The Center for Peace Education (CPE) celebrated its 25th anniversary of teaching peace to reach peace. For this milestone event, the Center hosted a fundraising concert titled “Channel of Peace” held on November 16, 2022, at Henry Sy Sr. Innovation Center, featuring song, dance and spoken word performances from the various units of Miriam College (MC) Quezon City, MC Nuvali, and Balong High School, a partner of CPE.
Formally starting the event, Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jasmin Nario-Galace gave a welcoming message sharing some of the key achievements of the Center through the years and her joy in this momentous occasion. This was followed by a video message from President Laura Quiambao-del Rosario, where she congratulated Dr. Loreta N. Castro, “the inspiration and moving force” behind the establishment of the Center and highlighted the importance of peace being the center of education.
The First Secretary of the Indian Embassy, Mr. Kannan Chockalingam, led the dedication to Peace Champions delivering a special message championing Gandhi’s philosophy and inspiring the peacebuilders to campaign for truth, nonviolence, welfare for all and peace within nations. The Embassy of India donated 80 copies of Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography as a gift to be shared with other institutions through CPE’s network.
After which, performances of the various units were showcased with the hosts sharing peace messages and trivia about the Center between segments. The first segment included the MC Grade School (MCGS) and Higher Education Unit (HEU) performances of the songs “Magkaugnay” by Joey Ayala and “Better World” by Smokey Mountain respectively.
Following that, the second segment featured the Skills Development and Technical Education Center (SDTEC) performing the song of Tropical Depression called “Kapayapaan” and the MCGS performing the song of Leah Navarro titled “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit”, both songs reminding us that no matter our differences, love and peace for the world connects us to each other.
For the third part, Teatro Banaag of MC High School (MCHS) gave a heartfelt spoken word performance of the poem titled “Flower of Peace”. This was followed by the presentation of Balong High School of the “Bangsamoro Hymn” with the hosts underscoring CPE activities for the annual Mindanao Solidarity Week like the Lugawan Para sa Mindanao, Ice Cream for Peace, and Muffins for Peace among others.
In the fourth segment, MC Nuvali delivered a song performance of “We are the World” by U.S.A. for Africa, and the Cultural Classical Dance Club of MCHS skillfully danced to “Unang Hakbang” by Quest.
The event was concluded with a closing message by Dr. Castro who expressed her happiness and heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the event possible. The concert was attended by about 400 MC students, faculty, parents and guests from both online and onsite venues. The raised fund will be used to build a classroom for Balong High School in Pikit, North Cotabato and support the various projects and campaigns of the Center. HEU Faculty Members and CPE Associates, Ms. Mirma Tica-Ortiz and Mr. Arkel Mendoza, hosted the event.
