22 September 2017 – The Peace Buzz, a caravan that aims to bring the message of peace across the country and the highlight of the National Peace Consciousness Month celebration, continues its journey and made its second stop in Quezon City following the successful send-off yesterday in Baguio City.

In this stop, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and its peace partners from different National Government Agencies, Local Government Unit and Civil Society Organizations joined together for various activities highlighted by the ringing of the World Peace Bell, peace forum entitled Juana’s Peace Conversation, and film showing dubbed film PEACEtival.

In his message, Deputy Presidential Peace Adviser Undersecretary Nabil Tan underscored the important symbolism of the Peace Buzz, “The Peace Buzz signifies our collective journey to peace. Ang paglalakbay na ito ay para iparating sa lahat ang mahalagang mensahe ng kapayapaan. Lahat tayo ay dapat kumilos upang makamit ang kapayapaan sa ating bansa. (This journey is to bring the message of peace to all our countrymen. All of us must take part in bringing peace to our country.) Peace won’t be achieved by the government alone but by all the stakeholders, the Filipino people.”

Tan also emphasized the importance of compassion, unity, and inclusivity — key elements in attaining lasting peace.

For his part, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista expressed his continuous commitment and partnership towards achieving peace in the country, “Today, the Quezon City Government is honored to be partner with OPAPP and with all of you to support the advocacy for promoting a culture of peace, non-violence, respect for rights and freedom, tolerance and understanding.”

“Let us remember that peace is the ultimate freedom. The best safety net that we can assure for all of our country men,” Bautista added.

The government’s chief negotiator for talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines, and Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello also graced the event. Bello echoed Tan’s message, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of all Filipinos to work together to achieve peace in the country.

“The business of peace does not belong only to the government, nor to the peace negotiating panel, it is the responsibility of everyone, of every Filipino,” he stressed.

The World Peace Bell was donated by the World Peace Bell Association (WPBA), an organization based in Japan that promotes world peace by donating Peace Bells in different countries. The Peace Bell represents the peoples’ call for peace not only in country but the whole world.

Aside from the ringing of the World Peace Bell, series of exciting activities were conducted that include Film PEACEtival, where “Iisa” directed by Chuck Gutierrez was shown.

Another activity is the Juana’s Peace Conversation, wherein Muslim women from Maharlika Village in Taguig and from conflict areas in Mindanao were invited to attend and participate. The conversation aims to equip them with the knowledge about the important role of women in the peace process.

The Peace Buzz will travel from Luzon through Visayas to Mindanao. The caravan will also showcase and highlight the peacebuilding efforts of the government and provide updates on the progress of the peace process. The theme for this year’s National Peace Consciousness Month is “Puso para sa Kapayapaan, Magkaisa para sa Bayan.”