OPAPRU Renews Commitment to Peace and Unity Across the Philippines

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to inclusive peacebuilding programs, as the Philippines enters the second half of 2025 with renewed focus on reconciliation and community empowerment.

At the heart of OPAPRU’s campaign are programs aimed at transforming the lives of former rebels and conflict-affected communities. Through livelihood training, psychosocial support, and civic education, the agency seeks to strengthen reintegration pathways and foster social cohesion.

A growing highlight is the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, which ensures gender-responsive policies in peace negotiations and grassroots leadership. OPAPRU officials report expanding partnerships with women’s networks nationwide to support survivors of violence and advocate for equitable representation in decision-making spaces.

The agency also announced the opening of new Peace Centers across various provinces. These hubs will serve as safe spaces for mediation, youth engagement, and trauma-informed services, bridging national strategies with local needs.

"Peace is no longer just a goal, it’s a culture we are cultivating," said Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., emphasizing the role of inclusive dialogue and community action. He noted that collaboration with barangay leaders, educators, and civil society groups will be key to sustaining peace efforts in 2025 and beyond.

Observers commend OPAPRU for balancing strategic governance with a human-centered approach, marking a shift from reactive policy to proactive transformation. As security concerns evolve, the agency’s work stands as a testament to what peace can look like when rooted in empathy, agency, and shared responsibility.

What Is OPAPRU Doing in 2025?

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) is working hard this year to help communities live peacefully and move forward from past conflicts. Their goal is to make peace not just a government plan, but a real part of everyday life.

Here’s how they’re doing it:

• Helping Former Rebels Start Over
  OPAPRU supports people who used to be part of armed groups by giving them training, jobs, and counseling. This helps them rejoin society and contribute positively to their communities.

• Empowering Women in Peacebuilding
  Women are often affected by conflict, but now, they’re being seen as leaders. OPAPRU’s programs promote women’s voices in decision-making, protection, and leadership during peace talks and community recovery.

• Creating Local Peace Centers
  These are places where people can come together for dialogue, learning, and healing. They offer support, education, and safe spaces for youth, families, and leaders to work together on peaceful solutions.

OPAPRU’s Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. says peace is something everyone must build together, through honesty, cooperation, and care.

Global Peace and Unity

Global peace and unity refer to a world where nations and individuals coexist harmoniously, free from conflict, discrimination, and violence. Achieving these ideals requires mutual understanding, cooperation, and shared efforts to resolve differences and promote inclusivity.

Understanding Global Peace

Global peace is the absence of war and conflict, but it also involves fostering relationships based on respect and collaboration. It encourages nations to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental challenges in ways that benefit humanity as a whole.

Example:

The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945 to prevent future wars and promote global stability. Through peacekeeping missions, diplomatic efforts, and humanitarian aid, the UN works to resolve international disputes and assist nations in crisis.

The Role of Unity in Achieving Peace

Unity emphasizes cooperation among different groups—whether countries, communities, or individuals. When people come together with shared goals, they strengthen relationships, prevent conflicts, and create sustainable solutions for global challenges.

Example:

The European Union (EU) is an example of nations uniting for peace. Formed after World War II, the EU promotes economic and political cooperation among member states, preventing conflict and ensuring stability within the region.

How Global Peace and Unity Can Be Strengthened

1. Education for Peace – Teaching tolerance, conflict resolution, and cultural appreciation in schools helps future generations embrace unity.
• Example: Schools worldwide now include peace education in their curricula to encourage mutual respect among students of different backgrounds.
2. International Collaboration – Countries working together to address global issues build stronger relationships and prevent conflicts.
• Example: The Paris Agreement on climate change unites nations in reducing carbon emissions to protect the environment.
3. Cultural Exchange Programs – Exposing individuals to different customs and traditions fosters greater understanding and reduces prejudice.

• Example: Programs like Fulbright and Erasmus allow students to study abroad, promoting international friendships.

Conclusion

Global peace and unity are essential for a stable and prosperous world. By promoting dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect, societies can overcome differences and build stronger relationships. Whether through diplomacy, education, or cultural exchange, every effort toward unity brings the world closer to lasting peace.

How Global Peace and Unity Can Be Strengthened

1. Education for Peace – Teaching tolerance, conflict resolution, and cultural appreciation in schools helps future generations embrace unity.
• Example: Schools worldwide now include peace education in their curricula to encourage mutual respect among students of different backgrounds.
2. International Collaboration – Countries working together to address global issues build stronger relationships and prevent conflicts.
• Example: The Paris Agreement on climate change unites nations in reducing carbon emissions to protect the environment.
3. Cultural Exchange Programs – Exposing individuals to different customs and traditions fosters greater understanding and reduces prejudice.

• Example: Programs like Fulbright and Erasmus allow students to study abroad, promoting international friendships.

Conclusion

Global peace and unity are essential for a stable and prosperous world. By promoting dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect, societies can overcome differences and build stronger relationships. Whether through diplomacy, education, or cultural 

Questions:

1. Can you give an example of international collaboration for peace?

2. How does the United Nations (UN) contribute to global peace?

Post your response in the comment section, then choose another response to reply with your opinion

Listening and Giving Compliments

Listening 

Listening is more than just hearing words—it’s about truly understanding the speaker's thoughts and feelings. In peace education, active listening plays a crucial role in promoting empathy and reducing conflict.

How It Works

• Focus on the speaker – Avoid distractions and maintain eye contact to show attentiveness.
• Acknowledge emotions – Use phrases like “I understand that must have been difficult for you.”
• Ask clarifying questions – If something is unclear, ask gently: “Can you tell me more about that?”
• Avoid interruptions – Let the speaker express their thoughts without cutting them off.

Example of Listening in Action

Imagine two classmates, Anna and Miguel, have a disagreement about a group project. Instead of arguing, Miguel listens carefully to Anna's concerns about workload distribution. By acknowledging her frustration and suggesting a fair solution, they reach an understanding peacefully.

Giving Compliments in Peace Education

Giving genuine compliments helps build a culture of positivity, appreciation, and respect. It reinforces kindness and strengthens relationships within communities.

How It Works

• Be sincere and specific – Instead of saying “Good job,” say “I really admire how you explained that topic clearly.”
• Recognize effort – Appreciate people’s hard work, not just the final outcome.
• Encourage positivity – Compliments can inspire others to continue good behavior.

Example of Giving Compliments in Action

In a classroom, a teacher notices a student helping a peer understand a lesson. Instead of a general compliment, the teacher says, “I appreciate how you patiently explained the concept to your classmate. Your kindness makes the classroom a better place.” This encourages both the helper and the classmate to embrace supportive learning.

Questions:

1. What is active listening, and why is it important in peace education?
2. Why is recognizing effort important when giving compliments?

Post your response in the comment section, then choose another response to reply with your opinion