Imagine Peace

By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
20 September 2009

The world is celebrating the “Peace One Day!” tomorrow, 21st September 2009. Historically, in the Philippines, this is the day the country of peace loving Filipinos was declared under Martial Law by the strongman Ferdinand Marcos. On the same day for all the Muslims in the world, the day is celebrated as the Feast of the Ramadan.

One day, three occasions: the World, the Philippines, and the Muslims.

Conceived in 1999 by English Filmmaker Jeremy Gilley, the Peace One Day project is envisioned to declare one day a year free of conflict and war; one day of a global truce regardless of all kinds of conflict countries of the world have and regardless of race, culture and creed. By networking with students and peace activists from a grassroots political level, Gilley persevered by winning the supports of Presidents, dignitaries and leaders around the world. Finally, two countries and the United Nations passed a resolution making 21st September the day of peace.

As historic as the declaration of the first Independence in 1908, the Philippine Martial Law sets the motion counterclockwise for the peace loving Filipinos. It counter flowed the stream of tranquility and harmony of the young Republic then; it roused the status quo of the period that sent Palace’ enemies in all directions. It is the same declaration that sent the modern-day hero Ninoy to exile. For the government, it gave peace of their own definition; the same kind of peace that silenced some of the bravest of men, the wittiest of brains, and the most active of them all.

The Arab countries are celebrating the Feast of the Ramadan. Marking the end of their fasting, the feast is supposed to offer, among others, peace to all men.

In Dumaguete City, Foundation University initiated celebrating the Peace One Day in 2007 by organizing a Fun Run and the giving of rice to the winners as a symbolic gesture to the dictum of its founder: rice is life. Since then, “the city of gentle people” is accustomed to joining the world in celebrating the international day of peace.

Movies like Killing Fields, Schindler’s List, and Peace One Day, of course, condemn war. These movies essay the adverse effect of war and other volatile circumstances to the entire human race including nature. These movies counter present the good effect of truce in the lives of the people and on the face of the earth.

Peace! Is this relative or absolute?

Imagine the world without the politically-triggered war. Isn’t it enjoying and enjoyable? Isn’t that life in this case a heaven made on earth? In this case, peace then is absolute.

Imagine if Madam Gloria, in connivance with all the superpowers of the world, annihilates Basilan at once extensively; imagine what peace it would bring at the aftermath?

Imagine if Madam Gloria exterminates all the NPA rebels in the mountainside at once; imagine what kind of peace it would bring after the massive destruction?

Imagine the Philippines without NPA rebels: no rebellion taxes, no business interruptions, no political instability, no “Gloria resign” protests, no rallies behind picket fences, etc., etc., etc.

Imagine the Philippines without Abu Sayaff: no war in the mountainside, no military exercises, no claiming of innocent lives, no false hopes through the barricades, no “nothing”, etc., etc., etc. Imagine declaring a truly meaningful ceasefire with the Muslim rebels in honor of their Ramadam celebration.

Imagine yourself sleeping without worries. Imagine allowing your kids to play outside of your familial fences without worrying about kidnapping or inflictions from bad elements.

Imagine freeing yourself from personal worries against friends and loved ones. Imagine OFWs staying overseas sans psychologically disturbing worries.

Imagine yourself at peace with every body. How would you feel? Imagine greeting “for peace” a mortal enemy whose relationship with you is tarnished because of sexual, social, political, and economic differences. Isn’t this rewarding?

Imagine if Pres. Obama abbreviates all pending wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and humbly stoop to the level of these people and give the sign of peace; imagine these people to reciprocate the action of Obama for the sake of world peace.

Imagine peace even just for one day!