio, Department of Student Life (DSL) Dean.
“Even as investigations on the Mamasapano clash proceed, we ask both government and the MILF leadership to continue with the peace process, and for Congress to pass the needed legislation to enable the diverse groups in Mindanao to be heard, [and] have their rights to develop acknowledged within the framework of our Constitution and live in peace,” as mentioned in the statement. “We thus pray for a more conducive environment where Mindanao’s children can attend school, learn, and play without tension or fear.”
They also asked for the participation of the people by moving with dignity and insight.
“Lastly, we ask our people to act with sobriety and discernment as we grieve the lives that were lost and as we hurdle the challenge of restoring to wholeness the lives of those who have been displaced.”
The noise barrage lasted for 10 minutes after the statements and pronouncements of the said speakers took place.
“My knowledge about the reality in Maguindanao was deepened and at the same time I realized the true essence of life, peace, and justice and every aspect of life. It also made me give more significance and dignity to life as a person,” said Jochelle Santos, noise barrage participant and Human Resource Management major.
“This event will not be successful without the cooperation and participation from the Benildean community.”
Meanwhile, fliers that advocated for the resignation of President Benigno Aquino III were being distributed by the organizers during the event. The flier targets President Aquino claiming that he does not fully understand the functions and responsibilities of being both president and commander-in-chief.
In an email, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Ministry and Student Life (OVC-LMSL), thanked everyone who participated and supported the event specifying various departments, centers, and offices of DLS-CSB.
“This event will not be successful without the cooperation and participation from the Benildean community.”
Rite of the burning of blessed palms to ashes in preparation for Ash Wednesday followed the noise barrage which was held at Plaza Villarosa.
by Patricia Laudencia and Jason Fajardo
Photos by Gerard del Mundo
