MANILA, Philippines – Amid the need for continued support for vulnerable youth and children in conflict-affected areas in the Philippines, the inaugural PAR FOR PEACE Charity Golf Tournament hosted by award-winning non-profit organization Kristiyano-Islam Peace Library Inc. (KRIS) successfully raised funds through the event held at South Forbes Golf Club last June 14.
 |
| Players took to the fairways of South Forbes to raise funds for peace |
“We are very grateful to our players, sponsors, and organizers who all contributed in making our first ever charity golf tournament a success. While we are thankful to have raised funds to boost our youth-focused programs in education and peacebuilding, we are also happy to gain a new community of support through the guests who participated today,” shared Arizza Nocum, Co-Founder and President of KRIS.
“Peace and development can only be sustained through a whole-of-society approach that involves Filipinos from all regions, religions, and walks of life. Events like this bringing people together for a common cause are steps forward towards our goal of peace,” Nocum - a youth leader coming from an interfaith Muslim and Catholic family - added.
Proceeds from the fundraising tournament will be devoted to support KRIS’ programs including donations of school supplies and educational materials, reading and literacy activities, training and workshops, seed grants for youth organizations, and other youth-focused initiatives in schools and communities impacted by conflict and terrorism.
PAR FOR PEACE is made possible through the support of major sponsors Kennedy Catholic High School in Washington, United States; Diginspire Philippines; PSG Global Solutions; and E.G. Energy Corporation. Other sponsors include Fortune Travel, Dongfeng Motors Philippines, KGolf Alabang, and KG8 Sports Equipment and Accessories Shop.
 |
| Players take a group photo after the awarding ceremony |
Leading the winners of PAR FOR PEACE are Champion Elise Salanguit, 1st Runner-Up Jojay Begonia, and 2nd Runner-Up Lhen Castro in the Ladies Division; and Champion Butch Bernal, 1st Runner-Up Norie Casalme, and 2nd Runner-Up Noel Marasigan in Class A. Class B winners are Champion Zosimo San Juan, 1st Runner-Up Ken Hammond, and 2nd Runner-Up Arjay Mendoza, while Champion Jun Dionisio, 1st Runner-Up Eugene Saludez, and 2nd Runner-Up Jeje Ocampo were recognized in the Class C category.
Other awardees are Henry Pacayra for Most Accurate Drive (18th Hole); Eujin Shimizu for Longest Drive (18th Hole); Joshua Campued for Longest Putt (10th Hole); and Tony Gonzales for Nearest to the Pin (10th Hole).
 |
| Ladies’ category Champion Elise Salanguit swings for peace |
KRIS is a recipient of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) in the Philippines and the YouthLED Democracy Award from The Asia Foundation. Since 2020, KRIS has trained over 1,000 young leaders on peacebuilding and leadership; provided seed grants to over 20 youth organizations working for peace and development; and provided school supplies and educational materials to hundreds of recipients in Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu, Marawi City, Maguindanao del Norte, the Davao region, and more.
— The Summit Express
