The Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Sunday rang the Peace bell at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City as part of celebration of National Peace Consciousness Month.
OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. in his remarks reminisced about the donation in the 90s of the bell by the World Peace Bell Association in Japan that promoted peace movement across the globe.
The bell was turned over by Former President Fidel Ramos in 1994 to its current keeper, the Quezon City government.
“As we have done over the past two decades, our Peace Month celebration begins with the ringing of the peace bell. Everything starts with that powerful sound,” Galvez said.
He also called on the people to make this year’s peace month “a time of deep reflection, purposive action, and an opportunity to demonstrate a greater commitment to our country’s peace, healing, and unity.”
“Everyone is invited to actively participate in this year’s National Peace Consciousness Month celebrations. From the peace education summit, constituency building, forums and debates, and community service activities, everybody should get involved,” he added.
Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Proclamation Number 675 declaring September as “National Peace Consciousness Month.”
This year’s theme for its 20th celebration is “Transforming Minds, Transforming Lives.”
