WELCOME MESSAGES – Carmencita Karagdag, host-moderator for the day's morning sessions and interim coordinator of Peace for Life, welcomed the participants and guests of the First People's Forum on Peace for Life. She narrated the history of the initiative, emerging out of the International Ecumenical Conference on Terrorism in a Globalized World that was held in Manila in September 2002. Ms. Karagdag expressed gratitude to the foreign guests who traveled far, some of whom covering their own airfares, to express solidarity and participate in the launching of Peace for Life. She requested the participants coming from countries represented in the Forum to stand up and be recognized. In giving thanks to InPeace Mindanao for hosting the event, Ms Karagdag also made special mention of Dr. Robinson Montalba, convenor of InPeace Mindanao, who was enthusiastically active in the initial preparations for the Davao Forum but was unable to continue and thus join the Forum due to a serious illness. Hon. Angela Librado-Trinidad, First Councilor of Davao City, delivered a welcome message on behalf of City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. The mayor planned to join the Opening Celebration but was unable to come because of an important commitment. Councilor Trinidad assured the participants that Davao City is a safe place for them, especially because the city mayor, Mayor Duterte, has been known to challenge U.S. military presence in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao. She narrated how the mayor snubbed the recent launching of the U.S. Virtual Consulate in Davao, saying that since they were launching a virtual consulate, he will be giving his virtual presence.
« | < | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | > | »
First People's Forum on Peace for Life | OPENING CELEBRATION | 2004 November 30 | Davao City, Philippines
Total images: 92 | Navigating tips