The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) officially launched the Philippine Peace Institute (PPI) on September 19 as the country’s premier hub for peace research and education.
The PPI aims to strengthen conflict management, promote peacebuilding, and support the national peace process through research, training, and partnerships with academic institutions, government, and civil society.
PPI introduced its first two modules: one on the concepts of peace and conflict, and another on the Philippine Comprehensive Peace Process, including peace agreements with groups like the MNLF, MILF, and CBA-CPLA.
These courses mark the start of a long-term, institutionalized approach to peace education.
The institute will also manage the Peace Exhibit and Archive Center (PEACe), showcasing milestones and personal stories from peace initiatives. International and local peace advocates expressed their support, highlighting the need for both formal and non-formal institutions to sustain dialogue and justice.
According to Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., the PPI will address gaps in peace research, strengthen institutional capacity, and translate studies into actionable policies and programs for conflict-affected communities.
“We envision the PPI to address the gaps that peace research faces in the country. At the moment, peace research faces serious challenges such as the fragmented focus on specific conflict zones and inadequate institutional capacity and funding, among others,” the peace adviser said.
The launch coincided with the National Peace Education Summit, which gathered students, educators, and civil society to discuss integrating peace education into curricula nationwide.
