OPAPRU Concludes GAD Lecture Series with Focus on Women's Role in Peace Process
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) successfully concluded its Gender and Development (GAD) lecture and forum series with an event titled "Impact of Empowering Women in the Peace Process" on Wednesday, March 25, in Pasig City. This fourth series, a key component of the 2026 National Women's Month celebrations, emphasized the critical contributions of women to peacebuilding, shared best practices, and reinforced efforts toward inclusive leadership across sectors.
Diverse Panel of Women Peacebuilders Shares Insights
Moderated by Director Janna Jill L. Gallardo of the OPAPRU Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Peace Process Office, the forum featured a distinguished panel of women leaders. Participants included Ms. Iona Jalijali, Country Representative of the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD); Ms. Nur-Ainee Tan Lim, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD); Director Elisa Lapiña, OPAPRU Director for Local Conflict Transformation-Field Implementation Support Unit (LCT-FISU) Mindanao; and Ms. Veronica "Ka Inca" Tabara, member of the GPH-Kapatiran Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee (JEMC).
In her opening remarks, OPAPRU Executive Director for Peace Sustainability Susana Guadalupe Marcaida praised the panelists as exemplary models of Filipino women leading peacebuilding efforts. "Together, these four women represent a single story of what meaningful participation actually looks like, diverse in context, grounded in experience, and unified in purpose," Marcaida stated. She highlighted their roles not just as colleagues but as dedicated advocates who have navigated challenging moments in peace processes.
Key Discussions on Gender Equity and Empowerment
The forum delved into pressing cultural and gender-related issues, stressing the need for enhanced socioeconomic opportunities to empower women. Jalijali pointed out the persistent male dominance in society and governance, urging women to proactively create their own spaces. "Women are excellent peacemakers. And yet, their contributions are still not always fully visible or supported," she noted, adding that women's participation is crucial for effectiveness and sustainable outcomes.
Lim, daughter of MNLF founding chairperson Professor Nur Misuari, focused on the strategic value of education and leadership, describing investments in women's empowerment as a "zero-risk" endeavor. She encouraged women to speak up and build competence-based charisma. Lapiña discussed women's dual roles as peace agents and mothers, emphasizing the importance of functional governance in conflict zones. Tabara highlighted women's unique ability to maintain values-based leadership in difficult environments.
Commitment to Action and Future Leadership
Marcaida concluded the event by urging participants to continue serving as beacons of peace and hope. "This forum is part of our 2026 National Women's Month celebration. But more than a celebration, it is a commitment to carry forward the lessons of our peace journey. To move from recognition to action, from policy to practice, and from participation to genuine leadership," she affirmed. The gathering reinforced OPAPRU's dedication to advancing women's roles in peace processes, aiming for more inclusive and effective outcomes in the Philippines.
