Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), through the Social Development Office, recently hosted its second annual Interfaith Breakfast Prayer, “AGAFAITH: Building Peace Through Dialogue,” on February 19, 2025, at the Lantaka Campus. The event brought together religious leaders, peace advocates, representatives from academic and civic organizations, and members of the community to share a morning of prayer, dialogue, and fellowship.
The gathering aimed to promote interfaith understanding, foster peace, and strengthen community bonds. Participants from diverse religious backgrounds, including Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, came together to celebrate their shared values of love, compassion, and unity.
A highlight of the event was the signing of the “Languages of Peace: A Joint Statement of Interfaith Solidarity.” This statement, signed by religious leaders and peace advocates, solidifies their commitment to working together to build a more just and peaceful society. The statement, inspired by the 2019 Joint Declaration on Human Fraternity, emphasized the importance of dialogue, justice, reconciliation, and the rejection of violence. The program included a keynote address by University President Fr. Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” M. Andal, SJ, and interfaith prayers offered by representatives from various faith communities—Catholic Lead Convener of the Interreligious Solidarity for Peace (ISP), Fr. Dante Boringgot, CMF; Muslim Lead Convener of the ISP, Sheikh Mahir Gustaham; Zhilian shifu and Menshun shifu from the Zamboanga Avalokitesvara School – Hock Chuan Temple; and
Mr. Maphilindo Magaso, Member, Interfaith Council of Leaders and Coordinator of the Commission on Interreligious Dialogue and Indigenous People of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga. Also, present in the program were the President of the Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance, Inc. (ZABIDA), Dr. Grace Rebollos, and the President of the Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ), Dr. Rufina Cruz.
The Interfaith Breakfast Prayer is part of ADZU’s ongoing commitment to promoting peace and understanding in Mindanao and beyond. The university hopes that the spirit of solidarity and cooperation fostered at the event will continue to inspire positive and transformative peace in the community.
