Azkals: | Azkals conduct clinic to kickstart observance of National Peace Consciousness Month | Karl Decena, InterAKTV · Tuesday, September 3, 2013 · 3:13 pm Members of the Philippine national men’s football team conducted a football clinic for children to commence this month’s observance of the National Peace Consciousness Month on Sunday at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill. At least 200 children aged six to 12 from poor areas in MetroManila participated in the eventdubbed as “1 Goal for Peace” which aims “to celebrate peacethrough sports and instill in children exemplary values.” “Lahat ay peace-sible! Ang kapayapaan ay posible kung ang lahat ng mga Pilipino – anuman ang edad, relihiyon at estado sa buhay – ay magtutulung-tulungan, magkakaunawaan at magkakaisa,” Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said. This year marked the second time that the Azkals, who were named as ambassadors for peace last year, kicked off the peace month, which entered its 10th year of observance. The Philippine Football Federation expressed its delight on being part of the event for the second time. “If we nurture the idea of peace amongst children, especially at the grassroots level, then we are giving them the chance to experience a life of peace – one without violence and conflicts,” PFF General Secretary Ed Gastanes said. “And just like football, PEACE is a choice. To choose peace, one must learn to understand differences and diversity. In playing football, we are trained to recognize and tolerate differences in background, culture, faith, and ideology.” Apart from the Azkals, members of the Teen Azkals also took part in the football clinic. Several ambassadors and representatives from different organizations and government agencies also graced the event. After the football clinic, several events will be held to celebrate the peace month. The KaPEACEtahan 2013, slated on September 21 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, will include a job fair and a concert featuring other peace ambassadors such as apl.de.ap, Ebe Dancel and other local artists. A series of conferences with the theme “Imagining a Post-conflict, Post-Agreement Philippines” will also be held in several key cities nationwide. This year’s peace month celebration coincide with the smooth negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for a comprehensive peace agreement which is hoped to bring peace and development in Mindanao after years of conflict. ~J.E.~
Posted on: Tue, 03 Sep 2013 13:45:58 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015