QUEZON CITY (1 September 2024) – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) led the ringing of the Peace Bell here on Sunday morning, September 1, kicking off the celebration of this year’s National Peace Consciousness Month.
In her keynote message delivered by Assistant City Administrator Alberto Kimpo, Quezon City (QC) Mayor Hon. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte emphasized that the message of peace deeply resonates with the citizens of her city.
“Even as an urban center, the message of peace is something close to our hearts here in QC,” Belmonte said.
The mayor reflected on the legacy of former President Manuel L. Quezon who, “stood up as an ardent advocate for the peaceful pursuit of self-determination and humanitarian ideals.”
She stressed the importance of fostering peace as conflicts continue to erupt in different parts of the world, highlighting the need for solidarity among the people.
“The context may differ but in all these, we find that the peaceful resolution of conflict remains essential. Solidarity is key in this quest or ability to tap into our compassion, and to find common ground with the ties that bind us,” Belmonte noted.
Integral role in peacebuilding
She acknowledged the multi-sectoral efforts of OPAPRU in pursuing and maintaining peace in the country, saying, “Upholding goodwill to attain peace is difficult but fulfilling work if we are to intentionally pursue progress and prosperity for all. This is why the OPAPRU plays such an integral role in our life as one nation.”
“Through the OPAPRU, we have been gaining ground on initiatives that support national unification and solidarity towards lasting and sustainable peace. These include programs that empower communities, and rebuild post-conflict areas and support their economic growth,” she added.
For his part, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, who was represented by Director Gafur A. Kanain, underscored the significance of this year’s Peace Month celebration.
Ebrahim noted that the occasion also coincides with the 10th year anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the landmark agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“This year’s celebration teaches greater significance, as we also commemorate the 10th year of the signing of the CAB, paving the way for the recognition of historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro in the past, and our right to self-determination and chart our future,” he remarked.
“The occasion today is a reminder to us that working toward peace is a long and arduous path. It took us several decades to understand that we both have the same intention—a peace and progressive future for all,” Ebrahim added.
Commitment to peace
In her message of support, KAPATIRAN head and signatory to the 2019 Clarificatory Implementing Document (CID), Veronica P. Tabara affirmed her group’s “unwavering stand to pursue just and lasting peace in our land.”
“It will continue to steadfastly work with the government for the full realization of the objectives set forth in the Clarificatory Implementing Document to the 2000 Peace Agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and its precursor, the RPMP-RPA-ABB,” she said.
Tabara also expressed their gratitude to the national government for the “many benefits already received and the resulting improvement in the lives of our members.”
“For our full transformation as a civilian organization, we become effective partners for peace and development in the country,” she pointed out.
Tabara said the KAPATIRAN remains unwavering in its desire to continue its partnership with the government in sustaining peace and development in the country.
“And it is the desire of our hearts that the sincerity, strong resolve, and good deeds we have witnessed from the government working hard, not only to put an end to the armed confrontation with our group that split from the CPP-NPA, but to make possible the sustainability of the peace gains that would lead to greater success in our partnership for peace and development, and contribute to attaining peace and prosperity in our country,” she said.
Peace month @ 20: Transforming minds, transforming lives
In his message, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Sec. Carlito G. Galvez Jr. noted that the twentieth year celebration of National Peace Consciousness month is a major milestone for all those who have long aspired and worked tirelessly for peace.
Galvez noted that this month is very special for all Filipinos, saying, “It is the time of the year when people come together to celebrate, reflect on, and promote the culture of peace as envisioned by Presidential Proclamation No. 675.”
He reminded everyone that Peace Month is more than an occasion to be celebrated annually “but it is a movement that is fueled by our collective desire to encourage our fellow Filipinos to play an active role in upholding our country’s peace and harmony.”
The peace adviser reiterated the message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. who said, “Brave may be those who wage wars, but braver are those who seek peace and win that peace.”
Galvez emphasized that winning the peace “is not just the responsibility of the government alone. It takes whole-of-nation, whole-of-society. It takes everyone to make this happen. Everyone must be part of the process.”
The theme for #PeaceMonth2024, “Transforming Minds, Transforming Lives,” captures the spirit of national renewal in Bagong Pilipinas. It underscores the entire society’s commitment to transformation, which includes the continuing effort to bring positive change to the lives of former combatants, their families, and communities, as the country advances in the implementation of all signed peace agreements.
A call for multi-sectoral participation
Galvez encouraged all Filipinos to reflect and participate in the month-long celebration of peace.
“I call on every Filipino to make this year’s peace month a time of deep reflection, purposive action, and an opportunity to demonstrate a greater commitment to our country’s peace, healing, and unity,” he said.
“Everyone is invited to actively participate in this year’s National Peace Consciousness Month celebrations. From the peace education summit, constituency building, forums and debates, and community service activities, everybody should get involved,” Galvez added.
“May these events remind us that peace must begin within ourselves. It begins in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions and outwardly extends to shape our communities, organizations, and our nation as a whole,” he stated.
Month-long activities
By virtue of Proclamation No. 675 dated 20 July 2004, the month of September was declared as the “National Peace Consciousness Month.”
The Proclamation mandated the then Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP, now called OPAPRU, to lead the observance of the celebration, and enjoined all government agencies and offices, private sector, and civil society groups to participate in the annual peace celebration.
A series of events promoting National Peace Consciousness Month 2024 have been lined up for the month of September nationwide.
The official opening ceremony of the Peace Month 2024 along with the commemoration of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is scheduled on September 2 at the Malacañan Palace.
The commemoration of the 1986 SIPAT peace accord is set to happen on September 13 at Mt. Data Hotel, Mountain Province.
The OPAPRU will once again spearhead the KaPEACEtahan Fair at Trinoma Activity Center from September 17-18. The KaPEACEtahan will also be hosted in schools in Manila, BARMM, Bicol, Negros Occidental, Aklan, Agusan del Norte, and Basilan.
This year, the OPAPRU will introduce new events including the Run for Peace and Peace Music Fest happening on September 21 at the SM MOA Seaside, Pasay City, and the Swing for Peace on September 28 at the Veterans Golf Club, Quezon City.
The 3rd National Peace Education Summit with the theme, “Harnessing the Transformative Power of Peace Education in Educational Reforms and Societal Harmony” will run from September 25-26 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.
Wreath-offering ceremonies will also be held at both the Libingan ng mga Bayani and Manila Memorial Park on September 26 to pay tribute to the country’s peace builders who have passed on.
To culminate the National Peace Consciousness Month celebration, the OPAPRU will host the Gawad Kapayapaan awarding ceremony to honor the nation’s peace champions for 2024 on September 30 at the PICC in Pasay City.
For more updates on this year’s peace month celebrations, you may follow OPAPRU’s social media accounts with the username @peacegovph on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Youtube. ###