The government’s peace office has honored Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, archbishop emeritus of Cotabato, for his lifelong mission of ‘healing divisions and inspiring hope.’
Quevedo, 86, was among this year’s recipients of the Gawad Kapayapaan award of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
The cardinal was recognized as the agency culminated the observance of this year’s National Peace Consciousness Month at a hotel in Taguig City on September 30.
He was joined by two other awardees: Maria Veronica Tabara, a former revolutionary leader turned peace advocate, and the provincial government of Basilan.
In his message, Quevedo emphasized that peace is not merely the successful implementation of agreements and laws, but ‘the presence of mutual trust, respect, and understanding.’
‘It is born in the heart,’ Quevedo said. ‘Let us continue building bridges-not only between communities, but between hearts-for only together can we truly walk the path of peace.’
He dedicated the award to the countless individuals-Muslims, Christians, and Lumads-‘who have labored quietly for peace.’
From his early days as bishop of Kidapawan to co-founding the Bishops-Ulama Conference in 1996, OPAPRU said Quevedo has worked to build bridges of understanding, respect, and solidarity among Mindanao’s diverse faith communities.
Now a member of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Council of Leaders, the agency said Quevedo continues to play a key role to help address conflict and promote dialogue, justice, and empowerment, the agency said.
‘His decades of service to the Church and communities in Mindanao show us that peace is built not only through institutions, but through compassion, unity, and faith in humanity,’ OPAPRU said.