Church Hosts Aguilar LGU, Religious Leaders in First Solidarity Dinner

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines, the Aguilar District (diocese) hosted its first solidarity dinner on July 17 with local government officials and other religious leaders as guests.

With the theme “Unity in Diversity”, Aguilar Vice-Mayor Jesus Zamuco Jr. expressed gratitude to the Church for the invitation. He acknowledged the municipal government’s long-standing partnership with the Church. 

"Excited kami sa Sanggunian nung naibigay sa amin ang imbitasyon lalo na at galing ito sa The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints na partner na [namin] noon pa. Napakaganda ng tema at yun ang una kong napansin. (We were excited when we received the invitation especially since it came from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, one of our long-term partners. One of the first things I noticed was how good the theme was)," he remarked. 

In his opening speech, Aguilar District President Rex M. De Sesto highlighted the importance of cooperation among stakeholders to foster harmony in the community. He said, “Unity is an abstraction that simplifies oneness. [This] activity's purpose is to … reach out and serve one another especially [among] key persons in the municipality [to build] trust and friendship."

Gregorio A. Karganilla, a member of the Urdaneta Coordinating Communication Council, emphasized the need for interfaith dialogue to create a cohesive society. He said, "It is our hope that you will seriously think about [interfaith activities]. They have been very enriching for all of us who were there [in Dagupan City]. No matter where we live or what we look like, we are all children of God.” 

Karganilla cited the progress made in Dagupan City where interfaith activities, such as dinners and forums, have been held for the past five years. 

Aguilar Chief of Police, Major Gilbert Ferrer, pledged support to future interfaith activities. In his address, he stated, "Na appreciate ko yung mga ganitong programa lalo na nga kailangan nating magkaisa hindi lang ngayong pandemic. Kung meron kayong mga activities sa susunod katulad nito, andito lang kaming mga kapulisan na handang tumulong para sa seguridad. (I truly appreciate these kinds of programs. We need to be united not only during this pandemic. If you have future activities just like this, the police force is ready to assist you in ensuring security.)" 

Concluding the celebration dinner was Reverend Father Arriosto Mina of the Diocese of Alaminos who spoke of how he felt like he was “at home” in the gathering. He concluded, “It is up to us to discover [meaningful dialogues] by coming together. ...Let us continue to collaborate. Let us continue to be unified amidst our diversity.” 

Also present during the solidarity dinner were Aguilar Municipal Councilors Honorable Angelo Limos, Honorable Jessie Posadas and Honorable Renato Cervantes; Police Executive Master Sergeant Rafael Palma; Office of the Municipal Mayor staff Luina Quitlong and Ludy Alicoben; and Ruth Rolusta, Barangay (village) Pogomboa Chairman's wife.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains political neutrality in matters of party politics but nevertheless works eagerly with local governments to achieve its purpose and promote the common good. The twelfth Article of Faith of the Church states, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."