CEBU CITY— The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA7) hosted 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.
Juniel Guath, head of the Area Management Unit, Western/Central Visayas of OPAPRU, in her virtual presentation, bared that the Philippines’ Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) and Transformation Program aims to bring peace and development to conflict-affected areas and this initiative is led by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and the OPAPRU.
Guath added that the key objectives of LPE are to strengthen local governance to enhance the capacities of the national and local government agencies to address the socio-economic divides and issues. LEP also creates 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.
Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia’s keynote message highlighted diplomacy and the role of media in peace building. He emphasized 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 warned against sensationalized media that can exacerbate conflicts and stresses the need for integrity and balanced reporting.
He said that the media’s power to influence opinions, calm tensions, and encourage understanding is emphasized when used responsibly.
“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.
Garcia also called 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.
