CEBU CITY— The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA7) hosted today, November 21, a Media Orientation on “Understanding the Government’s Peace Process and Initiatives for Nation Building and Development” for 25 journalists in Cebu at the Golden Prince Hotel, Cebu City.
Guath added that the key objectives of LPE are to strengthen local governance to enhance capacities of the national and local government agencies to address the socio-economic divides and issues. LEP also create community empowerment for them to resist violence and participate in peace-building and development to foster and promote a culture of peace in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.
The LEP is being rolled out in 17 priority provinces, with local chief executives leading the initiative and working closely with OPAPRU and NTF-ELCAC, national and local governments, and community stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.
According to Guath, the LEP and Transformation program is a platform for addressing community concerns and providing basic socio-economic projects; opportunities for former rebels to reintegrate into society and empower former rebels as agents of peace and development.
Diplomacy, role of media in peace building
Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia’s keynote message highlighted diplomacy and the role of media in peace building. He emphasizes the importance of leadership in navigating political, social, and cultural tensions, highlighting the role of diplomacy in fostering relationships and understanding. They argue that diplomacy, when combined with responsible media, can build trust, cooperation, and peace.
Garcia warns against sensationalized media that can exacerbate conflicts and stresses the need for integrity and balanced reporting. As the mayor of Cebu, they commit to promoting a culture of peace through collaboration with media, diplomats, and community leaders, urging everyone to communicate responsibly and build bridges rather than walls.
He said that the media's power to influence
opinions, calm tensions, and encourage understanding is emphasized when used
responsibly. The mayor warns about the
potential harm of sensationalized headlines, misleading information, or biased
reporting, which can inflame tensions and breed mistrust.
“It is crucial for the media to uphold integrity, seek out the truth, and ensure all voices are heard to prevent conflict escalation. Diplomacy and media are described as a powerful duo in conflict resolution, with diplomacy offering tools for negotiation, dialogue, and compromise,” Garcia said.
Mayor Garcia calls for leaders to engage with the media constructively, prioritizing peace and understanding over sensationalism. The media provides a platform for communication, information, and education, helping to build trust and foster cooperation.
“When diplomacy and media are harnessed correctly, they create a climate of peace that benefits everyone,” Garcia concluded.
Understanding the Multi-dimensional nature of the local communist armed conflict
Meanwhile, Retired MGen Rene Glen Paje, Regional Adviser on Peace and Security (RAPS) OPAPRU discussed the topic on “Understanding the Multi-Dimensional Nature of the Local Communist Armed Conflict and Transformation Program.”
Paje explained that the Local Communist Armed Conflict (LCAC) and Transformation Program in the Philippines is a complex and multi-faceted issue that include ideological, political, economic, social and military dimensions.
“It is ideological because the conflict revolves around differing ideologies between the government and communist groups (e.g., New People's Army, Communist Party of the Philippines). Political, due to power struggles and governance issues that fuel the conflict,” Paje bared.
Economic, because of inequality, poverty, and land reform issues which are significant factors in the armed conflict. Social issues like social injustice, human rights, and cultural identity are involved and military dimension due to the armed clashes and security operations that characterize the conflict, Paje added.
According to Paje, the government’s peace building efforts include programs that call for reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society; reconciliation to address communication gaps fostering dialog and understanding between parties.
Development programs are also in place to address the socio-economic roots of the through projects and initiatives; and programs on security to ensure public safety and protecting citizens from violence, Paje said.
“The whole-nation approach in peace building needs a holistic engagement among National and local authorities, military, and law enforcement; Communist Groups such as New People's Army, Communist Party of the Philippines, and others,” Paje noted.
He added that civil society, especially those non-government organizations, and all other advocacy groups; affected populations, indigenous peoples and local communities must be part of the engagement and development process.
Trust-building, inclusive development to address socio-economic disparities, human rights, including protecting and preventing rights and sustainable peace through holistic approaches are some of the challenges that the government’s peace initiative faces, Paje stated. (Photos: MBCNewman)
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