Let us work together, not against each other, in the fight against poverty in order to attain peace, Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said yesterday.

Marañon led the celebration of the Provincial Peace Consciousness Month, held at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City, with the theme, “Ikaw, Ako, Tayo: Magkakaiba, Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan”.

The activity started with a harmony prayer followed by the flag-raising ceremony and was participated in by members of the 303rd Infantry Brigade led by Col. Oscar Lactao, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office led by Col. Milko Lirazan, Bacolod City Police Office, Provincial Capitol Employees, Girls Scouts of the Philippines – Negros Occidental chapter as well as multi sectoral groups and peace convenors.

It was celebrated simultaneously in the 32 towns and cities of the province.

Marañon said that, as a Christian country, all Filipinos must love one another and not fight each other. “Let peace begin with each and everyone of us.”

He further stressed that the country's economy is going strong and it will continue to grow if we have peace.

He also encouraged everyone to reach out to our “brothers in the mountain” to join the government in the combat against poverty.*

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