New Peace Ambassadors Inducted at Philippines Festival
Updated: 10 hours ago
Manila, Philippines – The Fusion Fest 2026 Youth Assembly, hosted by the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace – Pilipinas (IAYSP-Pilipinas) in partnership with the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification – Philippines (FFWPU), brought together more than a thousand participants onsite and online from the Philippines and various parts of the Asia-Pacific region. The event took place at the Philippine Christian University in Manila on September 19, 2026, and was timed to mark the International Day of Peace.
The gathering provided a dynamic platform for leadership development, intercultural exchange, peace advocacy, service and fellowship. It brought together young people, leaders, professionals, educators and peace advocates from diverse backgrounds, creating opportunities to build meaningful connections, share experiences and explore collaborative initiatives that contribute to a culture of peace and unity.
A highlight of the event was the UPF awarding of new Ambassadors for Peace, recognizing eight individuals from the education, arts and culture, youth, religious, business and NGO sectors for their commitment to peace and willingness to contribute to peace-building initiatives.
The new Ambassadors for Peace – Dr. Patrice Noah Bessala, Dr. Thomas V. Cabantac, Mr. John Daniel M. Layno, Dr. Rejan L. Tadeo, Prof. Melfe G. Diola, Mrs. Imelda B. Datul, Prof. Robert M. Rasalan and Mr. Hernan Delos Reyes Buri – expressed a desire to become catalysts for unity and positive change within their communities. They determined to inspire young people to serve others with dignity and empathy, uphold the value of life, and contribute actively to the peace-building process through servant leadership.
Prior to the awarding, an orientation was conducted for the new AFPs. Mr. Leo Angelo T. Halog, UPF-Philippines chairman and president, welcomed the awardees. Dr. Edgar T. Tanate, director for the Education Department of UPF-Philippines, then presented the UPF Principles of Peace, the eight UPF associations, current UPF activities, and the roles and responsibilities of Ambassadors for Peace.
The session was enriched by the presence of senior Ambassadors for Peace, who were introduced by UPF-Asia Pacific Secretary General Ms. Mary Grace Carumba. These included Atty. Bayani Hipol, Hadja Alnahar P. Lazo, Hon. Felix P. Sanchez, and Bishop Romel Maraya, who shared their experiences and insights.
To conclude, the new AFPs joined invited VIPs, Asia-Pacific leaders, and local leaders for lunch and fellowship. This provided opportunities to form new relationships, exchange contact details, share inspirations, and explore potential partnerships. Several AFPs expressed interest in conducting peace seminars in their respective schools, demonstrating the potential for the event to generate concrete follow-up initiatives.
By Mary Grace Carumba, Secretary General, UPF-Asia Pacific September 19, 2026
