Photo by Krishtine Rivera
“Gusto ko sang kalinong kag katawhay.” (I want tranquility and peace.)
A phrase that is often heard to be said by many. The endless cravings for tranquility and the hopes of having a legendary institution that accepts, cares for, hears, and sees the needs and cries of its people.
Everyone wants to have the feeling of being free from any harm or disturbance, to joyfully move, speak, or remain at rest, hence, to have peace. It has been the goal of Mindanao State University (MSU) to be known as one of the universities that provides a serene and harmonious environment, as well as instilling the essence of undying peace in the MSUans. Students have various definitions of a peaceful life or a peaceful society where they can freely live without the fear of being harmed, disturbed, invalidated, or judged.
The Embodiment of Exceptional Goodwill
Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC) wonderfully celebrated National Peace Consciousness Month on September 20, 2023, with the theme "Kapayapaan, Responsibilidad ng Bawat Mamamayan.” The event consists of a bike and walk for peace. In this activity, the students of MSU, specifically the Fundamental Peace Education (FPE) and National Service Training Program (NSTP) students, were able to showcase their creative talents in modifying and decorating their bicycles related to the mentioned event. The colorful design of each bicycle mesmerized the audience. Furthermore, the students enthusiastically joined the walk for peace while shouting their yells along with their magnificent props and banners, which made the parade livelier.
It was a fascinating sight to see kites fly over the sky after the bike and walk for peace. Kite participants put their wholehearted effort into making their kites fly while beautifully exposing their breathtaking innovations. During the kite flying, the amusement of the MSUans who gathered in the quadrangle was beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Seeing how they ran to make it fly was candidly captivating, and most of the participants and audiences got goosebumps as they sat in the middle of the field, savoring the moment and the warmness of the wind embracing them. Certainly, there was a breeze of freedom under a bunch of kites flying beyond every MSUan’s head.
Aims for Estimable Harmony
"Tayo'y manindigan bilang Msuan Ahu-ahu,
Iskolar ng bayan ay sama sama,
Kapayapaan isulong na
Mayamang kultura,
Moro kristiyano at iba pang tribo, isulong na.”
The different groups of FPE and NSTP students also engaged in a yell competition. They made loud noises with their voices, drums, and musical instruments as they screamed to voice their stand for a just, inclusive, and peaceful community.
The institution is one step closer to achieving its aims for the betterment of every iskolar ng bayan, despite the status quo of this generation. It is admirable how they continuously strive for the best. KaPEACEtahan is not just a mere celebration of National Peace Consciousness Month but a reminder that even with the childish activities that everyone may do, such as playing 'sarangola' and riding a bicycle, people can still feel the calmness in their well-being.
A reminder to every MSUan to stop the stigma: that peace is only symbolized by the colors white and blue. Peace can also be colorful; that it can be pink, green, yellow, and more. As well as the kite flying that resembles freedom, the serenity of standing in the middle of the quadrangle while looking above at the colorful creations and reminiscing about your childhood memories, where there is still freedom, hope, and innocence amidst the chaotic reality of today’s world.
Absolutely the embodiment of exceptional goodwill, the one who aims for legendary harmony, and that KaPEACEtahan is a boost to the rise of a national peace university. MSU, being a peace institution for 50 years, is indeed a golden and blazing society—the dream educational institution of many!
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