Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday paid tribute to the country's unsung heroes, including soldiers whom he described as "warriors and guardians of peace."

Speaking at The Manila Times' tribute to Filipino soldiers at the Manila Hotel, Galvez said that the country will always remember "our great heroes of all time" who served, fought, and died for our freedom and independence of our country.

"Today, paying tribute to our Filipino soldiers who served our country well in different fields is very relevant and timely — our soldiers who distinguished themselves and have stood tall as warriors, public servants, educators, managers and logisticians," he said.

"Time and again, our Filipino soldiers put their lives on the line to serve and protect our people and our future," he added.

As a former soldier, Galvez said he witnessed the valor, bravery, and gallantry of troops on the ground.

"Soldiers are not only warriors but also peacekeepers, peacemakers, and peacebuilders," the official added."Because of our soldiers' peace efforts, thousands of lives chose the new path and are now living in peace with their families and communities." In the context of the Bangsamoro peace process, Galvez said soldiers actively supported the normalization and transformation programs "by settling rido or clan conflicts, securing communities, helping our local leaders in bringing services from the northern to southern frontlines, particularly in Mindanao." He said the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, Lanao provinces, and Maguindanao provinces are now considered epicenters of peace and development.

"As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, the job of our soldiers is not just confined to fighting against the instruments of fear, mistrust, and violence, but also to serve as peacekeepers, peacemakers, and peacebuilders," Galvez said.

"In other words, the culture of peace should be deeply embedded into the system and values of our soldiers. We must protect the peace process at all costs," he added.

Galvez urged soldiers to continue to serve communities.

"Thank you for your sacrifices, for your valor, for the things you carry, for protecting us, and for defending our rights. Thank you for your courage, strength, and dedication to keep us safe," he added.

Meanwhile, Galvez thanked The Manila Times under the leadership of its chairman emeritus Dr. Dante Ang, his son Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dante "Klink" Ang 2nd, and its president and chief operating officer Blanca Mercado for organizing the event.

"The Manila Times also paid special tribute to the Filipino soldiers of Marawi as its man of the year in 2017," Galvez said.

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