In celebration of International Peace Month, the Sagradan Community had a culminating activity last September 30, 2022, with the theme “End Racism, Build Peace.” It aims to commemorate the ideals of peace among all nations so that we can learn more and change the world into a better place.
The said activity started with a solemn prayer led by grade 6 pupil Isabella Sophia Cruz then followed by the singing of the national anthem. We are then welcomed and greeted by our Principal Mrs. Maria Carmela S. Ong. She reminded us that we cannot give what we do not have, thus, peace is within us. So, in order to pass on the love, let us all seek the help of our Lord by praying to find peace and bring peace to our hearts at all times.
To shed light and further explain the purpose of the culminating activity, a talk by Grade 1 Teacher Miss Reinamae Demillo commenced. Miss Demillo said that we are like superheroes seeking change and that change starts with us most specifically in wanting peace. She then explained what racism is and that it is caused by our ignorance of the concept of difference and diversity.
Racism creates a barrier in the form of bullying and discrimination. We must embrace each other’s differences in order to eradicate negative remarks to others that result in racism. Four eye-openers were explained by Ms. Demillo to end racism and build peace; (1) we’re not all the same, (2) celebrate our differences, (3) love one another, and (4) we are all equal in the eyes of God. Furthermore, this posts a challenge for all of us to be peacebuilders in our own little ways.
And in order to promote peace we were reminded of the following practices; (1) speak out against hate speech both online and offline, (2) create a safe place to share feelings, and (3) raise peace awareness to fight racism. Overall, in order to end racism, we must open new doors; doors towards change, embracing each other’s unique qualities, and doors to equality.
It was also a day of encouragement. A festival of Sagradan hearts and spirits that shouts their burning desire to end racism and build peace. Different winners were announced by our competent Vice Principals Mrs. Jovelina Inductivo and Mr. Jomar Dela Cruz and their incomparable outputs like vlogs, jingles, and symbols of peace were showcased in the culminating activity. Indeed, Sagradans are peace builders and holders.
To conclude the culminating activity our hardworking School Director Mrs. Maria Cristina S. Silamor left us a final message that conflicts may arise so we must seek the help of the Lord by praying to Him for peace in all of us. According to her, instead of planting hatred and misunderstandings, we must ask God for understanding, tolerance, and love thus, peace will loudly resonate and spread in our community.
Written by: Roze Andrielle Villanueva, ESP 6 Teacher