NegOr plants trees for Peace Month

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept 14 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Negros Oriental in cooperation with multisectoral groups are planting trees and holding other peace-oriented events to highlight the month-long National Peace Consciousness celebration this September. 

Over 400 police, military personnel, schools, government agencies and nongovernment organizations will plant more than a thousand trees on September 15 at Barangay Cambaloctot in San Jose town. 

On the same day, the Philippine National Police will lead the "Bike for Peace" with several groups of bikers in the province. The bikers will start in Canlaon City, the last southern part of the Negros Oriental, and end in the middle part of the province, Dumaguete City. 

The Negros Oriental Sports Development Program is also set to hold a "Marathon for Peace" on September 22 with hundreds of runners and students in Dumaguete City participating. 

Dumaguete-based artist Kitty Taniguchi has organized an "Arts for Peace" for nine schools participating on Sept. 22 at Robinsons’ Main Atrium. 

A "Peace Forum" will also be conducted for students of four universities in Dumaguete City on Sept 26 at 9 a.m. at the Provincial Convention Center and in Guihulngan City. These universities are Foundation, Siliman, St. Paul and NegOr State University. 

Preparations for a candle-lighting ceremony for peace, to end the Peace Month celebration on Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. at the Freedom Park right after a city parade for peace, are underway. 

Presidential Proclamation no. 675 declared September as "Month of Peace." This year’s observance theme is "Ako. Ikaw. Tayo. Magkakaiba, Nagkakaisa Tungo sa Kapayapaan." 

The activities lined up for the month are in cooperation with the Oriental Negros Children Advocacy Network, Bayanihan Para sa Kabataan, People Power Volunteers for Reform, NOSDEP, PNP, Philippine Army, among others. (mbcn/JCT/PIA 7-Negros Oriental)