VP BINAY: IGNORANCE, NOT FAITH, CAUSES CONFLICTS

by Media Relations, OVP

Manila- Vice President Jejomar C. Binay Friday said ignorance, not faith, is the cause of the continued misunderstanding among people of different religions.

“It is not Faith that drives our people apart. It never has been,” said the Vice President during the opening of the 8^th Eid’l Fitr Festival headed by the Magbassa Kita Foundation and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy

“The real culprit is ignorance. It is this that breeds fear which in turn fuels misunderstanding and left unaddressed, erupts in division,” he added.

“It is easier to assign blame to religion, rather than work to discover what really ails us and what we need to heal. It is far more convenient to focus on what makes us different from each other as opposed to what binds us all towards a noble end,” the Vice President said.

Binay noted, however, that despite the conflicts, people of various faiths in most parts of the country live together in harmony and peace.

“Everyone pursues their professions and their trades within the ordinary life of the nation, and all make quiet yet crucial contributions to the future of their families and country,” he said.

In a previous statement, Binay said that as the celebration of the Eid’l Fitr fosters unity and peace, he hopes peace talks between the government and the MNLF will “finally put an end to years of conflict and bloodshed.”

The Eid’l Fitr Festival was launched in 1993 but was stopped because of the “9/11” tragedy in the United States which resulted to insurgency attacks in the Philippines. Its resurgence this year is aimed at uniting Muslim and non-Muslim participants through exhibits and cultural presentations to make them understand and appreciate Islam.

“Through your efforts, displays and programs, a deeper understanding of the Islamic way of living life in respect for God’s design, is made clear. This fosters discovery, dialogue and understanding on which lasting peace can be built and preserved. This is the great service that your celebration renders to mankind,” Binay said added.

He also said that the Festival provided good prospects for tourism as it offered a more varied perspective at the different cultures to be found in the country.