The Senate’s recent approval of the Php 7.094 billion budget for the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) marks a significant milestone in advancing peace efforts across the Philippines.
According to OPAPRU, a substantial portion of this budget—Php 5.3 billion—is allocated to OPAPRU’s flagship PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program.
This comprehensive initiative aims to foster development and address the root causes of conflict in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities nationwide.
The PAMANA Program, which constitutes 74% of OPAPRU’s 2025 budget proposal, focuses on building infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water systems, and housing units that are tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by these communities.
For 2025, PAMANA will target 15 regions, 47 provinces, and 120 municipalities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
This broad scope underscores its commitment to uplifting diverse populations, including former members of armed groups like the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), among others.
Additionally, PAMANA integrates Conflict-Sensitive and Peace Promoting (CSPP) approaches to ensure that these projects foster social cohesion and collaboration among stakeholders.
Another notable initiative under OPAPRU is the Social Healing and Peacebuilding (SHAPE) Program, which seeks to repair the social fabric of communities torn apart by armed conflict.
Complementary efforts include the Educational Assistance Program, which grants Php 50,000 per school year to over 1,000 children of decommissioned MILF combatants pursuing higher education, as well as the turnover of 200 shelter units to MNLF families.
These initiatives highlight OPAPRU’s focus not only on physical reconstruction but also on enabling opportunities for economic and social development among affected populations.
In a statement, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez expressed gratitude for the Senate’s support. He emphasized the significance of the approved budget in sustaining the momentum of peacebuilding efforts.
Galvez assured the public of OPAPRU’s commitment to transparency and effective fund utilization, noting that every centavo will be maximized to implement signed peace agreements, support post-conflict rehabilitation, and ensure lasting peace across the nation.
