DBM chief among peace awardees
PEACE advocates and public servants gathered Monday night to recognize the extraordinary efforts made by individuals in advancing peace across the Philippines through this year's Gawad Kapayapaan Awards. The awards ceremony at the Manila Hotel marked the culmination of National Peace Consciousness Month. This year's Gawad Kapayapaan Awards include Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and the Local Government Unit of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte. In her opening remarks, Pangandaman reflected on her peace-building work, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Fresh from attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Pangandaman emphasized the interconnectedness of peace and prosperity. "Our work is more than just dreaming of peace. We are turning this dream into reality," she said. Pangandaman said peace "is not merely a goal but a journey that transforms minds, hearts, and communities." As someone who hails from Mindanao, she reiterated her deep personal commitment to the peace process, sharing her experiences in conflict-ridden areas and her determination to foster lasting peace in BARMM. Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation and unity, acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Gawad recipients to advancing peace in the Philippines, particularly in areas historically affected by conflict. "The Gawad Kapayapaan Awards is not only a recognition of individual and organizational excellence but also a reminder of the critical role each of us plays in peace-building," Galvez said. He emphasized that National Peace Consciousness Month, now in its 20th year, serves as a clarion call for all Filipinos to invest in peace. Galvez echoed the sentiment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying, "Peace is a lifetime commitment," as he praised the continued dedication of the awardees. Galvez also noted the importance of women in the peace-building process, highlighting the accomplishments of the female awardees and the upcoming International Conference on Women, Peace and Security in October, underscoring the Philippines' role in global peace efforts.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
PEACE advocates and public servants gathered Monday night to recognize the extraordinary efforts made by individuals in advancing peace across the Philippines through this year's Gawad Kapayapaan Awards.
The awards ceremony at the Manila Hotel marked the culmination of National Peace Consciousness Month.
This year's Gawad Kapayapaan Awards include Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and the Local Government Unit of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.
In her opening remarks, Pangandaman reflected on her peace-building work, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Fresh from attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Pangandaman emphasized the interconnectedness of peace and prosperity.
"Our work is more than just dreaming of peace. We are turning this dream into reality," she said.
Pangandaman said peace "is not merely a goal but a journey that transforms minds, hearts, and communities."
As someone who hails from Mindanao, she reiterated her deep personal commitment to the peace process, sharing her experiences in conflict-ridden areas and her determination to foster lasting peace in BARMM.
Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation and unity, acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Gawad recipients to advancing peace in the Philippines, particularly in areas historically affected by conflict.
"The Gawad Kapayapaan Awards is not only a recognition of individual and organizational excellence but also a reminder of the critical role each of us plays in peace-building," Galvez said.
He emphasized that National Peace Consciousness Month, now in its 20th year, serves as a clarion call for all Filipinos to invest in peace.
Galvez echoed the sentiment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying, "Peace is a lifetime commitment," as he praised the continued dedication of the awardees.
Galvez also noted the importance of women in the peace-building process, highlighting the accomplishments of the female awardees and the upcoming International Conference on Women, Peace and Security in October, underscoring the Philippines' role in global peace efforts.
