HUMANITY AMIDST CONFLICTS 12 And that is Ofreneo, specifically also by our IHL Division in whattodayis all about. Today is not only about that Office which is led by Ms. Epifania Garay speeches. Todayis not only about goodwill. But whois there at the back. Thank you also to CSI- we hope that by meansofthe workshopslater to IHL and member organizations. Many thanks gather recommendationsfor actions andpolicies also to our supporting partners, especially the for all actors towards anational IHL action plan. Swiss Embassy in the Philippines and the dedicate the necessary resources. International Committee of the Red Cross. “This could not have been done withoutofcourse the support of the whole National Adhoc Ladies and gentlemen, we have a very busy day. I would like to give special It will be heavy but I hope you will also enjoy it. recognition to the CHR HR Education and Thank you very much and please stay with us Research Office ably led by Director Ana Elzy E. during the entire day.“ Committee. OPENING REMARKS HON. ALBERTO C. VALENZUELA Undersecretary Departmentof National Defense Undersecretary Alberto Valenzuela applauded the Commission on Human Rights for continuing the celebration of IHL Day. Hesaid that the holding of the National Summit on IHL is not only in compliance with Executive Order No. 134 but more importantly, it observes andvaluesthesignificance principles are taughtin courses offered by the AFP of such noble bodyoflaws to our country. Hesaid to its officers and enlisted personnel. In addition, that this year’s celebration is more special as the the AFP has established a HumanRights Office Philippines is commemorating the 60% anniversary which monitors the AFP’s adherence to the of the four conventions of International principles of HR and IHL and undertakes Humanitarian Law. The Four Geneva Conventions, programsto ensure the organization’s compliance and along with other protocols, embody the rules on with these principles. the conductofwar andlimitits cruelty andbarbarity. He concludedhis message by informing everybody Hereaffirmed the commitmentof the Department that in behalf of the Department of National of National Defense (DND)andits primary bureau, Defense and the ArmedForcesof the Philippines, the ArmedForcesofthe Philippines, to uphold the itis his great anticipation to the day when everyone principles of International Humanitarian Law. To couldfinally celebrate a stable and lasting peace this end, USec Valenzuela said that the IHL in the country.