Dabawenyos gathered in praying for an end to violent conflicts across the globe during the Interfaith Prayer Rally for Peace at the Bago Aplaya Gulf View Esplanade along the Coastal Road on Thursday.
Leaders of the city’s various religious sects (Islam, Catholic, Christian Protestants, Iglesia ni Cristo, Indigenous Groups, etc.) offered prayers for world peace and healing for those caught in the middle of armed conflict– specifically civilians caught in the ongoing Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine wars. Together, they conducted an interfaith ceremony, highlighting the power of love, compassion, and understanding in these turbulent times.
The peace rally drew hundreds of participants from diverse backgrounds and brought together city government officials and men in uniform for a display of unity and solidarity, emphasizing their collective commitment to peace and harmonious coexistence.
The event, organized by the City Government of Davao through the Peace 911, Task Force Davao, and the Davao City Police Office, saw a remarkable turnout, demonstrating the people’s shared yearning for global peace. Participants from all walks of life gathered to lend their voices to the cause, irrespective of religious, cultural, or political differences.
City government officials, including Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Vice Mayor J Melchor Quitain Jr., city councilors, department heads, and other dignitaries, joined hands with men and women in uniform representing local police, fire, and emergency services.
Doves were released by the Mayor, the Vice Mayor, and religious leaders as a testament to their commitment to foster a united community in ensuring peace and harmony in our city and the world beyond.
At the event, Archdiocese of Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles recited Pope Francis’ prayer for world peace, translated into Cebuano. In his prayer, he called for people in regions of conflict to acknowledge the common humanity they share with those they perceive as their enemies.
Darul Ifta Wadda’Wah XI Chairman Allen Mohammad Pasigan, Indigenous Political Structure Executive Council Tumanuron Datu Boyson, and Metro Davao Pastors Fellowship Senior Pastor Noel Milloren and their respective congregations offered their prayers for peace.
The mayor, in his speech, said he hopes that the prayer rally will remind Dabawenyos not to take for granted the hard-won peace in Davao City. The rally, he said, should also remind citizens that discrimination based on religion, gender, culture, and economic status is never to be tolerated in the city.
