THE Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), a crucial peace mechanism that has helped push the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front launched on Wednesday a coffee table book titled “Metamorphosis: A Decade’s Journey to Peace.”
The book documents 10 years of milestones, lessons, and progress under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). “It is a tribute to the decade-long journey of the Bangsamoro people and stakeholders towards a just and lasting peace,” the committee said.
In his remarks delivered by Undersecretary Athalia B. Liong, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., reaffirmed the national government’s steadfast support for the Bangsamoro peace process, particularly the continued implementation of the peace agreements and the Normalization Program. Rex Espiritu
“On behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, allow me to reaffirm this administration’s full support for the continued implementation of the Peace Agreements and the normalization process. We remain committed to ensuring that the hard-earned and deeply meaningful [gains] are protected, expanded, and carried into the next generation,” Lagdameo said.
He emphasized that the national government’s peace-building efforts must continue regardless of developments on the political front or changes in leadership.
“No change in political climate, no shift in leadership, no evolving national or global circumstance should ever weaken our commitment to peace. The foundation of the peace process must remain steady — anchored not on personalities or political titles but on shared principles, shared responsibilities and the shared aspiration of the Bangsamoro people,” Lagdameo declared.
Government JNC chairman Ariel Hernandez stressed that the book highlights the strong partnership between the two parties in advancing peace in the Bangsamoro.
“It tells a moving story that is anchored on partnership, perseverance, and peacebuilding. It documents how the GPH-MILF navigated complexities, overcame challenges, and strengthened collaboration over the years,” Hernandez noted.
“It is our fervent wish that this will enable us to deepen our partnerships and renew our commitment to the CAB’s vision of a just and lasting peace,” he added.
Hernandez urged all stakeholders to “continue working together as co-owners of the peace process and dedicated contributors to the deliverables of Normalization.”
He also expressed the JNC’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of the Normalization Program.
“JNC remains committed to its mandate to facilitate these processes and cultivate partnerships that will enable us to continuously coordinate all components of the Normalization Program effectively,” Hernandez said.
MILF JNC Chairperson Akmad Brahim, who was represented by Aliuddin Haron, emphasized that the book is a testament to the Bangsamoro people’s determination to uplift their socioeconomic well-being and the collective resolve of all stakeholders to help realize this goal.
“This book is a testament to the perseverance of the Bangsamoro people and the collective efforts of every peace advocate, government official, and community member committed to forging a better future. It showcases the rich culture, the struggles, and the aspirations of a people striving for self-determination within a framework of mutual respect and reconciliation,” Brahim said, as he also expressed his people’s gratitude to the OPAPRU for sustaining the gains of the Normalization Program.
“Your commitment strengthens our resolve to continue asserting the parallel and commensurate implementation of the normalization track with integrity, compassion, and a shared vision of stability and justice,” he stated.
Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. honored the country’s former presidents who have played crucial roles in advancing the peace process in the Bangsamoro.
Galvez recognized the late former President Benigno Aquino III, whose administration facilitated the talks with the MILF and pushed for the passage of the CAB.
He also thanked former President Rodrigo Duterte for ensuring the implementation of the agreement through the approval of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
“Their vision and political will were vital in translating the agreement into concrete action,” he said.
“The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not waver in its obligation to implement all signed peace agreements, leading towards their fruition before the end of his administration,” Galvez emphasized.
The peace adviser reaffirmed the OPAPRU’s unwavering commitment to deliver on the remaining obligations of the national government under all signed peace agreements.
“The OPAPRU stands firm in its commitment to fulfill the remaining deliverables under all our signed peace agreements, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr,” Galvez said.
“Through the accelerated implementation of the Normalization program, we are ensuring that the dividends of peace are sustained,” he added.
According to Galvez, the “decommissioning of MILF combatants and their reintegration to mainstream society, and the delivery of socio-economic interventions” remain central to the Philippine government’s peacebuilding efforts.
“It is my earnest hope that we all continue to serve as guardians of peace, ensuring that the sacrifices made by the peace champions who came before us will bear fruit and be sustained.”
