September is National Peace Consciousness Month, which serves to remind the public of the constant need for a comprehensive peace process. The observance was introduced through Presidential Proclamation 675, signed in 2004 by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“There is a need to instill greater consciousness and understanding among the Filipino people on the comprehensive peace process,” the proclamation read.

The policy also notes, September was selected because several other elements of the peace process were also established during that month, including creation of the National Unification Commission and the 1996 peace agreement signed between the Philippine Government and the Moro National Liberation Front.

“Ang trabaho para sa kapayapaan, hindi lamang para sa apektado, dapat lahat tayo, nasa peaceful area man or labas ng fragile communities (Working towards peace is not only for those who are directly affected, it should be for all of us, whether we live in a peaceful area or outside fragile communities),” said Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza. “Sasama tayong lahat para sa pinapatunguhan nating kapayapaan (We are all together in our journey towards peace).”/WDJ