The Mambuay
family, originally of Marawi City, was honored as one of the six exemplary
Filipino families during the 5th Jollibee Family Values Awards
(JFVA). The family’s mission to create a better understanding between the
Muslim and Christian faiths through non-violent communication earned them the
distinguished recognition.
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The Mambuay Family, composed of (leftmost and rightmost) Nathaniel
and Amina, and daughters (L-R) Lara, Sarah, Farrah, and granddaughter Zafirah,
brings home P300,000 for being one of the six Jollibee Family Values
Awards-winning families, which they could use to further their peace advocacy--
bridging the gap between the Muslim and Christian faiths.
|
The JFVA
is the company’s annual search for exemplary Filipino families whose works of
compassion and generosity make a significant difference in their communities.
Now on its milestone 5th year, the campaign hopes the new batch of
winning families will serve as role models and inspiration for other Filipino
families.
The
Mambuays, Nathaniel and Amina with their daughters Sarah, Lara, and Farrah,
have been promoting a culture of non-violence and peace by creating conducive
environments for dialogue and discussion, without fear of hostility. They started
out by conducting peace seminars in their neighborhood, which later extended to
nearby municipalities, and eventually to other regions.
 |
Nathaniel and Amina Mambuay conduct peace seminars in places
with mixed religious beliefs to help create a harmonious environment and more
productive community.
|
In
2013, the family established Kalilintad Pilipinas, Inc. using their own funds
and the help of a friend in Germany. The organization conducts trainings,
workshops and seminars on peace and non-violent communication to different
groups in Mindanao. Youth peace camps were also facilitated by the Mambuay children.
Aside
from the family’s core advocacy of promoting peace, they also extend
educational support to less fortunate children and hold values formation
seminars for prison inmates.
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| Teaching peace non-violence to the young. |
Nathaniel
and Amina shared that their experience of being subjected to wrong prejudice
for being Muslims in the past, motivated them to pursue this cause for peace
and understanding. Instead of nursing hate for the discrimination that they
faced, they used this as an impetus to initiate change.
“We
know that [the eradication of prejudice against Muslims] won’t happen
overnight, but what’s important is that we raise awareness on what is going on
and we’re doing something to change this,” said Nathaniel.
Monsignor
Elmer Abacahin of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro personally vouched for the
Mambuays’ advocacy, noting the strong moral foundations of the whole family
that serves as an inspiration to others.
“The
whole family is very involved in and committed to their inter-faith and
inter-religious dialogues. In fact, we coordinate with the Mambuays in our
efforts to reach out to Muslims,” said Rev. Msgr. Abacahin.
The
Mambuay family received a cash prize of P300,000, P10,000 worth of Jollibee
gift certificates, and a trophy designed by renowned sculptor Michael Cacnio
for winning in the JFVA. They joined the roster of five other outstanding
Filipino families championing various causes, who were also recognized during
the Gabi ng Parangal para sa Pamilyang
Pilipino awards night.
***A PR Release from Chele Mendoza of Stratworks
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