On December 13, 2012, De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ) served as one of the Dialogue Sites in Metro Manila for the Face to Faith (FTF) Regional Peace Videoconference. Other schools include Xavier School, Ateneo de Cagayan, Ateneo de Zamboanga, and Ateneo de Davao. Mr. Ian Jamison of the Tony Blair Foundation facilitated the videoconference.Â
The focus of the discussion is the issue of peace in Mindanao. Guest speakers will discuss the most pressing issues related to the peace process in Mindanao. In addition to, the key areas for discussion include on-going efforts to achieve peace in the country and in one’s community, importance of recognizing the value of engaging a dialogue with people from different faiths and cultures, and the impact of faith in building peace in the schools and its program.
FTF is a program under the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, a registered charity in the UK, which aims to promote respect and understanding about the world’s major religions and related issues. Through this meaningful dialogue, students will be able to gain abilities required in breaking down religious and cultural stereotypes.
DLSZ had already hosted an FTF Conference for School Leaders last January 24 and 25, 2012. Since its first FTF video-conference in August 2011, DLSZ has involved its high school students in discussions on global issues, diversity of faith and belief perspectives with students from Australia, India, and the USA.