The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) closed the 2025 National Peace Consciousness Month on Sept. 30 with the recognition of this year’s Gawad Kapayapaan awardees — individuals and institutions honored for their contributions to peace and reconciliation.
The awardees included Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, the Provincial Government of Basilan, and KAPATIRAN chairperson Veronica “Ka Inca” Tabara.
Each was cited for their unwavering commitment to building harmony and unity in their communities and beyond.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, last year’s awardee, underscored the need to sustain peace initiatives beyond symbolic celebrations. Rex Espiritu
She noted the billions of pesos allocated for peace programs, including P7 billion for OPAPRU operations, P6.34 billion for the PAMANA convergence program, and P918 million for the normalization of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants and their communities.
“Indeed, the peace we celebrate today is just the beginning; it is a golden spark. One that we must nurture and protect so it continues to shine as a guiding light, not just today but for the generations to come,” Pangandaman said.
Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the awardees exemplify the theme of this year’s celebration, “Mapayapang Bukas Abot Kamay sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
“The life stories of our Gawad Kapayapaan awardees are perfect examples of how peace must be built – with patience, perseverance, and a clear vision. Their achievements are a result of a lifetime commitment to peacebuilding,” Galvez said.
