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PROMOTING INTERFAITH HARMONY THROUGH NOAH’S PUDDING

Another activity that gives highlight of the weeklong celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week was the sharing of Ashura (Noah’s Pudding) held at Filipino Turkish Tolerance International School last February 03, 2018.  This activity aimed to unite people of different faiths, traditions and diverse culture for harmony and peace.

To have a clear view of what Ashura all about, two active students from that mentioned learning institution gave a brief history and background of what Ashura is all about.  Accordingly, Ashura or Noah’s Pudding is given to individuals whose desire to live in peace and harmony with other people of various faiths, for giving of Ashura signifies peace and harmony, in other words it is a food for unity.  To have clear idea on its preparation, a short video presentation was shown.

Filipinos has its local version of Noah’s Pudding.  For the Christian it is called “ Guinataan” while for Muslims, they called it “ Sindul”  majority composed of root crops. Each one partook the food for unity. A game of self – expression was organized and participated by all. Everyone was led to view the mural painting prepared by some students.  After a short description of the painting, everyone was invited to leave a mark of their  palm using the paint provided. Joyfully each one palm leaves a mark on the wall using their palm.  A group picture taking followed raising their palm with paint as a sign of oneness for harmony and peace.  The activity ended at 4:00 in the afternoon.

Forum on Early Detection and Prevention of Breast Cancer

In connection to the celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week the Mindanao Breast Cancer Support and Empowerment Association joins the event by initiating a Forum on Early Detection and Prevention of Breast Cancer on February 3, 2018. As the news reported by the Manila Times in February 9, 2017 says that in 2016, the Philippines topped 197 countries with the most number of cases of breast cancer, data released by Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society have shown. It is also one of the countries worldwide with the highest prevalence rates of cancer.

Mortality rates are also ballooning. To help combat the dreaded disease, local health advocates are promoting the National Screening Program especially among high-risk groups, including immediate family members and relatives of cancer patients.

Thus a big thanks to the group of women (survivors of breast cancer) for conducting this kind of forum to help the grassroots mothers to have a knowledge and skills on how to have a self- breast examination, be aware of the signs and symptoms and how to live a healthy lifestyle. Having a regular breast examination is the single best way to detect the disease at the earliest possible stage. At the end the organization advised the mothers to be strong, courageous and hopeful in life.

 

WIHW- Sharing Food at Ward 8 and Ward 9 at Zamboanga City Medical Center

World Inter-faith Harmony Week is occasionally mandated to be celebrated every first week of February of which the Silsilah Dialogue Movement is on its frontline.

On 7^th of February 2018, Silsilah teachers along with guardians of their pupils and General PTA Officers were tasked to distribute packs of food to the patients at the Zamboanga medical Center formerly known as the General Hospital.

It was the second time to give and share food with the patients at Ward 8 but still it was with mixed feelings. Actually the moment we got there what I actually witnessed was sadness and suffering, and it deeply touched my eager and curious reaction of the patients in the ward.

In the morning we distributed food in Ward 8 where the patients are mostly children then when through the psychiatric ward in the afternoon.

There is a saying that “It is better to give than to receive” regardless of the amount. It is always a joyful thing to help even in a very simple way most especially to the poor and needy ones. Seeing the joy and gratitude in their smiling eyes every time they received the food is what really counts more after all.

Hopefully, and wishing that there would be more people or organizations out there somewhere in every part of the world aside from the government program willing to help the needy and less privileged individual like the Silsilah Dialogue Movement. It was a great challenge to live up with sense of helping others, a peace loving and working towards a common good of all humanity regardless of religions and culture without an alarming conflict in the world.

Sharing the Gift of Hope

On February 7, 2018 a Testimonial Gathering titled “Sharing the Gift of Hope” was conducted by the Zamboanga City Medical Center at Alavar Seafoods Restaurant, this City. This was sponsored by the Women and Children Protection Unit, the Psychiatry Department and the Mental Health Program of the Regional Health Office. 

The objectives were as follows:

    For fully recovered patients and strugglers to:

     – celebrate Transformation

    –   inspire and share the gift of unending hope

    –  empower one’s coping ability to transform and be productive members of society.

There were 40 participants who came mainly physically and sexually abused women, Rehabilitated Drug Dependents and Psychiatric Patients that are now economically productive with no reference to religion and social strata. The whole day activity was centered on the testimonial sharing of some survivors, their challenges and coping mechanisms and support received during their periods of difficulty. There were also sharing from the Psychiatrists/VAWC (Violence against Women and Children) and Clinic Physician who journeyed with them. In the Afternoon, the Emmaus Formator gave a sharing on the four pillars of Dialogue as a way of life and finally a “Kumustahan” session. 

At the end of the day’s activity, all attendees both from the facilitators and participants wore a smile on their faces. They were grateful for the opportunity given to them to listen to positive stories and to commune with one another. They were also grateful to Silsilah for spearheading the celebration of the WIHW. 

In conclusion, we say all the objectives were met.

 

 

 

 

One of the relevant initiatives done during the World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) 2018 in Zamboanga City was the  Gathering of the (Arabic Learning and Islamic Values Education) ALIVE Teachers of  Department of Education (DepEd). This was an initiative done in collaboration with Department of Education and Silsilah Dialogue Movement. The (Arabic learning and Islamic Values Education) ALIVE program of Department of Education is a special program for  Muslim Teachers who teach every week in public schools.

 We are lucky that the head of this program in the Department of Education is a committed member of Silsilah and she is Hadja Sarah Lucman Handang.  Last year with the help of Silsilah Dialogue Movement she was able to take a special course in Rome, Italy. It was a scholarship offered by the Vatican to different religions that want to know more about Christianity. The offer of the Vatican is the same that maintains relations with the Team of Amman which the Vatican created after the publication of the open letter “A Common Word between Us and You”.

The number of the ALIVE Teachers who were invited for this activity during the World Interfaith Harmony Week was almost 250. In this connection a good number of Principals of public schools participated to know more about this effort. The Silsilah sponsored this event in the spirit of Dialogue with the hope that this gathering would give to the ALIVE teachers a clear understanding of the concept of Interreligious Dialogue while they are entrusted to teach what is part of their curriculum. Silsilah, for many years, has been in the frontline of the gathering of the Madaris Guru (teachers of the Madrasah schools) “ALIVE Teachers” and Christian Catechists. But on this occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week the special attention was given only to the ALIVE Teachers. This activity was conducted at Astoria Hotel and it was a very intensive day of sharing to encourage the teachers to be more faithful to the effort done by the government for the teaching of Islamic Values with the hope that this teaching will spread in a more dialogical approach in society and can counteract radicalism with the presence of Madaris in different parts of Mindanao sponsored by different groups who promote  radical violence.

On that occasion Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, PIME, the convener of the World Interfaith Harmony Week and founder of the Silsilah Dialogue Movement, delivered a message to present the importance of the World Interfaith Harmony Week and the theme: “Celebrating the Transforming Powers of the Love of God and the Love of Neighbor for the Common Good”. The day was enriched with inputs and testimonies given by respected Muslim leaders from Zamboanga and other parts of the Philippines encouraging the ALIVE Teachers to be always responsible and become a sign of hope for the education of Muslim children who need positive formation in the spirit of Islam as a Religion of Peace and not as a religion of violence, as promoted by some groups in Mindanao, like in the Marawi siege by the ISIS.

We are grateful to Hadja Sarah L. Handang who put all her energy and skills to prepare this activity. Hopefully this can be multiplied in the local and national levels.

The Tulungatung National High School-Peace Club sponsored this activity with the goal to demonstrate to teachers and parents the mechanisms on natural farming and holistic care. In relation with the celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week, many institutions and partners were encouraged to develop helpful programs that would promote the theme: Celebrating the Transforming Power of the Love of God and the Love of Neighbor for the Common Good.

The holistic care From Soil to soul In Dialogue with creation for harmony and peace activity demonstrated to the teachers and parents the goodness and benefits of natural farming. It was discussed during the activity that natural farming is a traditional form of agricultural practice popularly associated with a back-to-nature effort. Through this activity of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2018, the voice of nature and the environment was heard and reflected. It was also mentioned in the activity the essence of holistic care. As known, holistic care is an integrated approach to health care that treats the “whole” person, not simply the symptoms and disease. It is also understood that mind and body are integrated and inseparable. It is reflected in holistic care that there is holiness to experience wholesomeness.

This initiative is very environmental and it gives a lot of inspiration. The spirit of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2018 is taken in an environmental perspective where the love for God is in connection with the Love for all of His creation. The Love for nature will give us the motivation to take care of the resources that are to be nurtured for the next generation. Understanding the nature of life with a life-giving caring system is very essential. It gives the opportunity for God’s creation and humanity to live in harmony. It builds a healthy home.

At the end of the activity, The Transforming Power of the Love of God and the Love of Neighbor for the common Good builds the hope for the parents and individuals. Life will be full of holiness and heart that creates a goal to care for the environment because caring for environment will save our brothers and sisters from worst calamities in the future. Will this initiative bring Harmony and Peace? In fact yes, because there is continuous regeneration of life — nourishment, cleansing and balance in nature. This is a good initiative because at the end, it reflected the theme of the celebration. It is believed that the result of caring for the creation is also caring and loving God and your neighbor for the common Good. Padayon!

Human Rights Education & Dialogue on Gender and Development (GAD) with special focus on R.A 9262 Violence against Women and their Children (VAW-C)

In line with the celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week (1^st week of February) as per Republic Act No. 10525, with this year theme: “Celebrating the Transforming Power of the Love of God and the Love of Neighbor for the Common Good” this regional office in partnership with Western Mindanao State University conducted an orientation and dialogue with its students and luckily we were able to gather 100 participants from the School of Liberal Arts and the BS Social Work students. The topic discussed is on Gender and Development (GAD) with special focus on R.A 9262 Violence against Women and their Children (VAW-C). The objectives of this activity were to promote greater respect for human dignity, to promote gender sensitivity and gender equality and the elimination of discrimination on women and gender bias. As this celebration promoted harmony and peace the activity was able to convey the message of respecting each other’s differences in faith, belief, race, color, gender and the like. Also instilled into the students was the importance of promoting and protecting human rights especially the rights of women, children and other vulnerable sectors. After the talk constructive questions make raised and Atty. Judelyn Macapili, the speaker of the day, was able to answer them on every point. Ma’am Elizabeth Solis of SILSILAH closed the program and introduced to the students the Harmony Chain Initiative and promoted to them to continue doing the chain. The activity was a success and we ended by praying together the Harmony Prayer.

On the occasion of the World Inter-Faith Harmony Week 2018 with the theme “Celebrating the Transforming Power of the Love of God and Love of Neighbor for the Common Good.” the Emmaus Volunteers made an effort to reach out to the community of Culianan to gather their friends and neighbors to join the “Neighbors in Harmony” activity and to be one in celebration of the World Inter-Faith Harmony Week 2018.

The World Inter-Faith Harmony Week is celebrated every year in the first week of the month of February. It is the time of the year that we are called and reminded to be in dialogue among different faiths and religions. Praying the “Harmony Prayer” together can unite people regardless of what they believe in and it is a Universal prayer that can bring and lead people back to God. Our differences should not be a hindrance to show our love and respect to everyone. We must learn to appreciate the individuality that each of us have. The “Four Pillars of Dialogue” will serve as our guide through our journey in living our lives in dialogue. We need to be in Dialogue with God where one should go back to one’s religion and deeply understand God’s dialogue, mercy and compassion to us, to humanity. We need to be in Dialogue with our Self, this will help us to hear God’s voice within us, it will give us time to reflect and to embrace the wholeness of our being. We need to be in Dialogue with Others, having good relationship with the people around us means that we see God in other people and we see the goodness in them. And lastly, it is important for us to be in Dialogue with Creation, we need to be in dialogue with nature, we need to protect our environment and prevent it from destruction. Caring for Mother Earth, is caring for our home and for humanity.

In the end, learning to love one’s self is acceptance of our flaws and imperfections, of who we really are and what we believe in, through this, we will also learn to accept and love others without criticizing them for who they are and what they also believe in. We should keep in mind that God loves us the way we are, we must learn to embrace and respect each other’s uniqueness because in the eyes of God, we are all his children and we are all the same.

 

“Health Professionals Delivering Total Patient Care in a Multicultural and Multi Religion Setting”

West Metro Medical Center is happy to be again part of this year’s celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week by hosting a forum entitled “Health Professionals Delivering Total Patient Care in a Multicultural and Multi Religion Setting”. It was held at West Metro Conference Room. On February 7, 2018 at 1:30pm.

Two health professionals with decades of experience shared insights into how they carried out holistic patient care, including the spiritual aspect, in their patients, especially those who are of  different faiths.

The forum was an attempt to look into how interfaith dialogue takes place in a health care setting.

This was attended by instructors from different nursing schools in Zamboanga, members of the Silsilah Dialogue Movement, and the West Metro doctors and nurses.

 

 

INTER-RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY EXPOSURE AND GATHERING

THEME: “Connecting Dots of Harmony through extensive Interreligious Engagement”

Date: February 4, 2018
Venue:: Pantano, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City

In line with the celebration of World Inter-Faith Harmony Week 2018, the Integrated Resource Development for Tri-people, Inc. (IRDT) and through the support of the Asia Foundation held a one-day Interreligious Community Exposure and Gathering with the theme “Connecting Dots of Harmony Through Extensive Inter-Religious Engagement.” the Part 1 of the activity was the immersion of the participants to the community. Group 1 was assigned in the Community of Sumariki while Group 2 was assigned in Upper Calarian.

Cultural Diversity is existing in many communities in Zamboanga City. Pantano Upper Calarian is just one of the communities where one can observe the diversity of cultures and religions in the area. The Christian participants had an opportunity to be with Muslim families while the Muslim participants had an opportunity also to be with Christian families, for them to know and understand how they maintain their good relationship with their neighbors despite having differences.

Most of what the participants have observed is that “Respect” is very essential in maintaining good relationship with each other. Embracing the differences that we have and Acceptance of people for who they are and what they believe in without criticizing them is just one of the key to become a better person and to have a better community.