The Words of the Castro Family
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The Words of the Castro Family |
A glorious day marks the celebration for the people of Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal when Barangay Captain Edilberto Niones together with the Barangay Council declared May 17, 2009 as their Global Peace Festival as well a Barangay Fiesta celebration. It will be different from their Patron Saint feast celebration that fall on October which is usually their Barangay Fiesta as well. Around 1200 guests, community leaders and participants attended the event.
The program starts with a Barangay Youth Summit in the morning with special participation of Asia Leadership Training participants. SK Chairman Miel Carlo Cabildo and Brgy. Captain Niones welcomed the participants while Dr. Sherwin Agravio, RYS President also shared some thought on youth leadership and development. Dr. Edmon Pacson catches the audience attention with his lecture on the theme: “Institutionalizing the Culture of Heart and Culture of Service among the Youth.” A closing message was also given by Mr. Richell Jalipa, VP for Education, YFWP.
While the seminar is going on, a mini-Boxing competition was also organized. Kids ages 7 to 12 were lined-up to wait for their turn to be match with their contender. The 2nd Generation Blessed Children who’s having Summer Camp in IYTC Training Center organized a Food Feeding Program to the children of Barangay Sampaloc during Lunch at the DAR Covered Court where the main event will be held. This was also part of their experiential learning in their Summer Camp Program.
After the lunch, people from different Sitios arrived for a Grand Parade. Various sectors from Academe, Military, Religious Sectors, Businesses and other organized groups were well represented. The Military Band from Camp Capinpin and Drum and Lyre of Camp Mateo Capinpin Elementary School awaken the whole Barangay and encouraged the people to attend in the main program. Barangay beauties from different Sitios parade in a gorgeous and stunning floats while Barangay Tanods and Peacemakers roaming around for the security and safety of the public.
Right after the parade, Pre-Program started with cultural presentations mostly from University of Rizal System (URS) they presented the different cultural dances of the Philippines that mostly existing in Rizal Province. Mayor Rafael A. Tanjuatco also graced the occasion and gave a message and recognizing the efforts of the organizers from Barangay to the different sectors especially the effort of UPF. He is looking forward for the yearly event of this Project.
At the main event, three representatives from different religion rendered the opening prayer, the Main Speech of Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, founder of the Global Peace Festival was delivered enthusiastically by Engr. Julius Malicdem, Principal of Sun Hwa International Academy. This was followed by video presentation of GPF 2008 Summary Report.
The program ends with a usual lighting of the candles of peace while singing the theme song “One Family Under God” led by 2nd Gen. Blessed Children. A resounding sound of Mabuhay was led by Dr. Jaime O. Vergara, president FFWPU.
The third part of the Program was “Dance for Peace Contest” that made the audience stayed until the last minute of the program with matching Raffle Draw interval after every contestant. Prizes were bunch of grocery items for consolations and one sack of rice for the 1st Prize winner.
With the foundations laid through different past activities held in Tanay Training Center, the people recognizes the important role of UPF and FFWPU in molding their hearts and minds toward a peaceful and united community. IYTC Tanay Director Ruben Vergara and staff started the build-up activity by giving Seminar to all Barangay Councils and staff. Mass education in the different Sitios of Barangay Sampaloc followed. Through this, the Barangay Council took ownership on the program and they themselves organized their activities. All the expenses were shared by Barangay Council and UPF Tanay.
With regards to the National goal of having 85 Venues of GPF, this is one of the most successful GPF as far as 3 Major Components are concern: The Education Program, Service Project and Interfaith Celebration. Kudos to the organizers and supporters of Barangay Sampaloc Global Peace Festival 2009!
Reported by:
Melchor Castro
CIG TV Correspondent/Photographer