Apl.de.ap, Anne, Gerald named peace envoys

 MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has tapped Black Eyed Peas singer apl.de.ap, actress Anne Curtis and actor Gerald Anderson as national peace ambassadors.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said the appointment of the three celebrities will be made official tomorrow during the launch of the “I am for Peace” campaign in Malacañang.

“Coming from diverse industries and backgrounds, the peace ambassadors will unite for one meaningful cause: peace,” Deles said.

She said the “I am for Peace” campaign is one of the major activities lined up by OPAPP for this year’s peace month celebration carrying the theme “Ako. Ikaw. Tayo. Magkakaiba. Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan,” sponsored by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).

Deles said the national peace ambassadors also include local celebrities Megan Young and Mikael Daez; social media icon Ramon Bautista; composers Noel Cabangon and Ebe Dancel; Moro artist Datu Khomeini Bansuan; singers Christian Bautista, Karylle, Sam Concepcion, and Gloc-9; fashion designer Arnold Galang and the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines led by JC Buendia; comedians Kiray and Igi Boy; sportsman and TV host Rovilson Fernandez; and members of the national football team, Philippine Azkals.

A member of the Grammy-award winning group Black Eyed Peas, apl.de.ap expressed his support to peace.

“Peace means progress and happiness. Its influence is powerful. Right now, the Philippines is emerging. I feel it every day, and with peace nationwide, we can take our country to new heights we can all be proud of,” he said in a statement released by OPAPP.

Anderson said the country and the world need peace and he wants to help Filipinos in promoting freedom and unity, and not violence.

Deles said more Filipinos are pledging their support for peace as the agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front nears signing.

“The government has been working hard, but peace building is not the work of government alone. We need more stakeholders who believe in the peace process. For a peace agreement to be truly successful, we’ll need the participation of the entire nation,” she said.

Deles said the “I Choose: Peace” launch formally seals the partnership of OPAPP and the Philippine Football Federation, which kicked off this year’s Peace Month celebration with the 1Goal for Peace football clinic.

She said the Philippine Football Federation and the Azkals will lead a sports program for the youth under this partnership.