He was one of the community members who joined yesterday’s “Prayer Forum for Peace in the Spratlys” at the multi-purpose center that also drew the participation of several CNMI officials.
“We don’t want to cause any problem with other countries,” he said.
He said a prayer forum is one of the effective ways to resolve the conflict among Asian countries over the mineral-rich group of islands in the South China Sea.
Yesterday also marked the 28th death anniversary of democracy icon Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., the father of the current Philippine president.
Sablan said it is important to remember Aquino and his struggle to restore democracy in the Philippines.
Dr. Celia B. Lamkin, global prayer forum overall coordinator for the Northern Marianas, Guam and Hawaii, said more than 1,000 sites worldwide joined the event.
On Saipan, the event was supported by US Pinoys for Good Governance-CNMI Chapter, Cornerstone Christian Church, Saipan Building and Fixing Computers, CREAM, Dekada, Jesus is Lord Church, Blessed Temple Christian Fellowship, FILCOM, U.P. Alumni Association-Saipan Chapter, Filipino Community of Rota, El Shaddai- Tinian chapter, and the Bicol Association.
Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, who was among the guest speakers, said the United States is committed to doing what it can to facilitate a collaborative, peaceful process to resolve the Spratlys dispute.
Senate President Paul A. Manglona, Ind.-Rota, described Aquino as “a man of wisdom, hard-work and dedication. He made sacrifices hoping that the people of the Philippines would live in a democratic system.”
The other guest speakers were Joeten-Kiyu Public Library executive director John Oliver Gonzales, Cornerstone Christian Church pastor Manuelito Rey and Grace Christian Assembly pastor Raymond Kinsella.
Special assistant to the governor for special projects Danny Buniag read the “Tribute to Ninoy Aquino” by Philippine Independent Church Bishop Nilo Tayag.
Tayag described Aquino, who was 50 when he was assassinated, as “the best president we never had.”
US Pinoys for Good Governance chairwoman Loida Nicolas Lewis’s message was broadcast via an electronic device.
There was also a 15-minute power point/video about the Spratlys.
