PIA Director-General Jose Torres Jr. urges Zamboanga Peninsula media to support the fight against insurgency by sharing truthful information, emphasizing peace as vital for development during a media orientation in Pagadian City on July 30-31, 2024. File photo of PIA Western Mindanao.
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) – — The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) will conduct a media orientation from Sept. 19 to 20 here to discuss the government’s continuing efforts and significant milestones in peacebuilding in the country.
About 30 media participants from the region will take part in the two-day event that will highlight the role of communications as a catalyst in promoting transformation, particularly in conflict-affected communities.
Adolfo Ares P. Gutierrez, PIA Deputy Director-General for Regional Operations, is expected to speak on the importance of the event and the agency’s partnership with OPAPRU, formerly the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
Fryan Abkilan, PIA regional director in Soccsksargen, cited the importance of partnering with the media to strengthen their involvement in peace initiatives and effectively communicate government peace efforts to the people in the communities.
Abkilan said, “PIA is committed to supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s development agenda by promoting government initiatives and programs, including peace preservation and protection,” of the gains the country has initially achieved.
He said the event aligns with the government’s efforts to promote peace and combat fake news, emphasizing the media’s role in raising community awareness and appreciation of the government.
Wilben M. Mayor, OPAPRU Undersecretary, and Oliver M. Binancilan, OPAPRU Area Management Unit-Eastern Mindanao Head, will each deliver a welcome message and overview of the Localized Transformation Program.
On the other hand, Regional Adviser for Peace and Security Maj. Gen. Edgardo Y. de Leon (ret) will discuss the importance of “Understanding the Multi-Dimensional Nature of the Local Communist Armed Conflict and Transformation Program.”
Luis L. Mendoza Jr., OPAPRU’s Communications and Public Affairs Services program manager, will talk about the media’s role in conflict transformation and government communication efforts on localized peace engagement-transformation programs.
Abkilan said that host Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao, as well as South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., are also expected to give their encouraging messages.
He said that in order to provide the media with accurate accounts of events, they have invited two former rebels to share their experiences of being part of the Communist insurgency.
He expects that the event will help empower the media in communicating the government’s localized peace engagement and transformation program for former rebels and conflict-affected areas in the country.
The primary goal of the two-day activity, Abkilan pointed out, is to counter misinformation with the help of the media and provide the correct narratives that truly inspire. (CTA – PIA SarGen)
