Sultan Kudarat, Philippines - UPF-Philippines together with the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines led by the Governor of the province, Hon. Datu Suharto T. Mangudadatu, Al Haj, celebrated the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week on February 6 with a flag raising ceremony at the Sultan Kudarat Gymnasium and Cultural Center. It was witnessed by more than 700 employees of the Provincial Capitol and National Line agencies of the Philippine government.

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Bishop Dr. Elias T. Soria, D.D., Vice President of UPF-Philippines, read the UN General Assembly resolution regarding World Interfaith Harmony Week.

The good Governor greeted everyone with greetings on the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him), which fell on the same day, February 6. He said that the Prophet is an advocate of peace. He mentioned the accomplishments of his father, the former Congressman of Sultan Kudarat the Hon. Sultan Pax S. Mangudadatu, Al Haj, which include the construction of the largest provincial capitol building in the Philippines, and connected his message with UPF-Mindanao's upcoming International Leadership Conference in Davao on March 29-31. Also on March 31, thousands of married couples from through Mindanao will join in Interfaith Blessing Festival, renewing their marriage vows as well as committing themselves and their families to promoting sustainable peace and development in the region. “UPF comes to give us the blessing of peace and harmony among Christians, Muslims, and the indigenous peoples as one family under God,” he said.

Two people sang a duet during the intermission, which was followed by reports by a National Agency and Department Heads of the provincial government.

The rest of the day featured lectures on moral and ethical values attended by 35 Christians, Muslims, and tribal religious leaders as well as the Board of Directors of the Sultan Kudarat Interfaith Group.

Contributed by Bishop Elias T. Soria, D.D.
For more information about World Interfaith Harmony Week, click here.