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“Walk of Peace” Mural Inspires Hope and Unity at Ateneo de Zamboanga University

The vibrant tapestry of Zamboanga City unfolds amidst the bustle of daily life. One can observe the city’s energy in the rush hour traffic, the crowds navigating the sidewalks, and the towering buildings that line the streets. This dynamism, while seemingly chaotic at times, is a testament to the city’s vibrant culture and the fullness of life that thrives within its bustling heart.

Along the busy streets of Zamboanga City, where life moves at a rapid pace, a new landmark of peace has emerged. Ateneo de Zamboanga University recently unveiled the “Walk of Peace” mural, a vibrant and inspiring artwork created by talented local artists in the city of Zamboanga. The mural, painted along the university walls along the street of Nunez, serves as a powerful symbol of peace, unity, and hope, aligning with the themes of both the Mindanao Week of Peace “WANTED: Transformational Leaders for Positive Peace” and the Ateneo Fiesta “COMPARTI: Shared Faith, Shared Mission.

The “Walk of Peace” project was a collaborative effort between the university through the Social Development Office and 18 local artists, with support from the Boysen Painting. The mural features a diverse group of individuals walking together, representing the unity of the community toward achieving sustainable peace. 

An inauguration ceremony was held last 11 December 2024. The ceremony was graced by the University President Fr. Ernald Andal, SJ, Social Development Unit Director Mr. Mario Rodriguez, ZABIDA President Dr. Grace Rebollos, ZABIDA and PAZ Vice President Fr. Dante Boringgot, CMF, ISP Evangelical Convener Pastor Rogelio Alfaro, and Boysen Painting representative Ms. Marie Pioquinto. During the event, Fr. Ernald emphasized the role of education in fostering peace and understanding, while Dr. Rebollos highlighted the importance of community engagement in peacebuilding efforts.

The “Walk of Peace” mural is more than just a piece of art; it is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and community engagement. It serves as a constant reminder of the importance of peace, unity, and social transformation.

In his statement, Lead Artist Mr. Romy Mata shared that “peace is not merely the absence of war and conflict, but the active pursuit of justice, equality, and understanding that leads to positive transformation,  just as depicted by our strokes.” 

Peace transcends the boundaries of religion and politics; it finds expression in every facet of human endeavor, including the arts. The mural not only serves as a powerful symbol of unity and harmony but also provides a platform to showcase the talents of our vibrant local artistic community. Through this project, we celebrate their creativity and recognize their invaluable contributions to our shared vision of a more peaceful and just society.

The university hopes that the “Walk of Peace” mural will continue to inspire and uplift the community for years to come.