ZAMBOANGA CITY — Seventy young leaders from across the Philippines gathered in the city on Wednesday, December 3, for a high-level peace dialogue with Mayor Khymer Olaso, marking one of the key highlights of the ongoing MasterPEACE VII program. The session, held at the City Hall conference room, formed part of a broader cultural immersion and peace education initiative under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) as the nation observes the Mindanao Week of Peace.
Carrying the theme “MasterPEACE VII: Multi-Faith in Families and Youth: Hand-in-Hand for Peace, Harmony, and Justice in Our Homeland,” the engagement brought together youth delegates undergoing leadership and peace-building training. Mayor Olaso warmly welcomed the participants, affirming their vital role in shaping the country’s future governance and community-building efforts.
In his message, the mayor emphasized the importance of three core values that he said anchor effective leadership: honesty, compassion, and a genuine heart for the people. He encouraged the delegates to strengthen their commitment to public service and use their platforms to advance justice, integrity, and harmony within their respective communities.
The discussion quickly expanded into a vibrant exchange, with youth leaders raising concerns and sharing insights on issues such as corruption, local governance reforms, tourism development, community protection, and ongoing peacekeeping efforts in Zamboanga City. Mayor Olaso addressed their questions directly, challenging them to become proactive partners in nation-building.
OPAPRU Field Operations and Political Concerns Unit Director Anna Pacete expressed gratitude for the city government’s unwavering support to national peace initiatives. She lauded Zamboanga City’s continued role in empowering young peace advocates and fostering multi-faith, inclusive spaces for learning and collaboration.
The dialogue was made possible through strong coordination among the City Government of Zamboanga, OPAPRU’s Intergovernmental Relations Body, the Social Healing and Peacebuilding Office, and the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.
Also present during the engagement was Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor Celso Lobregat, who commended the dedication of the youth participants and thanked them for choosing Zamboanga City as a venue for their leadership and peace-building exchange.
The MasterPEACE VII initiative continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing young leaders committed to dialogue, unity, and lasting peace—values that remain at the heart of Mindanao’s ongoing journey toward progress and stability.