Luis L. Mendoza Jr., program manager of OPAPRU’s Communications and Public Affairs Services, during the Philippine Information Agency-OPAPRU media orientation on Localized Peace Engagement-Transformation Program in General Santos City, held from Sept. 19 to 20. Photo: PIA Region 12
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) has emphasized the crucial role of the media in promoting peace.
Luis L. Mendoza Jr., program manager of OPAPRU’s Communications and Public Affairs Services, addressed over 30 media personalities from across the SOCCSKSARGEN Region during the Philippine Information Agency-OPAPRU media orientation on Localized Peace Engagement-Transformation Program in General Santos City held from Sept. 19 to 20.
He explained how journalists can contribute to peacebuilding through conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting (CSPP) reporting.
“CSPP is a discipline that combines conflict analysis with purposive communication. It’s not just about telling a story; it’s about telling the story that avoids escalating conflicts and instead promotes peace,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza further stated that to be conflict-sensitive, a journalist must first understand the context and dynamics of the conflict, including the factors that push groups apart and escalate tensions, as well as the factors that bring people together and foster peace.
“For journalists and media outlets, it means going beyond surface-level reporting. It’s about understanding the dynamics of the conflict, the historical grievances, and the underlying causes of conflict, and using this understanding to ensure that the way we report does not pour fuel on the fire,” he conveyed.
“Dapat maikwento natin bakit may kaguluhan. Ano ‘yong dahilan kung bakit may armadong labanan? Ano ‘yong dahilan bakit nag-a-away-away ang mga tao sa isang kumunidad?” he added.
(We should be able to explain why there is chaos. What is the reason for the armed conflict? Why do people in a community fight with each other?)
The media “must focus on understanding, telling the real story, and making sure that your words and actions contribute to stability and not chaos,” he added.
Mendoza also noted that peacebuilding requires actively working to address the causes of conflict and build sustainable peace.
“For our communicators, whether government communicators or private media practitioners, peacebuilding means highlighting stories of resilience, reconciliation, and dialogues,” he went on to explain. He emphasized that peace journalism should focus on solutions rather than statistics, such as the number of casualties.
“The bottom line is: Ito po yong gusto nating mangyari, na sana ang mga kapatid sa (this is what we want to happen, that hopefully our brothers and sisters) in media through your work, you’d be able to promote empathy, dialogue, and reconciliation,” he said.
“By applying CSPP, the media can help de-escalate conflicts and foster a culture of peace,” Mendoza concluded. (DD – PIA XII)
