In celebration of the 2024 United Nations International Day of Peace, a diverse gathering of religious leaders, advocates, and educators convened at the University of Santo Tomas on September 20, 2024, for the Advocacy Conference themed “Together We Dream, Hope, and Act: Educating Toward Dialogue with Creation and Peacebuilding.” Held at the UST Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building, the event drew participants from various sectors, all united in their commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting peace, and advancing environmental stewardship.
Rev. Fr. Pablo Tiong, OP, SThL-MA, opened the conference by welcoming participants and collaborators, emphasizing the event’s aim to deepen perspectives on relationships with creation and each other. The first keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, PIME, founder of the Silsilah Movement, who spoke on the importance of engaging in dialogue with creation, sharing the story of how the Silsilah Movement emerged as a bridge for peace in their community. Following his address, His Excellency Most Rev. Gerardo Alminaza, D.D., Bishop of San Carlos and Vice-Chairman of the Commission on Social Action, Justice, and Peace (ECSA-JP), presented the integration of peacebuilding into educational frameworks, particularly within religious communities. He emphasized the vital role of peace education in nurturing compassion and building a more harmonious society.
A dynamic panel discussion followed, moderated by Asst. Prof. Val Brillo, academic staff from the Institute of Religion. Panelists included Prof. Arvin Eballo, Ph.D., President of the Religious Educators Association of the Philippines (REAP), and Imam Ebra Moxsir, President of the Imam Council of the Philippines, who both shared their insights on the responsibilities of religious leaders in fostering education and peacebuilding. Other distinguished contributors to the discussion were Asst. Prof. Froilan Alipio, MCD, Director of UST Simbahayan Community Development Office, Mrs. Aselo Arago and Mr. Ted Arago, National Coordinators of the Focolare Movement, and Ven. Miao Jing Shi, Head Abbess of the Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple. Each offered unique perspectives on how their respective communities promote dialogue and improve relationships both within and beyond their circles.
In the afternoon, Prof. Dean Emeritus Lilian Sison, Ph.D., from Religions for Peace Philippines, delivered a presentation highlighting the crucial role of faith communities in promoting environmental responsibility. Prof. Sison, who also serves as Director of the Office of International Relations and Programs, stressed the importance of collective action in addressing ecological issues. The subsequent panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Joan Cristi Bagaipo, Ph.D., focused on integral ecology and education. Panelists, including Ms. Sonia Mendoza, Chairperson of the Mother Earth Foundation and Rev. Erahvilla Maga-Cabillas from Iglesia Filipina Independiente, shared how religious communities can lead the way in sustainable practices and ecological advocacy. Other contributors, such as Assoc. Prof. Ma. Sanita Quilatan, Ph.D., from the Laudato Si’ Movement Philippines, Pastor Alvaro Senturias Jr. of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, and Ms. Haidi F. Fajardo, Area Director for Public Affairs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also underscored the critical need for faith-driven efforts in addressing environmental challenges.
The conference concluded with the landmark Declaration of the First Week of October as Dialogue with Creation Partners Week, a significant initiative designed to promote ongoing collaboration between religious and ecological movements. Rev. Fr. Ermito De Sagon, O.P., Director of UST’s Institute of Religion, delivered the closing remarks, reaffirming UST’s commitment to peace education, interfaith dialogue, and environmental advocacy.
Participants left the event not only with a renewed sense of purpose but also with a shared vision of peace, dialogue, and environmental responsibility. The conference planted seeds of hope and collaboration, promising continued growth and collective action in the months and years to come, with each participant contributing to the shared journey toward a more peaceful and sustainable world.
