Multisector poll closure rites set today (June 27)

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A local multisector event will be conducted here today to reconcile feuding candidates in Negros Occidental in the May 2013 elections and put an end to their political conflicts.

Dubbed “A Call for Reconciliation, Solidarity and Good Governance,” the signing ceremonies will be held this afternoon at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center in this city.

The activity will have messages, blessing prayers from representatives of various sectors and a pledge from elected local officials, organizers said.

Messages for reconciliation, solidarity and good governance will be delivered by Ong Beng Ping of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, representing the development sector; Col. Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, for the security sector; and Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra for the religious sector.

Blessing prayers will be led by Pastor Luisito Tomado of the Seventh Day Adventist Church; Msgr. Patrick Daniel Parcon of the Diocese of San Carlos; Pastor Joaquin de la Cruz of the Negros Kasapulanan of Baptist Churches; Imam Omar Betita of the Dar Al-Dhikr Islamic Center; Pastor Sam Minguito of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines; and Most Rev. Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Kabankalan.

The program will be facilitated by the Institute for Negros Development of the University of St. La Salle (USLS), the rationale of the rites will be given by Dr. Antonio Tibajia of USLS’ Pax Christi Institute, while the oath for reconciliation, solidarity and good governance from elected officials will be officiated by the Comelec. (FREEMAN)