American rock band “Journey's” front man Arnel Pineda has been named the new “Mindanao Peace Champion” by a peace advocate group during the singer’s visit in General Santos City, South Cotabato Tuesday.

Pineda was chosen by the Government of the Philippines – United Nations’ Action for Conflict Transformation for Peace Programme (GoP-UN ACT for Peace Programme) to lead the group’s efforts to promote peace and development in Mindanao.

"It wasn't easy for him to become an international star. He went through what our people in Mindanao went through and still tries to live a normal life," Diosita Andot, ACT for Peace's program manager, said in a press conference.

Presidential legal counsel Jesus Dureza handed the award to Pineda during a concert dubbed "Panaghoy sa Kalinaw."

In his acceptance speech, Pineda said he is grateful for the opportunity to promote peace in the southern Philippines.

"I am proud to be a Filipino and I love Mindanao. Let's all work together to achieve peace and harmony," Pineda said.

Duncan Ramos, former vocalist of “South Border,” also performed during the concert.  

Pineda also spearheaded the launching of feeding program in Barangay San Jose, a remote village in General Santos City. Medical facilities were also turned over to the village’s health officials.

The latest citation is another feather to his cap. Pineda is also leading the government’s campaign to raise public awareness on environmental protection.

On Wednesday Pineda was also invited to grace the soft launching of Aeta Village at the Nayong Pilipino sa Clark Expo in Pampanga.

Pineda said it’s time to boost the campaign to promote Filipino culture.

The Aeta Village showcases talents and products of the aetas, an indigenous people who live in scattered, isolated mountainous parts of Luzon.

Reports said Aetas can stay inside the community for free and sell their products. Reports from Jay Dayupay, ABS-CBN General Santos and Myline Valencia, ABS-CBN Pampanga