OPAPP highlights Int'l Peace Day celebration with job fair

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) highlighted on Friday the celebration of International Peace Day dubbed “KaPEACEtahan” with a job fair at the Block Atrium of SM North EDSA Mall.

“I am glad that while September is running many are declaring ‘I am for peace.’ It is heartwarming that many are now moving for peace in the country,” adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles said.

Deles reminded the people that the celebration of International Day of Peace also coincides with the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.

“That is why we need to strengthen the call for peace. We hope that the campaign for peace will not only be for the International Day of Peace, not only for the month of September when we are celebrating the Peace Month, but for a lifetime,” she said.

OPAPP led the annual celebration of Peace Month in an effort to raise awareness on the peace process and urge the different sectors, including government agencies, private and civil society organizations, to contribute to achieving a just and lasting peace for the country.

Aside from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), other partners of KaPEACEtahan include the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), SM North EDSA, Centrex, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., the official sponsor of this year’s Peace Month celebration.

This year’s Peace Month theme is “Ako. Ikaw. Tayo. Magkakaiba, Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan.”

DOLE Assistant Regional Director Nelson Hornilla said at least 1,100 job applicants registered, 600 qualified for interviews and 71 were hired on the spot.

Aside from the job fair, a Serbisyong Bayan Center offering mobile services of various agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), PhilHealth, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Red Cross and National Statistics Office (NSO) was simultaneously held.

KaPEACEtahan culminated with a cultural gala from 6 to 8 p.m. attended by government officials, diplomats, civil society groups and celebrity peace ambassadors including Mikael Daez, Ramon Bautista, Megan Young, Kiray and Igi Boy who declared their support for peace with a pledge.

The event also featured performances of the Virlanie Children’s Choir, Joseph the Sand Artist and award-winning musician and composer Diwa de Leon, who charmed the audience with his masterful execution of his self-composed song “Stormy Night” with the hegalong, a two-stringed ethnic instrument.