Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday called on Filipinos to embrace empathy in their daily lives, during an exhibit for National Peace Consciousness Month at the DSWD head office in Quezon City.
In his message delivered by Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay of the DSWD’s Peace and Development Group (PDG), Gatchalian emphasized the importance of compassion and understanding, which, according to the Secretary, could create a ripple effect to strengthen families, close gaps, and sustain the dividends of peace across the country.
“Peace, as we know, is not just the absence of conflict. It is also about respect, unity, compassion, and understanding the struggles of others. Regardless kung ano ang iyong idolohiya, relihiyon, pinanggalingan, may kapansanan man o wala, bata man o matanda, lahat tayo ay may karapatan na mamuhay sa isang payapang lipunan (what your ideology is, your religion, origin, with or without disability, young or old—all of us have the right to live in a peaceful society),” Gatchalian said.
The “Larawan ng Pagbabago” Exhibit showcased the stories of transformation among peace and development program beneficiaries, including former members of non-state armed groups (FMNSAGs) who have rebuilt their lives through the DSWD’s social protection and livelihood programs.
“This event is a reminder of how far we have come in advancing peace and development projects in conflict-vulnerable communities. As we go through this exhibit, makakuha sana tayo ng inspirasyon mula sa mga buhay na nagkaroon ng pag-asa at panibagong simula para mas lalo pa nating mapagbuti ang mga programa ng DSWD (may we draw inspiration from those lives that have acquired new hope and renewed beginning for us to make DSWD programs more improved,” Gatchalian said.
The DSWD chief lauded frontline implementers of the DSWD’s PDG and Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa or PDBBM – National Program Management Office for helping transform conflict-affected areas into places of development and opportunity.
The DSWD is among the implementers of the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn or PAMANA, the national government’s flagship program on peace and development, focused on peace-building, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and development in areas that are affected by or vulnerable to conflict.
As part of the celebration, the DSWD’s PDG cluster also sponsored a “Peace Bazaar” dubbed “KaPEACEtahan” featuring products made by beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), which is among the DSWD’s development programs to uplift the poor, the vulnerable, and marginalized sectors by equipping them with resources and training to jumpstart or boost their livelihood venture.
Anchored on Presidential Proclamation No. 675, series of 2004, the nation observes National Peace Consciousness Month every September to instill greater consciousness and understanding of peace among the Filipino people and sustain the gains of peace-building initiatives nationwide. (PNA)
