AdU gives way for a new religious organization
By: Ax Valerio
To create a peaceful co-existence between Christians and Muslims, a new organization named Students Association for Interfaith Affairs (SAIA) was founded last February.
The religious organization was founded by Islam Adamson students from different colleges spearheaded by Mr. Katami Alingan Dimapunong, SAIA President.
According to the Adviser of the organization, Ms. Dionessa Bustamante of the Social Sciences Department, SAIA does not only focus in any kind of religion but rather aims to build harmonious society with all existing religions in Adamson University which is known as a Catholic university.
“However, ang main goal talaga ng org. is to create peaceful co-existence between Muslims, Christians, and Catholics especially that Adamson University is a Catholic University.” Bustamante said.
[“However, the main goal of the organization is to create peaceful co-existence between Muslims, Christians, and Catholics especially that Adamson University is a Catholic University.”
Ms. Bustamante also mentioned in an interview that SAIA is open for anyone who is interested to become a member of the organization.
However, the SAIA is not yet considered as a Recognized Student Orgnizations (RSO) but they are planning to comply with the requirements of Office of Student Affairs (OSA) this upcoming school year 2019–2020. Adamson University Student Government (AUSG) has already showed support in the advocacies of the organization.
“One of our core advocacies this year is Safe Space — that means we advocated for a bully-free, discrimination-free University. We support initiatives that would empower the minority and to also give them the avenue and opportunity to raise their voices and be hears by the Adamson Community.” Nico Mercado, AUSG President, said.
As a headstart for their activities, SAIA together with AUSG conducted a forum that tackled different social issues in the light of Islam and Catholic faith which was called “EMBLAZE: A faith-based forum in breaking the stigma through social awareness” held last April 29, 2019 at AUSG Hall.
Guest speakers also shared their knowledge in the event including Ilaw Gelmar Cruz, theology professor of Don Bosco Technical College, Sheikh Engineer Ossama Al Azzouni, CEO of Al-Azzouni Engineering Consultant Office, Dr. Marites Guingona Africa, founder Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation and Queenie Padilla, youth ambassador of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).
