Prayer forum for Spratlys peace on Aug. 21 in Marianas

The U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance has organized a Prayer Forum for Peace in the Spratlys, a non-political, non-religious event that will be held on Aug. 21, 2011, all over the United States (target 100 cities in 50 states), the CNMI, Guam, the Philippines and other countries, to ask for Divine Assistance in the peaceful and just resolution of issues over Spratlys between China and the Philippines.

Aug. 21 was chosen because it is the 28th death anniversary of the late martyr, Sen. Benigno “Ninoy “ S. Aquino, an overseas Filipino himself for the last three years of his life, whose deep love for the Philippines, heroism, and patriotism have inspired Filipinos to express concerns for the developments in the Spratlys.

In the CNMI, the event will be held on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011, from 1:30pm to 5pm at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, Saipan, followed by a Holy Mass at 6pm at the Kristo Rai Church in Garapan. Christian churches such as Cornerstone Christian Church and Blessed Temple Christian Fellowship will also offer services on Aug. 21 for the event. The El Shaddai Tinian Chapter under the leadership of Bro. Ping de Leon expressed support by offering Mass for these events at 6pm at the San Jose Church.

On Rota, Ali Badiles, president of Filipino Community of Rota, confirmed support and will offer an 8am Mass at San Francisco de Borja followed by a mini-version of the Prayer Forum for Peace at the Round House from 9am to 11am at Songsong Village, Rota.

“We have prepared activities such as opening and closing prayers for peace (a universal ecumenical prayer that was sent from the New York headquarters), and invited speakers for the Forum who will talk about the life and legacy of late martyr hero Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino and their insights and thoughts on the peaceful resolution of Spratlys issues,” said Dr. Celia B. Lamkin, the overall coordinator in the CNMI, Guam and Hawaii of the Organizing Committee Prayer for Peace in the Spratlys.

The invited speakers are Gov. Benigno R.Fitial, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan, Senate President Paul A. Manglona, Consul General Medardo Macaraig, Rep. Ray N.Yumul, former lawmaker Tina Sablan, community activist Ed Propst, Fr. Ryan Jimenez, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library executive director John Gonzales, Pastor Manuelito Rey, and Pastor Ray Kinsella. Gonzales, Rey, and Manglona have already confirmed.

In addition, there will be Filipino cultural performances (dances, band, patriotic Filipino songs, tribute to Ninoy Aquino ( video presentation about Ninoy) and a video about the Spratlys.

Local community and religious organizations that have confirmed their support for this event are the US Pinoys for Good Governance (CNMI Chapter); Cornerstone Christian Church; Saipan Building and Fixing Computers; CREAM; Dekada; Jesus is Lord Church; Blessed Temple Christian Fellowship; FILCOM; UP Alumni Association (Saipan Chapter); Filipino Community of Rota; and El Shaddai Tinian Chapter

In Guam, Sen. Sam Mabini of the 31st Guam Legislature is spearheading the activities, together with the United Samar Association of Guam and the Filipino Community of Guam. The Filipino Community of Hawaii, which is composed of 250 Filipino-American senior citizens, supports this event.

Globally, around 58 sites in 19 state/countries have so far registered to join the Prayer Forum in Aug 21.

“We would like to thank TSL Foundation and Coca Cola Beverage Co., Inc. for supporting this event,” said Lamkin, who is also president of the US Pinoys for Good Governance-CNMI Chapter.

“Individuals and organizations are cordially invited. The general public is cordially invited and let us all pray together for a peaceful and just resolution for the Spratlys issues and global peace,” she added. [I](PR)[/I]