Cairo: Philippine Archbishop Gilbert Garcera on Monday, August 31, 2026, said the Philippines is home to a large Christian population as well as a longstanding Muslim community, noting that Muslims and Christians have lived together for centuries in an atmosphere of love and peace. Speaking at the Egyptian-Philippine Religious Leaders Program for Dialogue, Coexistence and Peacebuilding, held under the theme 'The Egyptian Experience in Coexistence and Building an Inclusive Society,' Garcera added joint pastoral work bringing Muslims and Christians together requires mutual understanding, including familiarity with and respect for each community's religious texts.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the program was particularly significant for the Philippine delegation. Archbishop Garcera emphasized the importance of learning about Egypt's mosques and churches, as well as sites associated with the Holy Family's journey. He remarked on Egypt's unique character and its special significance to the Philippine visitors. Garcera expressed hope that the program would offer an opportunity for learning and connection, leading to a deeper consolidation of peaceful coexistence.

The Ministry of Awqaf is organizing the seven-day Egyptian-Philippine program at the Mosque of Egypt in the New Capital. This initiative brings together Egyptian and Philippine religious leaders with the aim of promoting dialogue and understanding and reinforcing the values of coexistence and peace.