The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) spearheaded the ringing of the Peace Bell in Quezon City on Monday, Sept. 1, to signal the start of the 21st National Peace Consciousness Month, even as tensions in the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) continue to cast uncertainty over recent gains.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya led the ceremony, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to peace under the theme “Mapayapang Bukas, Abot-Kamay sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

Gifted by Japan to the Philippines through the World Peace Bell Association in 1994, the bell has become a symbol of both the Philippines’ pursuit of lasting reconciliation and the enduring friendship between Manila and Tokyo. Similar bells were installed in 20 countries, including at the United Nations headquarters in New York, echoing a global call for peace.

In his speech, Galvez underscored that the commemoration of the National Peace Consciousness Month every September, an annual event that began in 2021, was not only a celebration of past milestones but also a reminder of the shared responsibility in sustaining them.

“The dividends of peace are now upon us. It is a recognition of the gains achieved and a celebration of a future filled with peace, unity, and genuine transformation,” the peace adviser said. “But fully realizing our vision of genuine peace and sustainable development is a shared responsibility by all sectors of society. Each and every one must contribute, and no one must be left behind.”

He cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent call for a “whole-of-nation approach” to peacebuilding, particularly the role of local governments in fostering grassroots peace.

Galvez also urged all sectors to “renew and deepen” their commitment, warning against complacency at a time when parts of the peace process remain fragile.

The ceremony was also attended by representatives from the Peace Table, diplomatic corps, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), local government unit (LGU) of Quezon City represented by Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, other LGUs, and the security sector.

Ambassador Endo echoed Galvez’ message as he described the peace process in the Philippines as approaching a “defining moment.”

“Current global landscape confronts significant challenges, conflicts persist, divisions deepen, and actual force stands to disrupt peace. The peace process in the Philippines approaches a defining moment towards a new chapter,” he said.

He stressed that peace “is neither given nor granted, but requires constant effort to build and maintain,” while reaffirming Japan’s commitment to supporting the country’s peace initiatives.

The envoy also highlighted the need to address the root causes of conflict, including unaddressed grievances, inequality, weak governance, and socio-economic challenges, to achieve lasting peace.

He enumerated three pillars of Japan’s assistance to the Mindanao peace process such as capacity building for the political transition of the Bangsamoro government, support for the normalization process, and development of socio-economic infrastructures.

“Japan will continue to support the peace process efforts in the phPhilippines. I believe lasting peace is best promoted when major stakeholders are united by a shared and forward looking goal,” he said. “With the ringing of today’s peace bell, may our call for peace echo strongly not only in sound but in spirit.”

The national government’s peace process with the MILF has faced mounting challenges over recent months. While the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) laid the groundwork for the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), progress in the normalization track has been slower than expected.

Last month, the MILF Central Committee suspended the third and final phase of the decommissioning of the remaining 14,000 MILF combatants and 2,450 firearms, adding to the government’s woes. MILF leaders have expressed frustration over what they describe as delays in implementing critical components of the agreement, particularly in providing rebel returnees with socio-economic assistance.

The OPAPRU, however, insisted that it has delivered on its promises.

The strains have fueled concerns that unfulfilled commitments could erode trust between the parties and dampen support on the ground.

Amid the issues, Galvez stressed that the gains of the peace process must be safeguarded through collective effort. “We have come such a long way, and we are very close to success. Let us not falter now,” he said, quoting President Marcos Jr.