THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has recognized 21 private sector partners for their contributions to the government’s peace and development initiatives under the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program.
In an event dubbed “Pamanahan” held on Aug. 19 at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros, OPAPRU officials led by Peace Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. expressed gratitude to corporations and organizations that have supported peace projects in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.
Galvez highlighted how private sector partnerships have transformed former conflict areas into “zones of peace and development,” stressing that sustainable peace requires “greater synergy, adequate resources, and relentless commitment” among stakeholders.
“To all our PAMANA peace partners, the milestones we have achieved over the years are all because of you. Our deepest gratitude to all of you,” he said, noting that the program aims not only to sustain existing partnerships but also to expand its network.
Among those recognized were SM Supermalls, Globe Telecom, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Ayala Malls, Maynilad Water Services, and the Pusong Ride Guardian Emergency Network. Their initiatives have ranged from staging nationwide “Run for Peace” events and concerts to awareness campaigns promoting peace and unity.
SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Government Services Royston Cabuñag said PAMANA’s vision resonates with SM’s own nation-building goals. “Through PAMANA’s community-driven projects and infrastructure development, we truly are building the physical infrastructure of peace,” he said.
The recognition ceremony also featured cultural performances by the Advocating Traditions for the Onward Resilience of Indigenous Peoples (ATOR of IPs) and messages of support from business leaders, including PHINMA’s Peter Angelo Perfecto and Converge ICT’s Atty. Chito Salud.
Launched as a flagship government convergence program, PAMANA focuses on peacebuilding, rehabilitation, and development in marginalized and last-mile communities.
