An art contest was held last September 10, 2006, Sunday at the Philippine Culture Center.
This event was spearheaded by the Boys and Girls In-charge. It was an on
the spot painting activity and was open for Boys and Girls Division members
ages 6 to 12 years old. The subject of the art contest was "Environmental
Awareness" which was also the theme of the event. There were more
than 70 contestants who participated in the art contest.
There were three categories in the said contest: oil pastel, crayon, and
color pencil. The awards were given by General Director Yasuaki Niitsu.
Before the contest began, the kids were briefed about environmental awareness
and given a few tips on how to help protect their environment.
The purpose of the activity was to raise the awareness among children the
importance of preserving the environment, to enhance their potentials and
creativity, to instill to them the values of the Soka Gakkai and to motivate
them to deepen their faith. (Reported by Cherry)
The University Group Study Meeting (October 2006)
Last September 29, 2006, the University Group study meeting was held at the Philippine Culture Center.
Despite the typhoon that directly hit the entire Metro Manila, many Youth
Division members participated in the said meeting. The topic for that day
was "Chapter Four: Belief and Understanding, Six Important Points"
from the Record of Orally Transmitted Teachings, which was discussed by
the YWD Chief Mary Grace Jingco. She stated that the word "belief"
stands for a sharp sword that cuts off fundamental darkness or ignorance.
Vice President Takimoto said that "belief" means to believe in
the Gohonzon and source for action in our daily lives. And "understanding"
refers to wisdom that is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. (Reported by Cherry)
200th Honorary Degree for President Ikeda was published on PHIL. DAILY
INQUIRER (November 2006)
Last October 7, 2006, one the leading newspaper companies in the Philippines, PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER, has published the news about 200th honorary degree conferred upon President Ikeda. The following is a part of the article from the said newspaper.
(Extracted from Philippine Daily Enquirer October 7, 2006 issue) Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, President of Soka Gakkai International, has been conferred by Beijing Normal university an honorary professorship – his 200th honorary degree.
Ikeda has contributed to peace building through education and cultural exchange between countries around the globe. In the Philippines, Mr. Ikeda has established educational exchange programs between Soka University in Tokyo, which he founded, and the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University and Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro.
201st Academic Degree of SGI President Ikeda conferred by the URS (November
2006)
The conferment ceremony
Excellence of Peace
and Justice Award
This year marks the 50th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations
between the Philippines and Japan. To coincide with this memorable event
the University of Rizal System has bestowed an honorary doctorate of humanism upon Dr. Daisaku Ikeda,
the President of Soka Gakkai International, last November 24, 2006 in Japan,
extolling his contributions and movement for world peace. This is the first
time that the University of Rizal System has conferred a honorary doctorate
degree ever for a foreign citizen.
The conferment ceremony was conducted at Seikyo Newspaper Head Office in
Shinano ward, Tokyo. With this, honorary degree bestowed upon President
Ikeda the total conferment of academic awards from universities and academic
institutions from around the world reached 201.
Furthermore, the Knights of Rizal has bestowed Excellence of Peace and
Justice Award upon President Ikeda. After the ceremony, President Ikeda
engaged in a warm dialogue with Olivia F. De Leon, President of Universtiy
of Rizal System and Rogelio Quaimbao, former Supreme Commander of the Order
of the Knights of Rizal and other delegates with regards to the importance
of educational exchange.
(Extracted and Translated from Seikyo Newspaper Nov. 25 Issue)
YMD BLOOD LETTING DAY 2006 (November 2006)
Yearly activity of Young Men's Division took place last November 26, 2006
at the Philippine National Red Cross Main Office in Manila.
The Blood Letting Day event headed by the Young Men's Division Chief, Jeremias
Zhel Cruz was organized since November 2004 with the aim of saving the
lives of many people by means of blood donations.
In addition, the noble activity also aims to deepen and strengthen the ties of friendship between the Soka Gakkai International and the Philippine National Red Cross.
Over the years, the Philippine National Red Cross has been spearheading in serving various hospitals through human blood donations and extending wide range of medical assistance all over the nation.
The Young Men's Division of the Philippines is likewise dedicated to humanitarian
activity that greatly promotes and sustains life, carrying the noble philosophy
of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.
Many YMD members participated in the blood donations. With this, the Young
Men's Division is inviting more Youth Division members to come and join
in the next blood letting day to be held next year.
The University Group Studied the Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings (November 2006)
November 27, 2006. The university group encourages Youth Division members
of college students and graduates to attend the meeting where they study
the Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings.
It is a great honor for us that Vice Present Takimoto and General Director Niitsu who have attended the lecture on the Orally Transmitted Teachings by President Ikeda during their youth now transmit the teachings to us.
