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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider QC vows commitment to peacebuilding

QC vows commitment to peacebuilding

Published Sep 1, 2025 12:40 pm  |  Updated Sep 1, 2025 02:17 pm
The Quezon City government reaffirmed its commitment to peacebuilding as it hosted the opening of the 21st National Peace Consciousness Month at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on Monday, Sept. 1.

Vice Mayor Gian Sotto
Vice Mayor Gian Sotto
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Endo Kazuya and Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., rang the World Peace Bell three times using the peace gong on Monday, Sept. 1
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Endo Kazuya and Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., rang the World Peace Bell three times using the peace gong on Monday, Sept. 1
The ceremony was led by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Endo Kazuya and Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., who rang the World Peace Bell three times using the peace gong.
Speaking on behalf of Mayor Joy Belmonte, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto said the city is honored to host the annual tradition of ringing the bell, a gift from the World Peace Bell Association in 1994.
He described the bell as a symbol of the people’s collective aspiration for unity that transcends borders.
“As the bell rings today, may we hear the triumphs of communities that have overcome conflict through dialogue, healing, rebuilding and building relationships,” he said. 
He highlighted several city programs supporting peace and healing, including the Quezon City Youth Vanguards Program, which empowers the youth to promote peace, volunteerism, and conflict resolution in their barangays. 
“We empower the youth not only with knowledge and skills, but with the courage of champion peace, volunteerism and conflict resolution within their own barangays,” he said.
He also cited the Quezon City Protection Center at Bahay Kanlungan, which provides survivors of gender-based violence with safe refuge and care.
Sotto added that the local government, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), is implementing the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), which offers former rebels education, livelihood, healthcare, and psychosocial support to help them rebuild their lives.
“We give them a chance to rebuild their lives as valued members of our society,” he said. 
Sotto also added that conflicts around the world and tensions in the West Philippine Sea show that peace must be pursued through cooperation and dialogue. 
“We also call on both national and local agencies, the private sector, faith-based organizations, and every citizen to join hands l with us,” he said.
The vice mayor also thanked the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) for leading initiatives such as PAMANA and the Healing and Reintegration Program, which he said prove that peace “
thrives through opportunity, compassion, and love, rather than force.
“As the sound of this bell echoes across Quezon City and beyond, may it carry our renewed commitment to build a nation where justice prevails, where understanding triumphs over differences, where peace is nurtured in every country, government, and community, and where love for God and one another rules all,” Sotto said.







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