Opening Ceremony of the 2024 National Peace Consciousness Month (Speech) 09/02/2024

Opening Ceremony of the 2024 National Peace Consciousness Month and Commemoration of the 28th Anniversary of the Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front
Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
September 2, 2024


“Rest assured that you can depend on this Administration to implement all signed peace agreements for the security, the inclusive progress and stability not only in Mindanao but throughout the country,” stated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when he led the opening ceremony of the 2024 National Peace Consciousness Month with the tolling of the peace gong at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan Palace.

Coinciding with the 28th anniversary of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), President Marcos Jr. underscored the Philippines' ongoing commitment to peace, particularly in the Bangsamoro Region.

In his keynote address, the President highlighted the historical milestones leading to today's peace efforts, from the 1976 Tripoli Agreement forged by his father’s administration, to the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and mutual respect in achieving meaningful autonomy for the Bangsamoro, noting the signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2018 as a pivotal achievement.

The Chief Executive also acknowledged the contributions of MNLF leaders Nur Misuari and Muslimin Sema, applauding their roles in fostering peace and supporting anti-terrorism efforts in critical areas such as Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. He highlighted ongoing efforts, such as the Transformation Program aimed at improving socioeconomic conditions for former MNLF combatants and their communities, assuring them of the Administration’s commitment to inclusive progress in Mindanao.

President Marcos Jr. called for continued collaboration among stakeholders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to ensure good governance and the success of the upcoming Bangsamoro elections. He emphasized the significance of these elections in reinforcing democratic values and acknowledged the visionaries who paved the way for the freedom being enjoyed today.

“This landmark, the election of the members of Parliament that will occur next year, is an important landmark as the signing of all of the peace agreements. This will now not only formalize, not only institutionalize, but actually operationalize BARMM's part in the national government, and that is a very, very important landmark, a very, very important part of our peace agreement,” he underscored.

“Together let us build a more secure and dignified Bagong Pilipinas, where no one is neglected, where no one feels sleepless, most importantly where no one lives in fear. Again, happy National Peace Consciousness Month,” President Marcos Jr. said in concluding his message.

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