Cebu media briefed on OPAPRU initiatives

CEBU, Philippines — To shed light on the government’s peace efforts and initiatives for nation-building and development, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) organized a media orientation for Cebuano journalists on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

In coordination with the Philippine Information Agency of Central Visayas (PIA)-7, OPAPRU emphasized that resolving conflicts does not just solely rely on military or security measures.

As what Juniel Guath, head of the Area Management Unit, Western/Central Visayas of OPAPRU presented, addressing issues such as those faced by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and former rebels (FRs) requires a holistic approach.

“There are other problems or issues that need to be addressed, not only on the security part, but also on the parts of the social, economic, and interventions given to them,” said Guath.

She cited that their programs include tackling social and economic challenges and providing interventions like Sustainable Livelihood Assistance (SELVA), healing and reconciliation programs, and other non-military solutions.

Highlighting the whole-of-nation approach, Executive Order No. 158, s. 2021, establishes a policy framework to promote reconciliation, unity, and peace across the Philippines.

Its efforts are centered to create a comprehensive peace process, with a focus on transforming and reintegrating former rebels, along with providing support to their families and communities.

“In particular, we need to ensure that the surrenderees are cleared and communities are not recovered by the CPP and the NDF, and that they fully transition to the normal democratic way of life,” said Guath.

Another new program that the OPAPRU presented was piloting the Provincial Peace Centers as a cornerstone of its localized peace-building initiatives.

These centers are designed to integrate all peace-related activities and serve as coordination hubs for the provincial government, national government agencies, congressional projects, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector partners.

The pilot program has been launched in eight areas identified as priority sites: Northern Samar, Masbate, Aurora, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Negros Occidental, and South Cotabato.

Guath also noted that in Central Visayas, particularly in Negros Oriental, the province previously known for rebel activities, is now on its way to be declared "Sustainable Peace Area”.

When asked if they will put a peace center in Cebu, Regional Adviser on Peace and Security Major General Rene Paje said that they are planning to establish one as part of its efforts to sustain peace and prevent the resurgence of insurgent activities.

However, he admitted that establishing these centers across all provinces simultaneously is not feasible due to resource constraints.

“We cannot put these peace centers up all at the same time (9:34) simply because of resource limitations,” said Paje.

Meanwhile, in the lens of the roles of journalists, Paje underscored that the media is a powerful tool to convey truthful messages and raise awareness about the realities of conflict and peace efforts.

He also emphasized the call for unbiased and accurate reporting – where sensationalized reporting can have an effect that can potentially inflame tensions or spread misinformation.

“When the media is being used or sometimes if irresponsible reporting is being done, then it has a big impact. However, if the media is being used, it will benefit from lies and from false promises.

The same way goes to Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia wherein he pointed out the conflict between responsible journalism vs sensationalized reporting.

“The media has the power to influence opinions, calm tensions and encourage understanding,” said Garcia.

“When used responsibly, the media can serve as a bridge, connecting communities and providing transparent information that empowers citizens to engage in peaceful resolution of conflicts,” he added. (CEBU NEWS)