Mindanao Peacebuilder Cardinal Quevedo Receives Inaugural Regional Harmony Award in Jakarta
Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo, O.M.I., a peace figure from Mindanao in the Philippines, has officially been conferred the inaugural Harmony in Diversity Award. The regional award, initiated by the Temasek Foundation in cooperation with the 5P Global Movement as supporting secretariat, was presented in Jakarta on Wednesday (15/7/2026).
The award was given in recognition of the Archbishop Emeritus of Cotabato’s extraordinary dedication over more than five decades in weaving interfaith dialogue, reconciliation and inclusive peacebuilding among Christian, Muslim and indigenous communities in Mindanao.
Patron of the Harmony in Diversity Award, Madam Halimah Yacob, opened the ceremony by reminding the audience of the importance of each generation’s conscious efforts to nurture tolerance. The former President of Singapore recounted her reflections after visiting the Tunnel of Fellowship connecting the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral before the event began.
According to Halimah, the Tunnel of Fellowship is a tangible symbol that harmony is built through deliberate choices to reach out to one another, to listen, to respect and to build relationships amid differences. She affirmed that Southeast Asia has a long history proving that diversity is a source of strength when communities choose mutual understanding over division.
Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs also welcomed the regional initiative positively. He assessed that the award is not merely an appreciation of individual achievement, but a reaffirmation of the humanitarian values that bind Southeast Asian societies together. Cardinal Quevedo’s work in Mindanao is hoped to inspire more communities across ASEAN to strengthen dialogue and mutual understanding.
Meanwhile, Executive Director and CEO of the Temasek Foundation, Ng Boon Heong, expressed hope that the award will grow into a sustainable regional platform supporting bridge-builders between communities in Southeast Asia. Echoing Halimah Yacob, Ng Boon Heong likened our shared humanity to a bridge connecting the region’s diverse religions and cultures.
Founder of the 5P Global Movement, M. Arsjad Rasjid P.M., added that the award is also dedicated to the millions of people across Southeast Asia who quietly continue to strengthen trust in their communities through simple everyday actions.
“Today we honour one extraordinary individual. Yet at the same time, we also pay tribute to so many people throughout Southeast Asia who, through simple daily actions, continue to strengthen trust, mutual understanding and harmony in their communities,” said Arsjad on Wednesday (15/7/2026).
“We hope the Harmony in Diversity Award can inspire ever more individuals, organisations and institutions to continue promoting dialogue and mutual understanding across the region.”
In receiving the award, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo dedicated the honour to peace activists and the wider community in Mindanao. He emphasised that his philosophy of the Dialogue of Life proves that true harmony grows from the simple interactions and relationships woven into everyday life between people of different faiths.
The inaugural edition of the Harmony in Diversity Award attracted high enthusiasm across Southeast Asia, drawing more than 70 nominations from various countries in the region. Through this ever-growing network, the organisers are optimistic the platform will accelerate the creation of lasting peace in ASEAN.