The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental held a simultaneous community candle lighting and prayer at the Capitol Social Hall, yesterday (Sept. 1), in observance of the Provincial Peace Month.
The activity was attended by the LGUs, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, Capitol employees, multi-sector representatives, Negros Occ. Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) Director Col. Romy Palgue, 303rd Infantry Brigade Philippine Army Commander, Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and DILG, and other peace stakeholders.
The activity aims to instill greater consciousness and understanding among the Negrenses on the comprehensive peace process and to sustain institutional and popular support for participation in the promotion of building a culture of peace.
It is in line with the National Peace Consciousness Month celebration with the theme, “Mithiing Kapayapaan, Sama-samang Isakatuparan”, which calls for a participative, collective, and inclusive approach towards the shared aspiration for a just, comprehensive, and enduring peace.
Gov. Lacson said that it is imperative upon everyone to promote participatory governance to attain inclusive and sustainable peace.
“The walk of peace is a long one, and the process of attaining peace cannot be achieved overnight, but with today’s show of unity, I am bound to believe that peace is not a vain aspiration for the Philippines and for Negros Occidental,” he said.
Also part of the day’s activity is the mural painting showcase dubbed as Arts for Peace in collaboration with the Negros Museum, Art Association of Bacolod-Negros and Orange Gallery.
