(Second in a Series)

by Josefa P. Dampilag, Pacita E. Gawaen, Genevieve B. Kupang, Christine S. Luyosen, Alaska J. Turaray

With the publication of the first series, ( https://theworldmarch.org/en/join/ ) we are excited to continue sharing more inspiring moments from the 3rd World March (WM) for Peace and Nonviolence at Baguio Central University . This next series dives deeper into the meaningful speeches and heartwarming events that unfolded. Let’s continue to unveil more highlights from this WM global movement, World without Wars and Violence , in collaboration with Baguio Central University .

Rev. Br. Ramon Caluza, CICM on Interconnectedness, Justice, Peace, and Hope

Rev. Br. Ramon Caluza, a Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) advocate, was the former CICM provincial superior of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the former President of St. Louis College, San Fernando, The Union. Currently assigned at Home Sweet Home, he has graciously hosted our resource speakers from Gaza. His message of peace inspired and challenged the participants.

In his powerful words:

“From a cosmic perspective and within the parameters of ecospirituality, we affirm that we are all interconnected in the cosmos. What happens or what occurs at Baguio Central University right now affects our brothers and sisters in Gaza Strip. Whatever happens in one place is connected and affects other persons in other places. As they say, a baby that cries in Baguio City, Philippines, has an effect on a family in Lima, Peru, and many other examples.

Dear friends, this global consciousness or awareness of our particular realities and situations is grounded in our common good, in our concerted effort to solve conflicts in case they arise, in a peaceful and nonviolent way. Since time immemorial, we Cordillerans have lived in peace, united in our diversity, respectful of our uniqueness, promoting our complementarities, aware of the presence of the creator of the universe, and diligent in taking care of our resources, human or otherwise. We solve our conflicts through our long-standing approach of peace pact or ‘bodong.’ We collaborate with one another in our communal tasks in the spirit of ‘binnadang.’ We consider our lands here in the Cordillera as sacred and, therefore, our lifeline. We see to it that this tradition is kept and continued for generations and generations to come.

May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and the exploitation of people so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in the world so that we can do what others think cannot be done—to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor for generations to come.

If in Costa Rica they can do it, this means that there is a possibility that we too can be one like them. A university of peace, where we can tread the way of peace, of harmonious prosperity, in the enduring pursuit of the common good. Years ago, Pope Paul VI, now declared a saint, said: ‘If you want peace, work for justice.’ The famous St. Francis of Assisi, the patron of the environment, animals, and birds, in his most beautiful but demanding prayer, affirms and demands, ‘Lord, make us instruments of your peace.’

In brief, my dear friends, what the world needs now are persons—students like you, faculty, staff, public servants, neighbors, church workers, our relatives, we who are here right now. We are also blessed and showered with so many blessings.”

BCU’s significant peace partner Rev. Br. Ramon Caluza, CICM, warmly welcomed the World March Base Team at Home Sweet Home in Baguio City. Here he poses with humanist Enrique Gutierrez, Jeffrey Espinoza, WM base team representative Wilfredo Alfsen from Chile, and WM organizers Genevieve Balance Kupang and Karina Lagdameo Santillan. Credit: Angelo Salamat.

Mahadia Soria Franji: Enduring Hope and the Olive Leaves

Mahadia Soria Franji explains the meaning of the Kaffiyeh. Photo credit: BCU The Flame

This is the Living Testimony of What PEACE Should Be by Mahadia Soria Franji, Gazan Refugee from Palestine. “Honored guests, brothers and sisters, I stand before you not just as a speaker, but also as a survivor. My name is Mahadia Soria Franji. I am a Gazan refugee who has witnessed and endured suffering, loss, and devastation. But today, I choose to speak not of despair but of hope. I choose to speak of peace despite the fact that our house was leveled to the ground and my husband was injured after being pulled from the rubble of our home.

 Despite the fact that my relatives, colleagues, students, and basically everyone I know and love are being killed as I speak, and despite the fact that my Facebook friend list has turned into a virtual graveyard, I still come here to speak of peace. Believe me, it’s hard to ask me to come here to speak of peace or to shake hands with someone who has actually harmed me. But in order to seek peace and end war and genocide, I would extend my other hand with my other arm just to do that.

We are people of peace, and we are willing to extend our hands for peace. If you know what I am wearing, it is called a ‘Kaffiyeh,’ and it is the symbol of Palestinian resistance around the world. But if you dissect the elements or symbols of the Kaffiyeh, you will find the Olive Leaf, which is a symbol of peace. In fact, our previous president, Yasser Arafat, won the Nobel Peace Prize; he was the first person to win the peace prize in the world. So, we are a people of peace.

Don’t be fooled by the media that tells you we are terrorists. Peace, as the Mayor of Baguio City said, is not just the absence of violence; it is the presence of justice, dignity, and humanity. In Gaza, we have endured violent attacks: siege, famine, and destruction. We have lost loved ones who have evaporated into thin air. We lost our homes, jobs, and dreams, but we have not lost our belief in peace. For it is the belief that sustains us even when the world tells us it is futile.

 As a Palestinian-Filipina, I carry the burden of the genocide that seeks to erase my people, my history, and all our culture. But we also carry with us the stories of resilience—the courage of mothers who pray for their children under the sounds of bombs, and the strength of communities who rebuild their lives time and again.

 To my Filipino brothers and sisters: your country has known the pain of colonization and conflict. You have fought for your own freedom and your right to self-determination. Your story is one of resilience, too, and it is the shared story of struggles that bind us together. You know what it is like to yearn for peace in a world that sometimes feels indifferent to your suffering.

 But I believe in the power of solidarity. It is through the support of international communities like yours that we keep hope alive. Peace cannot be achieved by the oppressed alone; it requires the voices, actions, and empathy of all who stand for justice.

 Home Sweet Home Indeed through the Power of Solidarity: Rev. Fr. Ramon Caluza, CICM, graciously received Mahadia Soria Elfranji, her son Jumaa, and WM organizer Genevieve B. Kupang at Home Sweet Home. Although the husband Abdelrahman Elfranji is not in the picture, his presence was felt as part of this meaningful gathering.

To the international community, I ask you this: Please, do not look away. Do not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Palestinian people or any people trapped in war and injustice. Your voice matters. Peace is not a passive state; it is something we must all actively work towards together.

As a refugee, Abdelrahman Elfranji shared with Dr. Lilian Pagulongan, Fr. Ramon Caluza, CICM, and Mahadia that the night they arrived in Baguio City was his first time sleeping serenely in over a year, thanks to Home Sweet Home.

“Let us join hands in the global movement for peace. Let us speak out against oppression. Whatever happens, let us create a future where every child, whether in Gaza, the Philippines, or anywhere, can grow up free—free from the fear of war. Together, we can build bridges of understanding, empathy, and humanity. Together, we can write a future where peace is not just a dream but a reality for all.”

In the top photo, couples Abdelrahman and Mahadia Soria Franji explain to BCU doctorate students the symbols and meaning of the “Keffiyeh.” The Keffiyeh features embroidered shapes of olive leaves, which symbolize peace. In the bottom photos, Miss Dampilag and Mr. Turaray, BCU Graduate School students, proudly don the Keffiyeh, embracing its significance for peace.

A poignant message from Gazan refugees, who shared their harrowing experiences of war, filled everyone in the room with sympathy, emotion, and realizations. Their words, delivered with raw emotion, served as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. The refugees’ stories emphasized the urgent need for peace and the importance of fostering understanding and empathy among all people.

Mr. Ryan Javier: Every Child Deserves Peace and Safety

This powerful message for peace was delivered by Mr. Ryan Javier, Senior Brand Manager for Fundraising at UNICEF Philippines: “The most vulnerable victims in times of war and violence are the children, who suffer the most. Today, we gather to affirm that every child deserves peace and the opportunity to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, free from the trauma of violence and conflict. Each child has the right to a future that we owe to them.

The power of peace shapes futures. Peace is not merely the absence of war; it embodies the presence of justice, equality, and respect for human dignity. When we advocate for nonviolence, we promote systems and policies that uphold human rights, particularly for the marginalized and voiceless.

In the Philippines and across the globe, we must unite to address the root causes of violence, poverty, inequality, and injustice. We must create inclusive spaces for every child, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our peace-building efforts should focus on long-term solutions, investing in education, strengthening child protection systems, and ensuring that children’s voices are heard.”

A BCU student commits to peace by proudly signing his name.

With graceful leaps and fluid movements, the Centralian Street Dance Troupe dances their hearts out for peace.

Some members of the BCU organizing team pose for posterity with the WM base team and invited esteemed guests.

Stay tuned for the third series of the article plus other updates!

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