MANILA – With the resonant tolling of the World Peace Bell, the nation marked the start of the 21st National Peace Consciousness Month on September 1, carrying the theme “Mapayapang Bukas, Abot-Kamay sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
The opening ceremony, led by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Endo Kazuya and Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Carlito G. Galvez Jr., highlighted the Filipino people’s continuing journey toward a future grounded in peace, unity, and mutual respect. The symbolic ringing of the Peace Bell—donated by the Japan-based World Peace Bell Association—underscored the shared aspiration for a just and lasting peace.
Declared through Proclamation No. 675, series of 2004, September has been observed as National Peace Consciousness Month for over two decades. The proclamation, signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, sought to instill deeper awareness of peace and reconciliation among Filipinos, and align the Philippines with the United Nations’ global movement to promote a culture of peace anchored on nonviolence, human rights, tolerance, and solidarity.
Through the years, Peace Month has served as a platform for dialogue and collective action, bringing together diverse communities regardless of faith, culture, or political beliefs. This year’s theme pays tribute to peace milestones achieved while calling on Filipinos to safeguard and strengthen these gains.
“Peace is not the sole responsibility of government,” Sec. Galvez emphasized in his message. “It is a shared duty that requires the commitment of all sectors of society. Each Filipino has a role to play in building a nation where no one is left behind.”
Events and activities organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), in partnership with peace stakeholders, will take place throughout September to encourage reflection, collaboration, and community involvement.
But officials stressed that the month-long celebration should not end as mere ceremony. The spirit of peace, they said, must be lived every day—in homes, workplaces, and communities.
“May this not only be a commemoration,” Galvez added, “but a daily commitment we live by for the Filipino people. True peace is found when we choose dialogue over division, compassion over conflict, and unity over discord.”
As the Peace Bell rang to welcome the observance, its echo served as a reminder that a mapayapang bukas—a peaceful tomorrow—is indeed within reach, if every Filipino makes peace a way of life.