Mindanao Peace Figure Receives Southeast Asia Harmony Award
Amid an increasingly diverse and interconnected Southeast Asian society, efforts to strengthen social cohesion through dialogue, tolerance and cross-community cooperation are regarded as an essential foundation for sustaining peace. Initiatives that promote harmony amid difference continue to attract attention and appreciation at the regional level. One form of such recognition is the Harmony in Diversity Award, a prize given to individuals across Southeast Asia who have shown extraordinary dedication to building social harmony and strengthening ties between communities of different cultural and religious backgrounds.
At its inaugural edition, the award was given to the Archbishop Emeritus of Cotabato, Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo. Presented by the Temasek Foundation together with the 5P Global Movement as supporting secretariat, the award highlights Cardinal Quevedo’s long-standing contribution to promoting dialogue and peace in Mindanao, the Philippines.
As the first cardinal to come from Mindanao, Quevedo is widely known as a figure who has consistently championed interfaith dialogue as a means of building trust and overcoming social division. He believes that relationships formed through everyday interaction between people of different faiths are a vital foundation for achieving lasting peace.
Throughout his years of service, Cardinal Quevedo was also active in encouraging conflict resolution through social and political approaches that emphasised justice, respect for the rights of indigenous communities, and the settlement of various historical injustices in the region.
In 1996, he helped found the Bishops-Ulama Conference, a forum bringing together Catholic, Protestant and Muslim leaders in a space for dialogue and interfaith cooperation. He was also involved in various peace policy advocacy efforts, including supporting the birth of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to strengthen protection of the community’s fundamental rights.
The Harmony in Diversity Award was first launched in August 2025 with the aim of broadening understanding of the importance of social harmony, amplifying the impact of changemakers at the community level, and building a regional network committed to creating peaceful and inclusive societies.
This year, the award received more than 70 nominations from various Southeast Asian countries, reflecting the strong interest in strengthening social cohesion through community leadership, dialogue and cross-sector collaboration.
The patron of the Harmony in Diversity Award and former President of Singapore, Halimah Yacob, said the award exists to appreciate individuals who choose to build bridges amid difference and strengthen the unity of society.
“Cardinal Quevedo reflects that spirit through his decades of dedication to building peace and strengthening relations between communities in Mindanao,” said Halimah.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Temasek Foundation, Ng Boon Heong, said Cardinal Quevedo’s work serves as a reminder that harmony is not created instantly, but is built through long-term commitment, patience and sustained effort.
The founder of the 5P Global Movement, Arsjad Rasjid, added that the award aims to celebrate individuals who demonstrate that lasting peace grows from mutual trust, respect and the courage to bridge differences.
“Cardinal Quevedo’s achievements also reflect the spirit of diversity that is a strength in building a more inclusive society,” said Arsjad.
Cardinal Quevedo himself said he was honoured to receive the award. He emphasised that harmony does not mean eliminating differences, but rather a willingness to accept and respect diversity with empathy and understanding.
According to him, enduring peace grows from everyday relationships built through dialogue, respect and compassion between individuals of different backgrounds.
The Harmony in Diversity Award will be officially presented at a ceremony in Jakarta on 15 July 2026. In addition to the trophy, Cardinal Quevedo will receive a prize of US$20,000 as well as the opportunity to share his experience with leaders, peace activists and stakeholders from various Southeast Asian countries.