Filipinos urged to work with gov't to sustain peace gains

MANILA – Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday called on all Filipinos to work with the government to sustain the gains of the peace process.

"It is not the work of the government alone. It is a shared responsibility that requires all sectors of society to work hand-in-hand to realize our common vision. Everyone has an important role to play in this collective effort. No one should be left behind," Galvez said in his message for the observance of the National Peace Consciousness Month 2025 this September.

Aside from this, Galvez also called on all Filipinos to reflect on what peace means to them individually and what they can do to promote peace, mutual understanding, and solidarity.

He also urged the public to join all OPAPRU activities related to the month-long celebration.

"May this month of September fill our hearts and minds with peace, love, and compassion. And may the spirit of peace reign in our hearts, not only in the month of September, but throughout the year," Galvez said.

This year's Peace Month theme, "Mapayapang Bukas, Abot-Kamay sa Bagong Pilipinas," is a recognition of the peace milestones we have achieved and a celebration of a future that is filled with peace, unity, and respect.

Galvez said this year's theme is a clarion call for all Filipinos to realize the shared goal: a just and lasting peace for the nation.

September was declared Peace Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 675 issued in 2004.

This provided all Filipinos – regardless of tribe, religion, or personal beliefs – to come together under the banner of unity and foster the culture of peace across the archipelago. (PNA)

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