By Rhobie A. Ruaya
THE INTER-FAITH ROOM, a project planned by Silliman University (SU) Spiritual Life Council, in partnership with the SU Chaplaincy Office, the Office of Student Services, and the SU Student Government (SUSG), will soon be open at Oriental Hall (OH).
Approved since last year, the inter-faith prayer room is for Christians and non-Christians who want to have a place for prayer, worship, and other religious activities.
Mark Augusto, SU Student and Campus Chaplain, said that their intention is to accommodate all the students with different religions.
The Buildings and Grounds Department, Superintendent Engr. Edgar Ygnalaga said that the construction for the prayer room started last December. However, they encountered some delay because they still needed to add wash areas and place canopies.
There will be different religious symbols placed inside the prayer room. Ygnalaga added that tables, benches, and cabinets intended for the religious symbols will be placed inside.
Shibib Mamaludin, a second year civil engineering student, said: “Sobrang laking tulong ito for us Muslims kasi we have to pray five times a day and sometimes I miss my prayers because I have classes and I can’t go home.”
The Office of Student Services wants to know what services students need. Last semester, through the SUSG, they had a consultation with all the governors of every college in SU on what other services are lacking in OH.
The SUSG is also planning to convert the Silliman Alumni Association Inc. and Alumni Affairs Office at OH to a printing and photocopying center that will be run by the student assistants in the university. SUSG President Kirk Emperado said that the plan will take place as soon as the budget will be ready.
The opening of the prayer room is yet to be announced.~
