Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, seeks the creation of a national peace agency or a Department of Peace after observing the best practices of other countries
"Talagang magkakaroon ng tinatawag na institution na talagang permanently they will dwelve on peace engagement," Galvez said on Wednesday, July 3, during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay.
"Other countries meron talagang Department of Peace," he added.
He also pointed out that the more than 200 personnel of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) will also benefit from the creation of a Department of Peace.
"Lahat ng mga employee namin (in OPAPRU), lahat ay contractual," Galvez revealed.
"Walang permanency. Yung mga tao namin ay come and go kasi walang security of tenure. Kailangan talaga na magkaroon kami ng specific unit, na meron talagang permanency yung mga tao namin," the OPAPRU chief stressed.
Galvez shared that he already coordinates with some lawmakers for the creation of an agency that will replace OPAPRU.
In 2021, then President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 158 that reorganizes the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, and formed OPAPRU.
