INTRAMUROS, MANILA – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) honored on August 19 its private sector and civil society partners through PAMANAHAN, a gathering of peace champions who are helping to bring inclusive and sustainable development to all Filipinos.
The event, a celebration of unity, service, and a shared vision, reflected on the journey and impact of OPAPRU’s PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program — the national government’s flagship peace and development initiative that aims to uplift the socioeconomic conditions of communities in conflict-affected areas across the country.
“Today’s gathering is more than just a ceremony, it’s a celebration of what we can achieve when we choose to stand together and work for peace,” declared Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. in his keynote address.
“We have seen the power of peace and how it can transform lives. Former war zones have become driving centers of commerce. What used to be battlegrounds are now hubs of commerce, where Muslims and Christians share meals, trade goods, and build futures together,” Galvez said.
Message of unity
A unifying message echoed throughout the event: that peacebuilding is not the government’s responsibility alone — it is a collective undertaking that requires the support and active participation of all sectors of society.
Mr. Royston A. Cabuñag, Assistant Vice President for MSME, Job Fairs and Government Services at SM Supermalls, emphasized the need for this collective spirit.
“At SM, we see our malls not just as commercial spaces, but as social infrastructures where unity is nurtured through everyday interactions,” Cabuñag said.
He highlighted how job fairs, inclusive MSME spaces, and events like OPAPRU PAMANA’s Peace Day Concert and Run for Peace, which were held at the SM Mall of Asia, served as platforms for peacebuilding and social inclusion.
Converge ICT Solutions’ Head of Government Relations, Atty. Angelico T. Salud affirmed their full support for the comprehensive Philippine peace process.
“Fostering mutual respect and understanding is essential in maintaining a society that is united and prosperous. Each step taken toward harmony brings us closer to a more cohesive nation,” Salud said.
Mr. Peter Angelo V. Salud, Vice President for Public Affairs of Philippine Investment Management (PHINMA) Corporation, expressed his company’s desire to strengthen ties with OPAPRU and explore possible joint initiatives, particularly in the areas of education and housing.
“There can be no business when there is no peace,” Salud said, adding, “We want to do our share.”
Key role of private sector in peacebuilding
The same private sector partners who helped the country overcome the challenges of COVID-19 are now playing a vital role in building lasting peace. And this time, they are supporting peace and development efforts in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas.
Their commitment, once tested during a national health crisis, now serves as the driving force in the economic recovery and social cohesion in former war zones.
“As a former military officer for more than 37 years, I’ve witnessed how gains we have achieved can be overturned — a bridge abandoned at mid-construction, a livelihood project left without promised support, and a single act of violence that breaks the trust and confidence built over many years,” Galvez reflected.
PAMANAHAN, a combination of PAMANA and bayanihan, is more than just an expression of gratitude; it is seen as a platform to inspire greater collaboration.
Through the activity, the OPAPRU welcomed new partners, emphasizing that sustainable peace requires a continued and sustained partnership between the government, the private sector, and society at large.
“You, our partners, are crucial to this collective undertaking,” Galvez stressed. “You are not just providing resources, you are fostering hope, opening opportunities, and empowering communities to rise from the trauma of war.”
No community left behind
Galvez also underscored President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to push PAMANA even further into the margins, ensuring that no communities are left behind in the peace and development process.
With over eight private institutions, including SM Prime and SM Supermalls, Globe Telecom, Philippine Basketball Association, Ayala Malls, Pusong Ride Guardian Emergency Network, Maynilad Water Services, Inc., and Jollibee Foods Corporation, PAMANAHAN served as a convergence between corporate social responsibility and community-driven development.
“PAMANAHAN unites the power of ‘pamana’ —a legacy that endures, and ‘bayanihan’ — the spirit of working together. Today, we honor a shared legacy that is built on solidarity, trust, and a belief that we are stronger working as one.” Galvez concluded. “Ako ang PAMANA. Ikaw ang PAMANA. Tayong lahat ang PAMANA.”
