Law Summary
Need for Public Awareness and Support
- Emphasizes the importance of instilling greater consciousness and understanding among Filipinos regarding the peace process.
- Aims to strengthen both institutional and popular support for peace efforts.
- Aligns with the United Nations global movement for a Culture of Peace based on nonviolence, respect for rights, tolerance, understanding, and solidarity.
Transition from National Peace Week to Month
- Replaces Proclamation No. 161 (2002), which declared a National Peace Consciousness Week (Feb 28 - Mar 6), with a Month-long observance in September.
- Observance period reset to September to allow greater participation by citizens and institutions including educational bodies.
Historical Significance of September for Peace
- September marks key milestones related to the peace process in the Philippines:
- Creation of the National Unification Commission (September 1, 1992)
- Issuance of Executive Order No. 125 setting administrative structures for peace process (September 15, 1993)
- Signing of Final Peace Agreement with Moro National Liberation Front (September 2, 1996)
- Signing of peace pact with Cordillera People's Liberation Army (September 13, 1986)
International Significance of September
- September also hosts important global peace-related events:
- United Nations International Day of Peace (September 21)
- Launch of International Decade for Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children (September 19, 2000)
- Commemoration of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, highlighting global and national resolve against terrorism
Declaration of National Peace Consciousness Month
- Officially declares September of every year starting 2004 as "National Peace Consciousness Month".
- Enjoins all government agencies, including local government units and government-owned corporations, plus private sector and civil society groups, to initiate and join meaningful activities to increase peace awareness.
Coordination and Monitoring
- Assigns the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) as the lead government agency to coordinate and monitor activities related to the observance of National Peace Consciousness Month.
Repealing Clause
- Proclamation No. 161, series of 2002, is expressly superseded.
- Any executive issuances, orders, rules, or regulations inconsistent with this proclamation are repealed or modified accordingly.