Mabalacat City College Commemorates International Day of Peace with Peace Pole Planting to Support Peace in Ukraine

Mabalacat City, Pampanga – In observance of the International Day of Peace, Mabalacat City College (MCC) hosted a special Peace Pole planting ceremony on September 28, 2024, at the historic Kamikaze East Airfield. The event, focused on promoting peace and unity, brought together students, faculty, and community members to reflect on the significance of global harmony and solidarity. 

The program began with an uplifting Message of Peace delivered by Mr. Raymond John Vergara, Vice President for Global Relations, Opportunities, and Workforce Development at MCC. VP Vergara emphasized the profound importance of peace and urged everyone in attendance to make it a guiding principle in their lives. He encouraged the community to embody the values of compassion, understanding, and cooperation in their daily actions. 

A highlight of the event was a message from the Consul of Ukraine in Manila, Her Excellency Dr. Beatrice Jane Ang, which was read by Mr. Kevin Aaron Peralta, MCC’s Assistant Vice President for Linkages and International Affairs. In her heartfelt message, Dr. Ang acknowledged the critical importance of peace, especially in the context of Ukraine's current struggles. She expressed gratitude for MCC’s solidarity, underscoring that peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but the presence of understanding, shared humanity, and cultural cooperation. 

"This Peace Pole, bearing the message 'May Peace Prevail on Earth,' symbolizes our collective aspiration for a world of harmony and solidarity," Dr. Ang’s message read. She further encouraged the audience to be advocates for peace in their homes, schools, and communities, highlighting the importance of turning peace from a distant dream into a reality. 

Following the reading of the message, the ceremony continued with the planting of the Peace Pole, inscribed with "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in Ukraine language. The Peace Pole serves as a symbol of MCC's commitment to fostering peace not only within the institution but also in the broader community, inspiring all participants to take meaningful action toward unity. 

Students also took part in a Peace Pledge, reaffirming their dedication to promoting peace within their organizations and personal lives. The pledge emphasized the importance of respect, empathy, and cooperation as core values in achieving global harmony. 

The celebration of the International Day of Peace at MCC is a testament to the institution's unwavering dedication to fostering peace, both locally and globally. The planting of the Peace Pole at Kamikaze East Airfield represents a significant step in MCC's ongoing mission to cultivate a culture of peace, understanding, and solidarity within the community and beyond.