Peace Rocks, Too, in Rocky Basilan

Isabela City, Basilan – MUSIC that resonates peace is what the young people of this restive island are promoting to touch the heart of fellow youngsters towards unity and harmonious cultural co-existence.

In the occasion of this year’s Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP), youths from different cultural communities – Muslims, Christians, and Samal – showcased the best of mostly original compositions with the theme on peace, love, respect, and unity.

Lydia Sumampong, youth coordinator of Basilan’s Diocesan Youth Formation Program (DYFP), the organizer of the gathering, said music is very effective in relaying the message of peace.

“We have prepared as part of the celebration the battle of the bands among different youth groups in Basilan,” she told during other different activities in Basilan last December 2. The concert was called “Echoes of Dialogue, Peace and Ecology,” held last November 27 as part of the pre-MWOP activities.

“It is through music that we can also showcase not only our talents but our message for mutual cooperation and understanding,” said performer Jetri Angeles of the Prelature Young Performing Artist. Angeles added that so far the response from his fellow youth is very positive. “So we decided to have the repeat this December 8.”

“We performed songs about Mindanao and unity, like let’s build a bridge of love and some songs with a theme on ecological awareness,” added another performer Zidarlo Basubas.

Other activities for Basilan celebration included an opening salvo led by the Marines in their skydiving exhibition followed by walk for peace, peace forum with the military officers and sports for peace. A Children and Youth Festival was sponsored by the inter-organizational consortium Pagtabangan “Kawman” Basilan gathered some 400 children and youth in Tipo-Tipo town.

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