DAVAO CITY - To support the government in its drive to promote peace despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the Youth for Peace and Development Movement Philippines (YFPDMP) held its first-ever Peace Communication Unit (PCU) Coordinators Summit on December 4-5, 2021 via Zoom and Facebook Live.
The 2-day gathering, which also aims to shape the connection of all PCU Coordinators and improve their communication skills that will help in effectively disseminating peace and development-related information to their localities, was participated by some 60 volunteers of YFPDMP's PCU from different corners of the country.
The first day comprised topics that focus on allowing the participants to get a deeper understanding of their function in the organization and as partners of the government in terms of promoting peace.
It began with an orientation on YFPDMP'S Vision, Mission, Goals, Objectives, and Structure, shared by Jayron Romanillos, the OrgDev Coordinator of YFPDMP.
This was followed by a lecture entitled "Understanding PeaceCom" through Bren Cabatingan, YFPDMP's PeaceCom Coordinator, where he discussed the 4 Thematic Advocacies, Roles, and Responsibilities of PeaceCom Coordinators, and the prototype of YFPDMP's Public Information System.
Lt. Col. Filemon Tan, Jr., the Commander of Information Development Group under the Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP), discussed how the YFP communicators could involve and support the government in promoting its programs and accomplishments as third-party communicators.
He also commended the Youth for Peace for its initiatives that are positive and beneficial for the youth and country.
Meanwhile, the 2nd day covered two lectures that will equip and enhance the participants' skills, which they could use in accomplishing their communication-related tasks in the organization.
Rhealyn Pojas, Former Journalist of Sun.Star Davao and Island Times-Palau, dissected the elements, patterns, and process of writing news or press releases to help the volunteers make their published information on issues and activities proper and news-worthy.
She was followed by Ace June Rell Perez, the Digital Content Editor of Sun.Star Davao, who presented the topic "Social Media (SocMed) Management and Digital Content Creation" which aims to help the PCU Coordinators, who also serve as managers of their respective SocMed Pages, be more engaging in publishing digital content.
Aside from the Resource Speakers, the summit was also graced by the Commander of CRSAFP, MGen. Manuel V. Sequitin, who shared and an inspirational message to the participants during the event's commencement.
"I urge you to remain proactive in all your undertakings; to continue to abide by the ideals of patriotism and nurture your leadership character. Face your future with boldness and untiring commitment to lead the nation to greater glory," he said.
He also assured that the Armed Forces will join in the youth's endeavors to fulfill their hopes for a better future.
The PCU Coordinators Virtual Summit is the first-ever nationwide gathering of YFPDMP's Peace Communicators since the national organization's inception in 2021.
It was made possible through the support of the CRSAFP.
Written by: Bren D. Cabatingan, PeaceCom Unit Coordinator, YFPDMP
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