IIREF and OLLP launched forum on peace and Bangsamoro

The Ignatian Institute Religious Education Foundation (IIREF) called for a two-hour forum on “A Missing Link on Peace Process” last February 28, 2015, held at the AVR room of the Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), with Davao Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla, DD, as the guest speaker.

The annual forum for all IIREF scholars, both Masteral and Doctorate, was initiated by its Executive Director Father William J. Malley, SJ. In this forum, Archbishop Capalla disclosed that Bishop Ulama Conference (BUC) is the missing link on peace process in Mindanao, and so in the formulation of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The forum was participated by hundreds of IIREF scholars, professors, and some distinguished guests.

Meanwhile, the Social Ethic Society called for “A Forum on the Bangsamoro” held at parish pastoral building of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Bangkal, March 2, 2015 with guest speakers Atty. Jamil Adrian Matalam, Professor Ryan Christopher Maboloc, both from the Ateneo de Davao University, and Father Urbano Pardillo of the St. Francis Xavier College Seminary.

The forum was facilitated by OLLP Parish Priest Father Dexter C. Veloso, DCD, participated by hundreds of lay from OLLP Parish Pastoral Council, SFXCS seminarians, IIREF scholars, students and educators from ADDU, HCDC and neighboring Diocese of Digos, RJM sisters, CDP members, and some distinguished guests. The forum highlighted the significance of the BBL despite the recent hostilities in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Both forums stressed the importance of shalom, the necessity to continue the peace process in Mindanao. Archbishop Capalla and Father Veloso said that the forum was not the end, but more discussions and reflections on peace are expected in our continuing search for shalom.

Meanwhile, the Kahiusahan sa mga Layko sa Mindanao (KALAMI) announced the incoming “A Lenten Conversation: Church Response to Evil and Injustice” on March 30, 2015, at 1 PM, to be held at the Redemptorist Church in Bajada, with Father Ben Alforque, MJ, as the honorary guest speaker. (Vonz Hijada)