Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. on Sunday urged Filipinos to” uphold” the spirit of the 1986 Mt. Data Peace Accord, or Sipat, as the Cordillera marks the 39th anniversary of the historic agreement that ended decades of conflict in the region.
The pact, signed between the government and the Cordillera Bodong Administration–Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA), paved the way for the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region through Executive Order 220.
Galvez said the agreement not only brought peace and development to the Cordillera, but also reflected the determination of its people to achieve meaningful autonomy.
“As we celebrate this year’s National Peace Consciousness Month with the theme ‘Mapayapang Bukas, Abot-Kamay sa Bagong Pilipinas,’ let us be reminded that a peaceful tomorrow is no longer an aspiration but is now within our reach,” he said.
The peace adviser added that building peace is a shared responsibility and called on communities to “nurture a culture of peace, mutual understanding, and solidarity” in line with President Marcos’ vision of a just and lasting peace.
“Together, let us honor the spirit of the Sipat by promoting peace, reconciliation, and unity as we build a stronger and more peaceful Bagong Pilipinas,” Galvez said.
