Palace to Pinoys: Join day of prayer

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has called on Filipinos to participate in the National Day of Prayer tomorrow and several companies, including telecommunications firms, have responded.

Globe Telecom sent an advisory to its subscribers expressing support for the gathering dubbed “One Nation in Prayer,” which will be led by President Aquino at 5 p.m. at the Palace grounds.

“During the said time, take a minute or two to say a prayer for our beloved country as we journey toward a brighter future,” Globe said.

The companies of businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan also said they were joining hands with the Filipinos here and abroad in the National Day of Prayer for solidarity, healing, strength and peace in the country.

“There is nothing stronger than a nation that’s one in prayer,” read the advertisement of Pangilinan’s group of companies.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. has said that during the event, the nation would remember the lives lost to the tragic incidents of 2013, thank the Almighty for the nation’s strength and resilience and seek divine guidance as it moves forward to rebuild affected communities.

“We call on all citizens to pause and join ‘One Nation in Prayer’ in their respective homes, communities, places of work and worship. We thank the members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) for their coverage of this event that will enable more Filipinos to participate and join,” Coloma said.

To join the President in prayer are representatives of communities affected by the Zamboanga City standoff, Bohol earthquake, Super Typhoon Yolanda and delegates of various faiths: Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Police Superintendent Imam Ebra Moxsir of the Imam Council of the Philippines, Commissioner Zenaida Pawid of the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples, Isaias Samson of Iglesia ni Cristo and a representative of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches.

Also invited to join the prayer are leaders and members of Congress, government officials, and representatives of civil society.

Coloma said this would be a good chance to reach out to everyone, including the Catholic Church that had been at odds with President Aquino on the Reproductive Health Law.

Coloma noted it had always been their goal to have better coordination with all sectors.

Angat Dam rehab

Meanwhile, as Bulacan joins the National Day of Prayer tomorrow, it will lift up a specific concern: the immediate rehabilitation of the Angat Dam.

Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado yesterday said the province has been waiting for the implementation of the P5.7-billion rehabilitation of the dam.

– With Dino Balabo