Headline
Duterte hopes for ‘genuine peace’
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does his signature pose with National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, and officers from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) who celebrated their 24th Anniversary in Malacañan Palace on September 14, 2017. (ALBERT ALCAIN/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called for unity as a nation, and urged Filipinos to stand together towards attaining peaceful and prosperous aspirations in his speech on September 14.
In celebration of the 24th anniversary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the President graced the event with a speech on peace.
“I have high hopes that we will continue to build our gains to find common support and to work together despite setbacks and disagreements,” he said.
Duterte added “Let us unite against those who promote violent extremism, sow divisions, hatred and terror among our people.”
The President echoed and encouraged Filipinos to stand firm and resolute in working together for a just, unifying, and lasting peace for the country.
Duterte also praised OPAPP’s 24 years, “In just a short span of time, you achieved goals that many doubted that you would be able to accomplish. Your efforts turned enemies into friends and partners brought hope to conflict-torn areas, communities, and uplifted the spirits of people who for decades dreamt of peace.”
“Your dedication made us believe that lasting peace is possible,” he added.
He thanked peace partners from donor agencies, civil society organizations, national government agencies, local government units, and the media.
“The milestones that the OPAPP had achieved would not have been possible were it not for your support and your initiatives. Thank you for sharing your time, expertise and resources, and for extending a helping hand to our government and our communities. To our various partners in peace process, the government extends and continues to extend to you the hand of friendship and peace,” Duterte said.
The President reiterated that regardless of diversity and differences, Filipinos can still work together.
