Manila: The love and desire for peace is shared by the entire human race and not just by one faith, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday as the country joined the weeklong celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week, Galvez emphasized that peace is anchored on a shared ethical foundation. He stated, "Indeed, peace is a moral commitment that is not exclusive to a single faith, but rather shared by the whole of humanity." This global event, observed from February 1 to 7, was initiated by the United Nations in February 2011 to foster harmony among people of different faiths amidst ongoing interreligious conflicts worldwide.
Galvez highlighted that religious leaders globally have recognized that interfaith harmony leads to human fraternity, acknowledging each other as family despite differences in beliefs, cultures, and traditions. He underscored that such fraternity demands respect, compassion, and solidarity, especially in plural societies like the Philippines.
Furthermore, Galvez mentioned that the peace landscape in the Philippines is shaped not only by various faiths but also by the rich cultures and spiritual worldviews of its Indigenous Peoples (IPs). These ancestral practices have long upheld harmony and respect for both the land and its inhabitants.
He explained that Indigenous and faith-based traditions teach that the quest for genuine peace should not only be articulated in agreements or policies but should be evident in the everyday lives of people. Citing examples from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Cordillera, and Caraga regions, Galvez noted that these multi-ethnic communities sustain harmony by resolving differences with humility, openness, and sincere dialogue.
Galvez further stressed the role of interfaith harmony during socio-political events, such as the forthcoming parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro. He advocated that political participation should be guided by ethical conduct, respect for human dignity, and a strong rejection of violence.
In conclusion, Galvez asserted that peaceful, inclusive, and values-driven engagements are vital for strengthening trust, fostering unity, and safeguarding the peace dividends enjoyed by Filipinos. As the nation celebrates World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026, OPAPRU reaffirms its commitment to promoting dialogue, understanding, and non-violent approaches to conflict. The agency stands with religious leaders, IPs, women, youth, and civil society in building a culture of peace rooted in dialogue, compassion, and shared responsibility.
