IFUGAO (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 20, 2012) – The Ifugao State University in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the Japan Overseas Civilian Volunteers (JOCV) and the Training Program for Young Leaders (TPYL) convened hundreds of college students to attend the Peace Cranes: Nagasaki-Hiroshima Peace Caravan and Mindanao Peace Forum recently.
A photo exhibit was held prior to the forum at the University Campus. Dr. Faith Basilio, Vice President for Academic Affairs of the university, welcomed the guests coming from Mindanao and Hiroshima, Japan.
“Increasing awareness of the public about Hiroshima and the effects of Nuclear crisis and raising awareness on Mindanao (effects of war) and some peace efforts through visual displays,” shared Martha Parrenas, JICA Staff.
With the rich culture and ancient history and the recognition of the Banaue Rice Terraces as one of the world’s wonders – the Ifugao’s treasure peace and solidarity. The harmonious relationship of the people in the region marked how progressive the place is.
The Peace Caravan is a series of activities that highlights the importance of understanding peace through photo exhibit of the Peace City in the World- Hiroshima and its incidences in the past to include the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Atomic Bomb explosion, open Forum with the local residents an understanding Mindanao Peace building.
An orientation on Hiroshima was held on the first day of the caravan and speakers from Hiroshima, to include Watanabe Tomoko, Executive Director of ANT-Hiroshima; Junko Hattori, Akira Komiya, Horiko Kono, of KOREMA, strengthened the workshop and understanding on the atomic bomb explosion.
Participants were eager to know the details of the 1945 atomic bomb attack by the United States in Nagasaki and Hiroshima City – one of the participants, Bendedict Gano said: “my grandfather shared to me before about the Japanese occupation in the Philippines.” The occupation of the Japanese had created many impacts to the lives of the Filipinos.
Integral understanding of peace and war was elaborated through a workshop. A student emphasized that peace is accepting reality in life.
The second day continued with the relevance of understanding peace and conflict. Mayor Francisco Tenenan, Sr. of the Ifugao municipality of Lamut, said “reconciliation of the two countries – Japan and the Philippines – is needed in order to work as one – during his welcome remarks. (Aldrin Abdurahim)
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