(Third in a Series)

BCU Hosts the 3rd World March for Peace Philippine Leg: A Symphony of Global Harmony

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

 

This is the 3rd article in a series. Here are the links to the first and second articles: https://www.pressenza.com/2024/10/bcu-hosts-the-3rd-world-march-for-peace-philippine-leg-a-symphony-of -global-harmony/#content ; and https://www.pressenza.com/2024/10/bcu-hosts-the-3rd-world-march-for-peace-philippine-leg-a-symphony-of-global-harmony-2/.

Wilfredo Alfsen, WM Base Team Member from Chile

In addition to City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Rev. Father Ramon Caluza, and Mr. Ryan Javier, who honored Baguio Central University with their presence in advocating for peace, Wilfredo Alfsen, Karina Lagdameo Santillan, Pressenza editor, and Tiziana Volta, Coordinator of the 3rd World March for Peace and Nonviolence for Italy, the Philippines, and Switzerland, shared inspiring messages of peace.

“It may seem paradoxical, but our micro-indicators show real progress. Today, there are fewer deaths due to hunger, though hunger tragically remains. Infectious diseases are less rampant, and both women and children face fewer adversities. With each passing year, more people gain access to education, more find work, and technological advancements bring universal knowledge within reach for minimal cost.

We are undeniably moving forward as a global society. Yet, some forces seek to disrupt this journey—those whose economies and interests are tied to conflict, war, and division. These forces attempt to cloud our path to peace, but it is up to us to reject their influence and continue building a world that prioritizes progress, harmony, and shared prosperity.” – Wilfredo Alfsen, WM Base Team Member

Ceremony for well-being led by Wilfredo Alfsen and Karina Lagdameo-Santillan

Paz, Fuerza, Alegría (Peace, Strength, and Joy)! BCU doctoral student-authors join the WM base team representative and long-time humanists Wilfredo Alfsen, Karina Lagdameo Santillan, and Enrique Gutierrez for a memorable photo, embodying the spirit of unity and global solidarity.

Dr. Edna P. Culbongan, one of our esteemed masters of ceremonies and the dedicated tour guide for our guests from Gaza , graciously introduced this segment of the program. Her leadership and insight have enriched our event and made our guests feel warmly welcomed.

Tiziana Volta from Italy: Coordinator of the WM for Italy, Philippines and Switzerland

Tiziana Volta, the Coordinator for the WM Philippine leg at BCU as shown in the powerpoint presentation. Credit: Sheenah Pearl Pangda, BCU’s head, Student Affairs Office, and one of the WM Philippine leg organizers for BCU

“…My name is Tiziana Volta, and I am part of the World Coordination Team of the International Humanist Association, World Without Wars and Without Violence, which promotes the Third World March for Peace and Nonviolence. In this third edition, I am overseeing coordination in Italy, Switzerland, and the Philippines. I would like to share with you my experience with the World March and my personal journey with peace and nonviolence.

In October 2008, I first heard the words “peace” and “nonviolence” in the promo for the inaugural World March, and I fell in love with these ideals. From that moment, I was inspired to make a change in my own life and embarked on a journey—one that has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. Along the way, I had the privilege to meet incredible people, such as Montserrat Prieto, one of the key inspirations behind this project, who sadly passed away last year. In one of our conversations, she reminded me that the experience we share is enriched by each life and each story we encounter. My life has been transformed by the countless people working for peace and nonviolence across the globe, all striving to make a difference.

 The journey demands immense effort, but it’s worth every bit, as it opens up a new vision of what’s possible. Through the World March, we gather as human beings to meet, converse, compare, and cooperate, even when our cultural and historical differences challenge us. Yet, nothing is impossible when we move together toward peace. Every participant in the World March finds their voice strengthened by others, amplifying their message while still expressing their unique contribution.

 Today, we witness many conflicts and wars around the world, and in some ways, we are at war with ourselves, facing internal struggles. But the World March offers hope—that by meeting, understanding each other, and joining forces, anything is possible. With this shared hope, we continue forward together in the World March…”

The BCU Junior High School Participation in the 3rd World March for Peace

It was heartwarming to see several departments, colleges and offices collaborating to host the 3rd World March for Peace at the Baguio Central University, including the Junior High School department. Thanks for their principal Mr. Osmund Lictawa and JHS organizer Ms. Italine Joy A. Sanoy. Thank you also for the participation of the other faculty members and staff.

A collective artwork created by Grades 7 to 10 learners in collaboration with the Junior High School faculty, showcasing the power of teamwork and creativity. Each handprint, crafted by a student, is inscribed with their personal interpretation of “What is Peace?”

BCU Junior High School learners at Lower P. Burgos Campus, Baguio City, come together to form a powerful human peace sign, symbolizing their commitment to unity and positive change in their community.

The Junior High School learners deliver a moving rendition of ‘Kapayapaan’ (Peace) by Tropical Depression, captured in a video showcased during the 3 rd WM ceremony at the BCU Function Hall on October 21.

We extend our gratitude to the dedicated Junior High School faculty members—Ms. Cyril Daluria, Mr. Danmar Camilot, Ms. Racquel Piay, Ms. Italine Joy Sanoy, Mr. Andrei Mariñas, Ms. Micah Manuel, Ms. Bernadeth Chawan, guidance advocate Ms. Lhara Khayog—and their principal, Mr. Osmundo R. Lictawa, for their efforts in organizing and supporting the active participation of the Junior High School students in the 3WM.

Cheers to our spirited JHS faculty! With Ms. Italine Joy Sanoy, Ms. Bernadeth Chawan, Ms. Racquel Piay, Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang—BCU’s World March wonder-lead—Principal Mr. Osmundo Lictawa, and Wilfredo Alfsen from the 3rd World March base team, all united for peace! Credit: The Flame.

The peace ceremony at Baguio Central University was a truly awe-inspiring experience, a testament to the remarkable power of individuals united by a shared vision. Through the World March movement, participants were encouraged to embrace the values ​​of the March for Peace and Non-Violence, inspiring them to consider their own roles in building a more equitable and peaceful society—a legacy of hope that will endure. The 3rd World March for Peace and Non-Violence was far more than a single event; it marked a milestone in our collective journey toward peace, showcasing the profound impact of unity, compassion, and resilience.

As participants left the gathering, they carried with them a renewed commitment to advocating for peace within their own communities, instilled with the belief that a world free from violence is not merely a distant ideal but an achievable reality. The legacy of this march lives on in each individual, underscoring the strength of collective action and the enduring human spirit.

Stay tuned for the fourth article in this series as we continue to explore the impact and stories emerging from this inspiring movement.

Creating a global peace event is truly a village effort , and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable individuals who made it possible. A special thank you to our dedicated organizing team, who may not all be captured in this photo but are nonetheless an unwavering force for peace. Pictured from left to right: Kathleen Geryls B. Chua, SSC Vice President; Jessver S. Castaneda, PIO CTELA SGO; Sheenah Pearl Pangda, Head SAO; Ivy Grace M. Bunnat, SSC President; and our talented photographer, Sir Michael Rodriguez from MIS. Your tireless efforts and commitment have been invaluable!