A Muslim educator in Davao City batted for strengthening education as a means to helping prevent the spread of violent extremism.
“We have always been passionate for peace by emphasizing the role of education,” Samer Aloy of the Madrasah and Peace program told the Kapehan sa Davao.
“Education is the great equalizer for peace,” he said.
Advocates of peace and harmony today (Tuesday) will join hundreds of indigenous peoples and Muslim leaders in a ‘peace walk’ that sought to raise awareness against violent extremism.
Youda Sevilla of the Heavenly Culture, World Peace and Restoration of Light (HWPL) said the peace walk is part of a world-wide campaign against violent extremism.
“Violent extremism has recently been the most talked about issue of the global community and global concern,” she said, adding that it has been linked to specific religious and political views and used to blame certain groups..
HWPL added that people who carry harmful actions by their beliefs often do not admit that they are an extremists.
“It is their belief that they are doing the right thing,” she said.
Aloy said the Madrasah and Peace Program maintains 49 Madrasah schools in Davao City alone with 99 Arabic teachers and 149 mosque centers.
Deputy mayor Datu Pamikiren Latip Arumpac,Jr. said Muslim communities are supportive of the walk.
“In the communities, we have advised our constituents that if they are unable to do anything about suspicious people, they can always report them to the Task Force Davao,” he said.
The peace walk will promote peace, harmony and friendship as well as to commemorate the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace.
The event was organized by the HCWP, in partnership with the 11 tribes of Davao and the Madrasah Comprehensive Development and Promotion Program (MCDPP).
The peace walk will culminate in a program at the People’s Park.
Among the speakers of the event will be Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy of Compostella Valley, Deputy Mayor Datu Pamikiren Latip Arumpac, Jr. from the Iranun Tribe, Deputy Mayor Datu Roel Arthur Ali and Executive Director Aleem Jamal Munib of the Madrasah Comprehensive Development and Promotion Program.
Peace Walk begins at 8:00 in the morning at Rizal Park and ends in People’s Park.
