By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Participants pose for a group photo during the Interfaith Peace Conference held at Silliman University.
A delegation of 21 students and faculty members from the Central Philippine University (CPU) College of Theology led by Acting Dean, Dr. Milanie C. Arandela, participated in the four-day Interfaith Peace Conference held at Multipurpose Room of Magdamo Hall, Divinity School, Silliman University from June 15 to 18, 2026.
The conference, themed “Gathering at the Table: Faiths in Dialogue for Peace,” was jointly organized by the Religion and Peace Studies Department of Silliman University and the CPU College of Theology.
The objectives of the summit are to promote interfaith understanding through respectful dialogue among Christians, Muslims, Jews, indigenous spiritualities, and other represented faiths such as the Bahá’í and UUCP; to explore the role of religion in peacebuilding, justice, and reconciliation across diverse contexts; and to foster collaboration in peace education by encouraging empathy, mutual respect, and shared initiatives among different faith communities.
The conference formally opened with registration and opening rites, followed by a keynote address on interfaith initiatives for peacebuilding delivered by Dr. Alma Ruiz of the Religion and Peace Studies Department.
Featured speakers included Prof. Almahdi G. Alonto, Director of the International Affairs and Linkages Office of Mindanao State University, who discussed the struggle for peace in Bangsamoro, and Dr. Abdulcader M. Ayo, Executive Vice President of Mindanao State University, who spoke on peace and Sharia law.
Additional presentations included Discussions on the Inclusivity and Exclusivity of Jesus by Dr. Lily F. Apura and Christianity and Islam: Cultivating Shalom and Salam in the Philippine South by Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso.
On June 17, participants engaged in interfaith dialogues through station-based discussions focusing on Messianic Judaism in the Philippines, Indigenous Filipino Spirituality, the Universal Unitarian Church in the Philippines, and the Bahá’í Faith. The program also featured a personal faith journey presentation by Jose Aldous Rubi Arbon II.
As part of the experiential learning component of the conference, participants visited the Bell Church of Dumaguete City to learn about Chinese spiritual traditions, a local masjid to gain deeper insights into Islam, and St. Joseph Seminary for exposure to Roman Catholic formation and ministry.
The conference concluded with dinner table conversations hosted by Fr. Eric Lozada at St. Joseph Seminary, followed by closing rites. On June 18, the Iloilo delegation participated in a market visit known as “Painitan sa Dumaguete” before returning home.
The participation of the CPU delegation highlighted the university’s commitment to interfaith engagement, peacebuilding, and fostering mutual understanding among diverse religious communities.