QUEZON CITY (01 September 2021) — Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. assured Filipinos that despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the comprehensive Philippine peace process continues to move forward.

“We want to send a clear and strong message that despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic, the comprehensive peace process remains on track and continues to gain momentum,” Galvez said in a video message shot at the Peace Bell in Quezon City to formally open this year’s National Peace Consciousness Month celebration.

“Just like how we have come together and rallied behind each other in our fight against COVID-19, we shall do the same to overcome all of these challenges in the peace and security front and emerge a better, more peaceful and resilient nation,” he added.

This title of this year’s Peace Month theme “Healing as One Nation, Recovering as a Better Generation” highlights the steadfast commitment of all Filipinos to pursue the path of peace amidst the trials caused by the health crisis, and their determination to heal and recover as one people and nation.

“As we work together to achieve this common goal, our agency is committed to continue serving and responding to the needs of our partners in order to push forward, build on, and preserve the gains of peace,” Galvez said.

The national government’s pledge to honor all signed peace agreements is anchored on the Duterte administration’s Peace and Development Agenda, which aims to strengthen and sustain the peace process with former non-state armed groups such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front, Cordillera Bodong Administration – Cordillera People’s Liberation Army, and KAPATIRAN.

Throughout the month of September, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) will spearhead various peacebuilding activities such as a transitional justice and reconciliation conference with Bangsamoro youth, peace research forums, and peace conversations with marginalized sectors such as women, youth, indigenous peoples and internally-displaced persons.

The annual commemoration of National Peace Consciousness Month every September is pursuant to Proclamation No. 675  of 2004.

The Peace Month celebration also coincides with the observance of International Day of Peace with this year’s theme dubbled “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world.” ###