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"Peace is our Right"

Around 500 people, mostly youths, gathered at the Peace Bell in the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City on September 21 for the IDP celebrations dubbed “Kapayapaan, Ating Karapatan” (Peace is our Right).

The event was organized by Generation Peace Youth Network in partnership with the URI SEAPac Regional Office, the Peacemakers’ Circle CC and several other non-governmental organizations engaged in building a culture of peace in the Philippines. It aimed to raise awareness on the IDP, enlist public support for the Peace Process in the Philippines and also to ask for ceasefire in the conflict areas. It was heartening that the youths dominated, both in the organizing committee of the event and in attendance.

The event started with a Hindu Ritual and chants for peace , followed by interfaith prayers from representative of different faith traditions invited by the Peacemakers' Circle. Solidarity messages sent by the Philippine President, UN Country Representatives, Secretary in the Office of the President on Peace Process, vice Mayor of Quezon City and others were read out, interspersed by entertainment numbers.

This was followed by a colorful parade of the participants led by the Quezon City Marching Band to the Volleyball courts for the second part of the activities - simultaneous games (cheering competition, Amazing race and Pinoy game). The highlight of the games was the wheelchair basket ball match.

Partner organizations set up booths to promote their advocacies and sell their products in the same venue. A pot-luck lunch was enjoyed by all.

There is an ongoing month long campaign "Give Peace a Shot", a photo petition for peace in the Philippines led by Generation peace Youth Network to declare our support for the peace talks (GPH with the CPP/NPA/NDF and with the MILF); and to urge everyone (government, rebel groups, etc.) to declare September 21 as universal ceasefire day is ongoing.

This IDP event helped to bring together youths and others from different sectors and advocacies and many friendships were forged through the games. The youths from the URI grassroots community participated fully in the activities and were very enthusiastic and inspired by the event.

MAY PEACE PREVAIL IN THE PHILIPPINES! MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH!