PASAY CITY (PIA)-- The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) to strategically communicate government peace efforts.
PCO Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., and PIA Director-General Undersecretary General Jose A. Torres Jr. led the ceremonial signing at PICC, Pasay City on August 30, 2023.
“We believe that the message is key by stating what we have achieved so far,” Secretary Galvez said as he thanked PCO and PIA for partnering with OPAPRU in time for the celebration of National Peace Consciousness Month in September.
Secretary Galvez also stated in his opening message that the MOA with PCO and PIA entails joint implementation for the strategic plan for the local peace engagements (LPE) nationwide.
PIA Director-General Jose A. Torres Jr expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the agency but also underscored the responsibilities entailed in the newly-signed MOA.
Director-General Torres also said the PIA stands firm in its commitment to work with PCO and OPAPRU to communicate government peace efforts throughout the country.
“The PIA, with various provincial and regional offices nationwide, deeply understands the transformative power of effective communication in shaping public perception and nurturing a climate of trust. And our support for this Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) underscores the critical importance of transparent and precise information dissemination, particularly within the realm of peace-building and reconciliation efforts,” PIA Director-General Torres said.
Secretary Garafil, in her closing remarks, added that apart from mere information dissemination, the PCO and PIA are set to craft communication strategies to cascade government efforts more effectively, such as localized peace engagements, leading to a peaceful and unified nation.
“Binibigyang pagkilala ng programang ito (LPE) na ang tunay na pagbabago ay nasa grasroots level,” Secretary Garafil said as she put emphasis on the need to ensure that vital information reaches every part of the country. (GG/PIA)
