MPG bridges gaps

THE ongoing Mindanao Peace Games have bridged gaps of religion and culture.

Participants Zehan Dimalanes, Johanie Macungay, Johanie Macungay, Renalyn Remolo and Reynaldo Mancia shared their testimonies on the the values and lessons they learned during the Games to members of the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) during their weekly forum at The Annex of SM City Davao yesterday.

Dimalanes, a Muslim leader of Datu Ibrahim Paglas Memorial College (DIBPMC), said MPG changed her life, boosted her confidence and let their school rise to prominence.

"Sa school po namin maraming ang nagbago. Before sa school, kunti lang po ang students but because of MPG kilalang-kilala na po. Ang pagsali namin dito is raising gap of individuals para maalis talaga ang conflict with each other but because of MPG natanggal yung gap (Christians and Muslims)," Dimalanes said.

DIBPMC athlete Johanie Macungay, for her part, said joining the MPG is a great opportunity. "Sabi pa nga nila, sports describes who you are. I think sports help us promote peace and releasing gaps between the relationship of Muslims and Christians. Natutunan namin makisaluha sa ibang tao eventhough we are different in culture. May nabuild na friendships and yung ang pinagpasalamat ko na makalaro ko ang ibat-ibang schools." Remollo, a volleyball player of Iligan Medical Center College (IMCC), said that MPG taught her to respect adversary.

"Dito ko po nakita sports it's not about winning but it is how you build relationship na makasalamuha. It's so different kasi makita ang different cultures and importante dito kung paano sila respetuhin."

Mancia, head of delegation of IMCC, added that MPG is a "blessing", as he realized that excellence is not just about winning but also learning from the loss.

Noli Ayo, the main convener of MPG, meanwhile, said MPG is creating a culture of sports that underscores aspiration to produce empowered leaders.

The third edition of MPG kicked off Wednesday and will close on Sunday.