DSWD Urges Filipinos to Foster Peace Through Empathy and Compassion

AGRI-NEWS | NATIONAL Posted on 2025-09-16 01:07:15

MANILA – Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian has called on Filipinos to become champions of peace by embracing empathy, compassion, and understanding in their daily lives.

Speaking through Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay of the DSWD’s Peace and Development Group (PDG) during the opening of the “Larawan ng Pagbabago” Exhibit in Quezon City on Monday, Gatchalian stressed that peace is more than the absence of conflict—it is built on respect, unity, and recognition of each person’s struggles.

“Peace is not just the absence of conflict. It is also about respect, unity, compassion, and understanding the struggles of others. Regardless of one’s ideology, religion, origin, or circumstance, everyone has the right to live in a peaceful society,” he said.

The exhibit highlighted the stories of transformation of peace and development program beneficiaries, including former members of non-state armed groups who have rebuilt their lives through DSWD’s social protection and livelihood initiatives. Gatchalian said these narratives are a source of inspiration to further improve the agency’s programs for conflict-affected communities.

He also lauded the frontline implementers of the Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) National Program Office for helping turn once conflict-vulnerable areas into hubs of development and opportunity.

The DSWD, as one of the implementers of the government’s PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) program, continues to promote peace-building, rehabilitation, and sustainable development in conflict-affected areas.

As part of National Peace Consciousness Month, the DSWD also hosted a “KaPEACEtahan” Peace Bazaar, featuring products crafted by beneficiaries of its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

National Peace Consciousness Month, observed every September under Presidential Proclamation No. 675 (2004), aims to instill greater awareness of peace and sustain the country’s peace-building efforts.

NPO News Team | PNA-PR

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