Celebrities, business sector pledge support to peace
In the midst of mounting optimism on negotiations between the
Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), President
Benigno S. Aquino III rallied Filipinos to stand behind peace efforts during
the launch of the "I am for Peace" campaign in Malacañan Palace
Friday morning.
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| Pres. Pnoy Aquino |
In his keynote speech, Aquino noted that despite our differences,
"nagkakaisa tayong tumataya upang manaig ang kapayapaan, at ipagsigawan sa
bawat sulok ng ating bayan na "I am for Peace" (we are one in having
a stake on peace, and in proclaiming in every corner of our country that
"I am for Peace")."
"Samahan ninyo ako: ihatid natin sa mas mapayapang bukas ang
bawat Pilipino (Join me and together, let us create a more peaceful future for
every Filipino)," Aquino said.
Aquino led personalities including world-renowned singer
apl.de.ap, actress Anne Curtis, composer Noel Cabangon, and Internet icon Ramon
Bautista in promoting peace as they pledged their support as National Peace
Ambassadors.
Aside from apl.de.ap, Curtis, Cabangon and Bautista, other
personalities were tapped as National Peace Ambassadors by the Office of the
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), including actors Epy Quizon,
Gerald Anderson, 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, and the 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 present at the rites due to
prior engagements.
"Today is a beautiful day for peace," Presidential
Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said as she welcomed new
peace partners during the launch.
Deles noted how the gatherings “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."
"We are glad to say that what was once a few will now become
many. May this be the start of another lifelong partnership that will bring
change and empower our nation amidst difficulties and tribulations," Deles
said.
Also under the "I am for Peace" campaign, which seeks to
mobilize various sectors of society to support the peace process, is the
"I Choose - Peace" and the "Business Partners for Peace"
programs.
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 to the youth.
Pioneers of the "Business Partners for Peace" which
include ABS-CBN Corporation, Golden Arches Development Corporation, Liwayway
Marketing Corporation, M Concepts & Style, Philippine Seven Corporation and
Zest-O Corporation were presented with plaques. OPAPP is set to tie up with
these companies that will carry peace as their advocacy through their products
and service.
The launch of the "I am for Peace" campaign is part of
OPAPP's observance this year of the 9th National Peace Consciousness Month with
the theme "Ako. Ikaw. Tayo. Magkakaiba, Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan."
Other events lined-up by OPAPP for 2012 include the 1Goal for Peace kick-off
event last Sept. 2, KaPEACEtahan on Sept. 21, and the I Want Peace Concerts on
Sept 28 slated to happen in four areas nationwide, including NCR. The
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) serves as the events'
official sponsor for the month-long festivities.(PR/bfc)