On September 1, 2023, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU)- Eastern Mindanao together with the City Government of Davao through Peace 911 formally opened the National Peace Consciousness Month celebration at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City.

Under the Proclamation No. 675, the month of September has been declared National Peace Consciousness Month. With this year’s theme: Kapayapaan: Responsibilidad ng Bawat Mamayanan serves as a reminder that peace is a shared responsibility, and it encourages individuals, communities, and nations to actively work toward a more peaceful world. It provides platforms for actions and initiatives that promotes harmony and resolution on conflicts through non-violent means.

Atty. Jonah Margarette F. Presto, Peace 911 Focal Person and the Assistant Chief of Staff of the City Mayor’s Office welcomed all the guests from the different regions who attended the event- Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro and Davao Occidental, Security Sectors, Private and Peace Partners, National and Local Government Agencies, Punong Barangays and Friends Rescued.

“In the coming days, may we all have the same high drive, passion and commitment towards maintaining peace in our city, region and our country; kay walay laing maka hatag ug kalainaw saatong nasod kundi kita lang”, Atty. Presto said.

Hon. Sebastian Duterte- City Mayor of Davao, also the Chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council-Davao Region, reiterated his steadfast commitment to the peace initiatives of the national government underscoring the projects designed to preserve peace, with the aim of keeping the Davao City free from insurgencies and a stronghold of stability and progress.

“Today, we gathered in the spirit of unity and shared responsibility to foster peace in our communities in line with this year’s theme: Kapayapaan: Responsibilidad ng Bawat Mamayan, and as we mark the beginning of this month-long celebration, we reinforce our resolve as public servants, and peace champions to sustain peace in our respective localities throughout Davao Region”, Mayor Duterte said on his speech.

This event prompts the importance of peace in our society and encourages individuals and communities to take concrete actions to build a more peaceful world. It can also serve as a catalyst for ongoing peace initiatives and engagement throughout the month and beyond.

Meanwhile, Atty. Elisa D. Evangelista-Lapiña- OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao Director, said in her speech, “Today, as we open the celebration of National Peace Month, let us show the entire Philippines that Davao Region is resilient, strong, and collaborative in its peace efforts in order to sustain a peaceful region and this of course we can do through the culture of good governance.”

The opening of National Peace Consciousness Month 2023 in Davao City occurred simultaneously in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan which was spearheaded by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. which also announces that Palawan Island has been declared free from insurgency.

The opening of Peace Month is a significant event that sets the tone for a month-long celebration focused on promoting peace, unity, and conflict resolution.