BAGUIO CITY – The city government has partnered with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) to establish the first Peace and Development Center in Baguio City.
OPAPRU Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. and Mayor Benjamin Magalong recently signed a memorandum of agreement and ceremonial groundbreaking at the designated center site in Upper Session Road.
Secretary Galvez proposed the project to the city government without hesitation and the city executive immediately recognized the purpose of the project in promoting a culture of peace in the Cordillera Region.
In this significant move towards fostering peace and development, the city government has provided the parcel of the land where the building will stand, which is a prime property. On the other hand, OPAPRU has allotted PhP50 million from its Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan, or PAMANA program, for the construction of the building. The center is set to be jointly managed by the city government and OPAPRU upon successful construction.
Secretary Galvez expressed gratitude to the national government agencies, Congress, and the Senate for their unending support in increasing PAMANA projects and outlined the multifunctional aspects of the center, foreseeing its potential utilization by TESDA, DepEd, and various government agencies for meetings and training sessions.
“The land that we stand on right now holds dear to all of us, who dedicated our lives to promoting the Culture of Peace, particularly in Cordillera and also in other regions. Yun nga po sinasabi ko po kanina ang alam po natin Baguio City will be the City of Pines but as of this, Baguio City will be remembered as a City of Peace,” Secretary Galvez stated highlighting the importance of the partnership.
To facilitate the establishment of the center, an additional PhP30 million has been proposed for fixtures, furniture, and office equipment.
The envisioned center is a 4-storey building with a unique feature including two basement parking levels and two spacious halls. The two floors are designed for housing purposes, providing accommodation for those participating in seminars and other events. Secretary Galvez described it as similar to a mini-hotel, providing a functional space for government agencies with minimal operational costs.
Meanwhile, the mayor reiterated Baguio City’s willingness to host peace talks, emphasizing the importance of having a dedicated venue for negotiations. He emphasized Baguio City’s role as a Peace Zone and expressed optimism about the positive impact of the Peace and Development Center.
“I am looking forward to a strong partnership and collaboration with regards to this joint venture,” he said.
The target completion date for the center is within two years, offering a timely resource for various government agencies, educational institutions, and peace-building initiatives.
As Baguio City strides towards becoming a City of Peace, the Peace and Development Center acts as a beacon of hope for a better future for the community. At the same time, this partnership stands as a testament to the commitment of the city government to lasting peace and development in the region. By Hazel Rose Infante