OPAPRU

10/04/2026

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has officially released the Calendar of Activities for the historic first-ever BARMM Parliamentary Elections scheduled for September 14, 2026

Reference: COMELEC Resolution No. 11214
Credits: COMELEC

10/04/2026

𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝟏𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍-𝐈𝐏𝐑 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and cooperation as it chaired the 18th Meeting of the Advisory Board of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta on 08 April 2026.

The meeting was presided over by Executive Director Andres S. Aguinaldo, Jr., Philippine Representative and current Chair of the ASEAN-IPR Advisory Board. He likewise serves as Executive Director for Plans and Programs of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), and concurrent Executive Director of the Philippine Peace Institute (PPI).

In his opening remarks, Aguinaldo underscored the continued relevance of dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution amid evolving global challenges. “These recent events remind us of the enduring importance of dialogue, restraint, and the peaceful resolution of disputes and threats,” he said, adding that such developments “underscore the value of institutions such as ASEAN-IPR in advancing understanding, promoting trust, and contributing to a culture of peace in our region and beyond.”

Advisory Board members from across ASEAN Member States participated in the meeting, with nine (9) attending in person and two (2) joining virtually, reflecting sustained regional engagement and cooperation. The meeting was supported by the ASEAN-IPR Secretariat, led by its Executive Director, Ambassador I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja.

During the meeting, members exchanged views on key priorities and ongoing initiatives, emphasizing the need for ASEAN-IPR to remain responsive to evolving regional dynamics. Discussions focused on the Institute’s 2026 Annual Work Plan, refinement of priority research areas, and progress in regional partnerships, including the ASEAN Think Tank Dialogue.

The Board also highlighted the importance of advancing policy-relevant research, strengthening regional knowledge networks, and expanding outreach—particularly within academic institutions—to deepen peace awareness across ASEAN. Members further discussed ways to strengthen ASEAN-IPR’s institutional role in supporting ASEAN’s peace and reconciliation agenda, consistent with its mandate as a platform for dialogue, research, and capacity-building.

As Chair, Aguinaldo steered the discussions with an emphasis on consensus-building, inclusivity, and forward-looking cooperation, reinforcing the Philippines’ role in advancing a culture of peace in Southeast Asia.

The meeting forms part of the Philippines’ broader engagements under its ASEAN Chairship, aligned with the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” It also marked the first ASEAN-IPR Advisory Board session under the Philippines’ 2026 chairship, underscoring the country’s commitment to strengthening regional mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation. # # # #

08/04/2026

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗰. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗼 𝗚. 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘇, 𝗝𝗿.,
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗿 (𝗔𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻)

09 April 2026

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) joins the nation in honoring the men and women who laid down their lives during the Fall of Bataan, and celebrating the gallantry, resilience, and selflessness of our Filipino soldiers.

As we commemorate the bravery of our soldiers during one of the darkest chapters of our people’s history, the Day of Valor also calls us to reflect on the challenges our nation is currently facing. The lessons of courage, resilience, and sacrifice of our past and present-day heroes are a source of inspiration at a time when armed conflicts have erupted in different parts of the globe.

We are humbled to say that the Philippines has emerged as a beacon of hope during these trying times. With our country’s enduring commitment to fostering lasting peace and inclusive development, our nation’s comprehensive peace process has evolved and shifted its focus from ending armed conflicts to effectively addressing its root causes and transforming the lives of former combatants, their families and communities.

As we celebrate this year’s Day of Valor, may we all embody the spirit of heroism of our forebears, as we champion peace, mutual understanding, and solidarity in our families and communities. Hand in hand, let us work together to build a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous nation for future generations of Filipinos.

Maligayang Araw ng Kagitingan! Mabuhay ang mga Bayaning Pilipino!

08/04/2026

𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐮 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬

PASIG CITY — Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur M. Tan met with Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. on Wednesday at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

The meeting was held following the session of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Transition Plan for the Province of Sulu, which was co-presided by DBM Assistant Secretary Gerald R. Janda—representing Secretary Rolando U. Toledo—and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Deputy Minister of the Interior and Local Government Eddie Alih.

Both Secretary Galvez and Vice Governor Tan reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening peace initiatives throughout the island province.

Secretary Galvez emphasized that the OPAPRU stands ready to assist the provincial government in its transition, ensuring the process remains seamless and efficient.

At present, the OPAPRU provides essential secretariat services to the TWG in accordance with Executive Order No. 91, s. 2025. Signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., this directive officially integrated Sulu into the Zamboanga Peninsula, following the Supreme Court ruling excluding Sulu from the BARMM.

Vice Governor Tan thanked the national government for safeguarding the province’s governance and financial frameworks. He emphasized that this support is vital to keeping essential public services, such as education, social welfare, reliable and continuous medical care for the people of Sulu during the transition.

08/04/2026

𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀’ 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆

Taguig City — The nation’s top military officers paid tribute to the country’s living heroes during the “Review in Honor of the Veterans” held on April 6 at the Philippine Army Headquarters, Fort Andres Bonifacio, this city.

Organized by the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, with the theme “Giting ng Bayani, Pamana sa Salinlahi,” the Review is part of a series of commemorative events leading to the 84th Araw ng Kagitingan celebration to honor the gallantry of the Filipino soldier.

The event was graced by Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete, Commanding General, Philippine Army; Major General Romeo Alamillo (Ret.) President and CEO of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines; Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr.; and the federation’s distinguished veterans and family members.

📌 Full story in comments.

08/04/2026

𝗔 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲

As the nation concluded the observance of Holy Week, the spirit of spiritual reflection and communal unity continues to resonate across Mindanao.

Weeks prior to the Lenten season began, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) joined Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) communities in observing the holy month of Ramadan through the conduct of Iftar activities.

During the month-long occasion, the national government demonstrated its commitment to building bridges of peace, solidarity and mutual understanding through communal meals and meaningful dialogue that brought together diverse communities in a common pursuit of harmony.

📌 Full story below.

As the nation concluded the observance of Holy Week, the spirit of spiritual reflection and communal unity continues to resonate across Mindanao. Weeks prior to the Lenten season began, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) joined Moro National Liberatio...

08/04/2026

🥁 Drumroll, please! 🥁

We are thrilled to announce the winners of In her Own Frame: Reimagining Reels and Digital Art in support of the National Women’s Month Celebration 2026.

A huge congratulations to our winners and to everyone who submitted! 🎨✨

06/04/2026

For this week’s , Sec. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. underscored the vital role of local government units in advancing peace programs in communities.

📌 Read the full column in the comments section.

06/04/2026

Congratulations on your well-deserved appointment as Minister of Interior and Local Government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao!

As OPAPRU’s former Executive Director for the Bangsamoro Transformation Cluster, Minister Bayam helped ensure that key programs and developments in the Bangsamoro region were carried out with effectiveness and efficiency.

OPAPRU is honored to have worked with him in advancing peace in the region.

04/04/2026

𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐄𝐂. 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐎 𝐆. 𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐙, 𝐉𝐑.

05 April 2026

Easter is a reminder to all of us that even in our most challenging moments, God is by our side. The resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ embodies such an unwavering faith that endures hardship, embraces sacrifice, and rises up.

Amidst the challenges the world is facing today, let us remember that forgiveness, reconciliation and healing are always possible. With patience, understanding, and trust, we can overcome our divisions and move forward in purpose, unity and faith.

As we celebrate Easter, may we carry this message of hope in our hearts by always choosing compassion, offering forgiveness, and working together to bring genuine and long-lasting peace to our nation.

May this Easter embrace the world with peace, mercy, and God’s love.

A Happy Easter to all!

04/04/2026

Christ is risen! Easter reminds us that love, hope, joy and peace win. Wishing everyone a beautiful day.

03/04/2026

Today is a day of silence, reflection and quiet anticipation as we hope for Christ’s resurrection.