Galvez stays as peace adviser in holdover capacity

FILE: Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and National Task Force against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (NTF COVID-19) chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. gives an update to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on March 1, 2021. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. will remain the head of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) until the end of this year to ensure that there will be no interruption or disruption of peace programs and activities.

The memorandum order received by OPAPRU on Friday from the Office of the President, dated June 30 and signed by Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, authorizes Galvez to “continue in office in a holdover capacity until December 31, or until his replacement has been appointed or designated, whichever comes first, unless he is reappointed in the meantime” and “shall take effect immediately.”

In his message marking the celebration of Eid al-Adha on Saturday, Galvez said the Marcos administration is determined to continue the implementation of the comprehensive Philippine peace process, especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“Today, we honor the sacrifices made by millions of Hujjaj from all over the world as they conclude their annual Hajj or holy pilgrimage in the blessed land of Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Galvez said in a statement.

“As nations across the globe confront the challenges caused by armed conflict, poverty, inequality, and the current health crisis, may all of us be inspired by the remarkable journey made by members of the Islamic faith,” he added.

Eid al-Adha, the Arabic term for the Feast of Sacrifice, is an annual festival that marks the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in Christianity and Judaism) sacrificing his son Ismail because Allah (God) implored him to.

“When they converged in the Kaabah, the Muslim people demonstrated that despite differences in their nationality, culture or station in life, they are united by their faith in The Almighty Allah,” Galvez said.

Galvez hopes that the solidarity shown by the Ummah (Islam nation) will serve as a “shining example” to the Filipino people and encourage them to remain united and work together in pursuit of the “collective vision of achieving a just and lasting peace in our country.”

“The Marcos administration is inspired by the lessons imparted by the Eid al-Adha,” he said. “May this blessed day bring peace, unity, harmony, and spiritual renewal among the Muslim Ummah around the world.”