MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 11, 2013) – The Philippine Embassy in London cited before Philippine and British audiences the country’s initiatives and achievements in the fields of interfaith cooperation and human rights promotion.
The Embassy said it hosted its first ever reception commemorating World Interfaith Harmony Week. The gathering brought together leaders and representatives of different religions in the United Kingdom, as well as UK government officials and members of the Filipino community with an interest in cooperation and understanding among faiths.
In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the UK Enrique Manalo traced the Philippines’ long history and leading role in the promotion of interfaith cooperation within the international community, and recalled the country’s own direct interests and experiences in religious dialogue.
“The Philippine Government views interreligious dialogue as a vital component of the comprehensive effort to achieve a global culture of peace – peace that is essential for security, growth and development,” Manalo said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
World Interfaith Harmony Week has been celebrated around the world on the first week of February since 2010, through a resolution unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. National Human Rights Consciousness Week is commemorated in the Philippines in December each year pursuant to Republic Act 9201.
20