Gov’t seeks media support for peace process
The media is a considered a key stakeholder in the peace process and negotiations with insurgents.
This was what some 30 media practitioners from all over the country were told in a dialogue with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process during the first multi-sectoral media dialogue on the peace process last November 22-24 at the Fontana Leisure Park in Pampanga.
The dialogue was aimed at orienting journalists on the overall principles and strategies adopted by the Macapagal-Arroyo government and other sectors in pursuing peace and to clarify policy issues affecting the peace process and their implications on media reporting.
Secretary Jesus Dureza, presidential adviser on the peace process, updated the participants on the status of the peace efforts in Mindanao where ceasefire is currently in place and being closely monitored.
Dureza cited the five goals of the peace process, which includes the completion of a comprehensive peace agreement with rebel groups that would possibly result in the permanent cessation of hostilities by 2010.
He said the involvement of citizens and media as stakeholders on the peace process is very crucial to make all the goals achievable, citing the empowerment of local government units through community-based initiatives.
Paulynn Sicam and Manuel Quezon III, who served as members of the panel of reactors, both said that the pursuit of peace requires process-oriented reporting. In the coverage of complex issues as the peace process, day-to-day journalism focused on isolated events such as encounters between the military and rebel groups does not suffice.
“Beyond casualties and body counts, there are stories such as the creation of peace zones, conduct of inter-faith (religious) dialogues, innovative peace programs, and sustained peace education, among others. Like peace itself, these stories should be given a chance in media reportage,” Sicam said.
“We can’t separate ourselves from the peace process, we are all part of it. Peace will not happen if people do not want to talk about it,” she added.–AQL
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
