P-Noy leads 'I am for Peace' campaign; peace envoys named

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday led the government’s “I am for Peace” campaign, along with several high-profile peace ambassadors from the music and film industry, to mobilize support through the engagement of the public.

“Come with me and support our peace efforts with every Filipino. I am Benigno Simeon Aquino III, and I am for peace,” he declared at the formal launching of the peace campaign during simple ceremonies at Malacañang.

Aquino rallied Filipinos to stand behind the government’s peace efforts as government expressed mounting optimism that the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will lead to the signing of a lasting peace agreement before the end of the year.

“We are one in having a stake in peace, and in proclaiming in every corner of our country that I am for peace. Join me and together, let us create a more peaceful future for every Filipino,” Aquino said.

The campaign is part of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP)’s observance this year of the 9th National Peace Consciousness Month.

US-based Filipino-American rapper apl.de.ap, actress Anne Curtis and actor Gerald Anderson have been named peace ambassadors by Secretary Teresita Deles, who is in charge of talking peace with communist insurgents and Muslim rebels.

In an interview with reporters, apl.de.ap disclosed that he, along with the other peace ambassadors, will be putting up one main Facebook and Twitter account for the purpose of getting everybody involved in achieving peace in the country.

“I want to spread the awareness, especially among Fil-Ams, and educate them on what is going on in the Philippines. We’re coming up with the ideas of creating a Facebook account and it’s just strictly for ‘I am for Peace’ and also through Twitter,” he said.

This will of course be coursed through music, which is his forte.

“Through my music, definitely. And that’s one of the ideas I have. Being a peace ambassador is, I think, we need to perform in front of these kids, or visiting places and just, you know, laughter and music,” he said. Curtis, now a TV host and celebrity endorser, said she will exert all her efforts in her peace advocacy.

“When I was approached about it I wanted to do it because it was something that I knew I could stand firm and also stand up for it and believe in it wholeheartedly. So, there was no hesitation on my part, I want to be a peace ambassador,” she said. 

Anderson, who grew up in General Santos City, expressed willingness to visit conflict areas, if only to send the message that peace among the citizenry should be the overriding concern of everyone.

“I grew up in GenSan and experienced how is it to live through bomb threats. Bombs exploded just five steps away from the school where I was. So I witnessed and felt like many of the folks there how it is to live in fear,” Anderson said.   Now that it has been six years since he left the city, Anderson said he wants to help government achieve peace.

“That was my personal request to go to places like (General Santos) so as to serve as an inspiration and explain to them that it is time to achieve and attain peace,” he added. 

During the launch, Aquino was presented with an official Azkals jersey with the “I am for Peace” logo by the Philippine Azkals, which officially sealed the partnership of the government, through OPAPP, with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) under the “I Choose: Peace” program.

The PFF and the Philippine Azkals are set to hold a sports program for the youth together with OPAPP in hopes of promoting peace among the youth.

Pioneers of the “Business Partners for Peace” which include ABS-CBN, Golden Arches Development Corp., Liwayway Marketing Corp., M Concepts & Style, Philippine Seven Corp. and Zest-O Corp., were presented with plaques. 

OPAPP is set to tie up with these companies that will carry peace as their advocacy through their products and services.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) serves as the events’ official sponsor for the month-long festivities.

Aside from apl.de.ap, Curtis and Anderson, other personalities tapped by OPAPP as national peace ambassadors include singer Noel Cabangon, Internet icon Ramon Bautista, actors Epy Quizon, Megan Young and Mikael Daez; musical artists Christian Bautista, Datu Khomeini, Ebe Dancel, and Gloc-9; fashion designers Arnold Galang, and the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines led by its president JC Buendia; TV personality Rovilson Fernandez; members of the Philippine Azkals; and young comedians Kiray and Igi Boy.

Actor Derek Ramsey, singer-actress Karylle, performer Sam Concepcion and social media personality Kimpoy Feliciano were also ambassadors but were not able to attend the event due to prior engagements.

The peace campaign seeks to mobilize public support for peace through the involvement and engagement of the general public.

It aims to broaden the peace constituency by harnessing and empowering basic sectors such as youth, women, labor, civil society organizations, media as advocates for peace and development.

Peace adviser Deles said the launching of the “I am for Peace” campaign mobilizing leading personalities in the movie industry, artists, athletes and the “I Choose: Peace” and the “Business Partners for Peace,” which gained support of well-known businessmen, will surely bring change and empower the country amidst difficulties and tribulations.

“Today is a beautiful day for peace. We not only have popular, admired and well-respected celebrities, artists and athletes, but also established and successful companies who have committed to join our peace campaign that will be launched today,” Deles said. – With Jose Rodel Clapano