CANDLES FOR PEACE. Ateneo de Davao University President Fr. Joel E. Tabora leads the community candle lighting activity in support to the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite on Monday, January 21, 2018 at the Our Lady of Compassion Statue in Roxas Avenue in Davao City. (Charwin Mae Salarda/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Members of the community of Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) community gathered for a candle lighting for peace activity earlier on Monday in support to the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite.
The prayer gathering was held at the Our Lady of Compassion statue in Roxas St., Davao City that was led by ADDU President Fr. Joel E. Tabora.
In his message, Tabora expressed hopes for the ratification of the BOL, a law he described as an effective instrument to strengthen Muslim communities in Mindanao.
Tabora said the law will also provide access to Muslim communities, especially those areas considered as under recovery from being behind as far as the national wealth is concerned.
“We hope that through the structures of self-determination, the Bangsamoro people will take responsibility for their own society and peace for a bright future for the future generations in acceptance of diversity in Mindanao,” he pointed out.
Tabora also prays for acceptance in each sector in Mindanao in the midst of diversity with the courage to recognize and respect one another as different, yet can come together as one nation.
In an interview with reporters after the gathering, Tabora said he respects the position of those who expressed opposition to the BOL, saying that the longing of every sector in Mindanao is for peace to reign with the end of fighting and killings.
Tabora expressed optimism that the democratic process is allowed to run during the plebiscite and that everybody is allowed to vote and the result is accepted by all.
He also clarified that ADDU is supportive of the aspirations of the Bangsamoro.
ADDU, as an educational institution, is ready to help through the development of civil service arm and the development of business skills and entrepreneurship.
“These are some of the many ways in which the ADDU can help,” Tabora said. (Charwin Mae Salarda, HCDC Intern)
