Statement of
H.E. ENRIQUE A. MANALO
Secretary for Foreign Affairs
on the occasion of the
75th Anniversary of United Nations Peacekeeping and
the 60th Anniversary of Philippine participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations
29 May 2023
29 May 2023 – This year marks the 75th anniversary of United Nations peacekeeping and the 60thanniversary of Philippine participation in UN peacekeeping operations. Today, as we commemorate these important milestones, we honor the brave men and women who served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Our Constitution enshrines that the Philippines adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations. This is rooted in our belief that the maintenance of peace is essential for the enjoyment by all peoples of the blessings of prosperity.
Our national policy is reflected in our engagements with the United Nations, whose principles and purposes are consistent with ours – to forge and maintain peace, to promote sustainable development, and further respect for human dignity and human rights.
As a founding member of the United Nations, we have actively participated in UN peacekeeping operations. We play our part as a responsible member of the international community. Filipino peacekeepers have risked their own lives to help make peace a reality in the most conflict-ridden parts of the world – making a lasting and tangible difference for individuals and communities on the ground.
The Philippines therefore proudly joins the international community in commemorating this International Day for UN Peacekeepers.
Philippine participation in UN peacekeeping operations has a long history. Sixty years ago, on February 7, 1963, the Philippines sent its 9th Tactical Fighter “Limbas” Squadron to the Congo as our way of contributing to help preserve and enhance peace and freedom together with the international community.
Since that time, we have deployed over 14,000 Filipino peacekeepers to 21 United Nations peacekeeping and special political missions in Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific.
This year's commemoration also marks a new and reinvigorated era in Philippine participation in UN peacekeeping.
At the United Nations General Assembly, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said that the “UN must forge ahead with its flagship tradition of global peacekeeping.” The President personally conveyed the Philippines’ desire to revitalize our participation in UN Peacekeeping operations to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
In this regard, the President directed the National Council on UN Peacekeeping Operations, through the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to commence preparations to ensure our readiness to deploy an infantry battalion. This enhanced support demonstrates our country’s commitment to actively promote peace and security.
Hence, the President also announced at the UN General Assembly last year the Philippines’ candidature to the Security Council for term 2027-2028.
With its wealth of experience in peacekeeping and peacebuilding, especially in Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the Philippines is ready to represent the interests of peace-loving Member States of the Asia-Pacific in the Security Council for a better future – where the rule of law, peace and security, fairness and justice govern our daily lives; where women and children are also active agents for peace and development.
As President Marcos declared: “No nation stands alone. The achievement of our national ambition requires a global environment that creates conditions that allow all nations, including ours, to thrive in peace. We need the United Nations to continue to work. And we, the Philippines, are determined to be part of that solution.”
On this International Day of UN Peacekeepers and 60th anniversary of our country’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations, let me reaffirm that the Philippines will always be a partner for people-centered peace and prosperity.