8ID joins nationwide “Ilaw Para Sa Kapayapaan”

By EMY C. BONIFACIO, Samar News.com
February 11, 2011

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan Samar  –  The Army’s 8th Infantry Division joined the whole nation in the simple yet meaningful candle lighting activity dubbed as “Ilaw para sa Kapayapaan”, a nationwide simultaneous lighting of candle in front of 8ID Admin building around 6:30 pm., February 8.

More than two hundred (200) participants from the Civil Society Organizations (CSO), Non Government Organizations (NGO’s), local media, academe, religious and other social sectors joined the officers, soldiers and civilian employees of 8ID in the nationwide call for peace.

In his message, Major General Mario Chan, 8ID’s commander said that the event gives hope to the people of Samar and the whole Eastern Visayas region.

He further stressed that the candle’s light symbolizes “Peace” which is long desired by the people of Samar.

“The suffering of our Samareno in this insurgency problems is long enough that needs to be given serious attention. The light gives hope for peace and progressive place to live in with… War is not the solution to all of this, we can win this war by convincing them to be part of us and live a normal life,” General Chan adds.

“We hope that this light (candle light) will surely give us enough hope to fully achieve peace here in Eastern Visayas” General Chan concludes.

Meanwhile, Miss Myra Tambor, the President of Katungod Han Samarena Foundation Inc, who was the event’s guest of honor and speaker, regarded the activity as a very meaningful activity especially that it aims peace to reign.

She said that it is high time for all sectors of our society to join hands for the common interest and attainment of peace in Region 8.

She also encouraged the participants particularly those coming from CSOs and NGOs to give their share and contribution for the ultimate winning of peace.

“May I request everyone to please do not take the candle lights off yet, for it gives us a meaningful light for us to have a continued and burning desire for peace.  These lights be our light and hope that someday, peace in Region 8 will surely be attained,” Tambor said.

The activity has concluded bringing the participants new hope for the coming days to come and made them more aware on the present Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” of the government.