Quezon City:The Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity underscored the need to incorporate peace education into the national academic curriculum, aiming to influence the future of Southeast Asia positively.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) highlighted this during the ASEAN Peace Education high-level conference in Quezon City. Sarmiento described peace education as an investment in the resilience and stability of societies within the region.

Sarmiento pointed out that although ASEAN's 11-member countries have diverse cultures and histories, they share a common goal for peace. He emphasized that peace education should extend beyond the classroom, fostering empathy, intercultural understanding, and non-violent conflict resolution among young people.

The OPAPRU chief also stressed the importance of critical thinking in peace education, especially in the age of artificial intelligence. He remarked on the need for citizens who can discern facts from falsehoods, think independently, and use technology responsibly for the common good.

Additionally, Sarmiento expressed gratitude to the House of Representatives for approving OPAPRU's over PHP9 billion budget for 2027, referred to as "peace investments." He stated that the goal is to complete peace processes, fulfill agreements, and transform former combatants into productive citizens and peacebuilders. Sarmiento reiterated the necessity of collaboration among various sectors, including the Executive, Congress, local governments, and the Filipino people, to achieve lasting peace.