by Danielle Anne Arellano (Grade 12 student), Managing Editor of The Hilarian from St. Jaime Hilario School - De La Salle Bataan
“Peace is not just about the absence of war, but also the presence of justice."
On 02 October 2024, the Horacio Cebrero Hall, Central House Administration became a room for resilience as various La Salle schools across the Philippines gathered either through face-to-face or via online meetings for the International Lasallian Days for Peace (ILDP) 2024. With the title, “Kwentong Lipat: Moving Stories of Displacement and Hope,” the event celebrated the power of storytelling and fostering compassion despite adversity.
DLSP hosted the ILDP 2024 in line with the Lasallian East Asia District's LEAD for Peace campaign and the Philippines’ celebration of Human Rights and Democracy Month.
TRANSCENDING BORDERS
“It does not mean that it does not happen to you, it does not happen at all."
Stories from the refugees have captured the hearts and minds of the Lasallian community. Their narratives of war and displacement showed the harsh realities that other people face. Their testimonies as refugees reminded everyone of the struggles that they faced, one that is sometimes forgotten by others. Their struggles and hardships in transcending physical and emotional borders emphasized the need for a just government and the significance of freedom to a human being.
SPARKING CONVERSATIONS
Even if we are not the light, we can be the spark! The event attendees engaged in discussions and explored ways in which Lasallians can be agents of peace. During the small group discussions, the Lasallian community was encouraged to take steps towards peace.
“The part that really struck me was the speech of the Founder of Little Gaza kitchen, I’m touched na may mga tao pa pala na handang tumulong kahit hindi sila sigurado kung hanggang kailan nila kayang tulungan ang mga refugee[s]. Thus, as a student journalist, we must be a leader, models of values of peace, service, and empathy in our own schools,” Nathalie Malang, a Grade 12 student from St. Jaime Hilario School - De La Salle Bataan said in an interview.
Hearing and imagining these stories from other people was indeed difficult to imagine. However, that day, gratitude filled the air as ILDP became a safe space to share stories, encouraging the Lasallian family to take a stand and be the change.
Mr. Gladstone Cuarteros, the Lasallian Justice and Peace Office, National Coordinator gave his synthesis. He concluded that we must always embrace peace and help from the heart, reflecting this belief in the phrase, “pagtulong na galing sa puso.” “If only we could change mindsets and become more open[-minded], we would have a better world,” he added.
With hearts full of empathy, the Lasallians were reminded that the change begins within. Thus, as Lasallians, let us start the change we want to see, the change that begins in us.
