Apl.de.ap, Anne Curtis, etal to be named as peace envoys

MANILA -- President Benigno Aquino III will name some popular showbiz personalities as among the "National Peace Ambassadors' during the launch of the "I am for Peace" campaign in Malacañang on Friday.

To be named peace ambassadors are Black Eyed Peas singer apl.de.ap, actress-television host Anne Curtis, and actor Gerald Anderson.

"Coming from diverse industries and backgrounds, the Peace Ambassadors will unite for one meaningful cause: peace," Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said.

The "I am for Peace" campaign is one of the major activities the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has lined up in this year's celebration of the peace month themed "Ako. Ikaw. Tayo. Magkakaiba, Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan."

For 2012, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) serves as the official sponsor of the month-long festivities.

Deles said other personalities to be named as peace ambassadors include: 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 designers 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.

The chosen peace ambassadors will take their pledge in a ceremony in Malacanang by saying "I choose peace, I want peace – I am for peace!"

Apl.de.Ap has expressed his support to peace saying, "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."

Gerald Anderson has invited more Filipinos to join the cause saying, "Peace is what our country needs, what the world needs."

"To be a peace ambassador is something I would love to do. I want to be of help to more Filipinos in promoting freedom and unity, and not violence," he said.

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

The "I am for Peace" campaign seeks to engage all sectors of society in sustaining support for the country’s peace process. It will also mobilize social engagements and information dissemination especially on the significant developments and milestones of the on-going Mindanao peace talks.

"The campaign encourages different sectors to contribute in achieving just and lasting peace in the country," Deles said.

Aside from the "I am for Peace" campaign, the Opapp will also launch the "I Choose: Peace" youth football program and the "Business Partners for Peace" promoting peace advocacy for companies.

The Opapp has sealed partnership with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) for the "I Choose: Peace" launch.

The PFF and the Philippine Azkals will lead a sports program for the youth under the campaign.

"As Peace Ambassadors, we value being in a team. If you want to promote peace you need to work together, you put aside your differences," Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo said.

Under the "Business Partners for Peace" program, Opapp will tie up with several companies such as McDonald’s and 7-11 that will carry peace as their advocacy.

"Now, more than ever, we have the momentum and leadership needed to write the Philippine success story as a progressive and peaceful nation. The time for peace is now," Deles said.

She called on the public to take part in sharing the message of peace in homes, in schools, in workplaces, and in communities. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)