COTABATO CITY, December 3, 2024 — The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) convened with stakeholders from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to discuss the proposed creation of a Department of Peace (DoP). The meeting, held Tuesday, marked the third in a series of nationwide consultations aimed at refining the proposed legislation.
Dr. Jennifer Santiago-Oreta, political science professor and former Assistant Secretary for Policy at OPAPRU, emphasized the importance of gathering insights from diverse sectors to enhance the proposal.
“The series of consultations is meant to solicit ideas and recommendations from government agencies and partners to enhance the proposal of establishing a Department of Peace,” Santiago-Oreta said.
Ensuring Continuity in Peace Efforts
OPAPRU Senior Undersecretary Isidro Purisima highlighted the challenges of sustaining peace initiatives under changing administrations.
“Ang problema natin is continuity ng programs. Pag nagpalit ng administration, mahirap talaga ang continuity. The Department of Peace aims to address this concern,” Purisima explained.
The proposed DoP would be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring the government’s peacebuilding efforts, ensuring their long-term sustainability.
Presidential Assistant Wilben Mayor echoed this vision, underscoring the significance of institutionalizing peace efforts.
“The President himself said that the work of peace is a lifetime effort. The purpose of why we are here today is to solicit inputs, recommendations, and comments on the proposed bill, and we want you to be the champions of this advocacy,” Mayor said.
Collaboration for Peace
The consultative meeting brought together BARMM officials, representatives from national government agencies, international peace partners, and academic institutions. Participants shared their insights and recommendations to help shape a comprehensive peacebuilding framework.
Santiago-Oreta noted the potential of a permanent Department of Peace to address emerging challenges to peace, such as new armed groups.
“With a permanent DoP, ma-anticipate kung meron bang bagong grupo,” she said, emphasizing the need for proactive peace strategies.
Building a Resilient Future
Under the leadership of Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., OPAPRU reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the nation’s peace processes. The proposed Department of Peace represents a strategic step toward creating a more stable and resilient Philippines.
Previous consultations held on October 22 and November 12 engaged national government agencies, with the latest meeting focusing on BARMM stakeholders.
The inputs gathered will be integrated into the proposed bill, which aims to institutionalize peacebuilding as a central priority for the national government.
As the consultation series progresses, the government remains hopeful that the Department of Peace will become a cornerstone of sustainable peace and development in the Philippines.