PEACE BY PEACE
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) is optimistic that 2025 holds immense promise for the comprehensive Philippine peace process—much like last year—as it continues to forge ahead with its mandate of bringing just and lasting peace to the nation and all Filipinos.
With the approval of OPAPRU’s ₱7.094 billion budget for 2025, the agency is determined to accelerate the implementation of its peacebuilding initiatives across all its peace tables, particularly those aimed at transforming former combatants into peaceful and productive individuals, as well as turning their areas into secure, progressive, and resilient communities.
At the top of our agency’s agenda is completing the fourth and final phase of the decommissioning of 14,000 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants. As they lay down their arms and return to mainstream society, it is crucial to provide them and their families with the necessary socioeconomic assistance — education, shelter, and livelihood opportunities.
This is why OPAPRU has partnered with provincial local government units (PLGUs) in the Bangsamoro to launch the Localizing Normalization Implementation (LNI) Program. Under the LNI initiative, PLGUs will take the lead in implementing the Normalization Program for decommissioned MILF combatants.
We are pleased to see that through the LNI Program, provincial governments and other key sectors are playing a more active role in implementing our Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program. This initiative has effectively addressed the proliferation of loose and unregistered firearms in the Bangsamoro and beyond.
We are following a similar approach in the implementation of OPAPRU’s Transformation Program for former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants, their families, and their communities. Through this program, we provide socioeconomic interventions that empower them to become agents of peace and development.
Meanwhile, we will work to create greater public awareness of the national government’s amnesty program, as this is the final year that applications for amnesty will be accepted.
This is a critical window of opportunity for former rebels to start a new chapter in their lives and walk the path toward full healing and social reintegration.
OPAPRU will also ramp up the implementation of its Local Peace Engagements (LPEs) and Transformation Program to effectively address the socioeconomic needs of former CPP-NPA rebels and their families. In partnership with PLGUs, we will push for the creation of more Peace and Development Centers nationwide, as we successfully did last year.
Our agency will also focus on completing the implementation of the national government’s commitments under its peace processes with the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA) and the Kapatiran. We want to ensure that these former rebel groups continue to reap the benefits of peace and development.
With its approved ₱5 billion budget for 2025, our Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program will collaborate with national line agencies, LGUs, and other local partners to provide much-needed infrastructure and vital government services to OPAPRU Peace and Development Areas throughout the country.
By building roads, bridges, and water systems, as well as providing essential agricultural equipment and farming inputs, we aim to create more socioeconomic opportunities for residents in formerly conflict-ridden areas and send a strong, clear message that good things come to those who walk the path of peace.
In the meantime, we are strengthening our push for the creation of the proposed Department of Peace (DOP).
This initiative, which we are doing in partnership with our peace stakeholders, represents a bold and crucial step toward institutionalizing the national government’s peacebuilding policies, mechanisms, and interventions for generations to come.
While challenges remain in the decommissioning process, ensuring increased access to the amnesty program, scaling up LPEs, establishing Peace Centers, and securing support for the DOP, OPAPRU will not waver in its commitment to advancing the Marcos Administration’s Peace Agenda and building on and sustaining the gains of peace.
With our agency’s achievements last year, we are confident that 2025 will be another productive, meaningful, and milestone-filled year. With the continued support of our peace partners and our fellow Filipinos, it is our hope that our country will continue to serve as a beacon of peace, mutual understanding, and solidarity for the world.
(Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. is the presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation, and unity.)