Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Saturday used a community fair in Taguig to call for unity, urging Filipinos to turn to culture, faith, and collective action as the country faces economic uncertainty.

Speaking during a Facebook Live at TLC Park in Lower Bicutan on April 25, 2026, Cayetano said the “Art and Music for Peace” fair is more than a weekend event but a space where communities come together and where pro-family values are practiced.

The fair brings together two major events: Meeting of Styles Philippines 2026, an international graffiti festival featuring artists from over 30 countries, and “Tugtog Taguig: Himig ng Kapayapaan,” a music showcase focused on peace and community.

Cayetano said initiatives like these help strengthen social ties at a time when global pressures may soon affect local economies.

“Mukhang hard times are coming… it’s very important that we don’t lose hope,” he said.

He pointed to rising global debt, geopolitical tensions, and oil price increases as risks that could impact Filipinos, but stressed that solutions do not rest on the government alone.

“It’s very important that we put our hope in God. Ask God [kung] ano ang mga solution. There’s always a solution and opportunity. Don’t lose hope, kasi [kapag ang] mindset natin [ay] wala nang pag-asa, baka wala tayong gawin,” he said.

The senator also echoed the late Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew who had emphasized that communities play a key role alongside government efforts.

“Yes, let us demand from the government that they give us the best. Let us demand innovation, cooperation, gamitin ng tama ang pera natin. But at the same time, let’s demand from ourselves and from our small communities how we can love each other,” Cayetano said.###