PEACE BY PEACE
As the Philippines forges ahead in its journey to achieve a just and lasting peace, public and strategic diplomacy have become indispensable foreign policy tools of the national government in creating a positive image of the country in the global stage, as it rallies the support of the international community behind its peacebuilding initiatives.
Public diplomacy is an instrument employed by nations to actively engage other countries and build greater rapport with them. The goals of this approach may include positively influencing international public opinion, building mutual understanding, and promoting key national interests. Essentially, it is an exercise of ‘soft’ power.
On the other hand, strategic diplomacy is more purposive in a sense that it emphasizes extensive planning and collaboration to realize long-term objectives. This method covers high-level negotiations, alliance-building and establishment of strategic partnerships, which primarily aim to protect national interests or re-shape the global order.
While public diplomacy seeks to win the hearts and minds of other nations, strategic diplomacy is designed to push forward a country's key foreign policy agenda. Both can be carried out simultaneously so they complement each other. For example, an effective public diplomacy campaign can pave the way for strategic diplomatic negotiations and vice-versa.
Over the years, the Philippines has utilized public and strategic diplomacy to build on the gains of the comprehensive Philippines peace process. They have enabled us to effectively communicate the importance of peace at the global stage, create stronger partnerships, and obtain increased international support for our peacebuilding interventions.
There is an increasingly pressing need for our country to leverage on and maximize the use of these diplomatic tools so that we can get as much international support as possible behind our peacebuilding initiatives. Peacebuilding, as we know, is a global undertaking which extends beyond a nation’s borders.
And on the domestic front, we have to actively involve all our local peace partners— local government units, civil society organizations, academe, as well as the religious and security sector. This is anchored on our whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach where everyone has a key role to play in the peacebuilding process.
By positioning the Philippines as a nation of peacemakers, we shall not only gain the attention of other countries but also get increased technical and financial assistance from our international partners. This support will be invaluable, as the national government continues to implement peace agreements and addresses the root causes of conflict.
And throughout our country’s peace journey, the international community has firmly stood by our side, as we achieved significant milestones under our various peace processes. Numerous nations and international organizations have extended their support, expertise, and resources so that we could continue to ramp up our peacebuilding efforts.
To recall, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was instrumental in the forging of the Tripoli Agreement between the Philippine Government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1976. This landmark agreement marked the beginning of efforts to recognize the right of Muslim Filipinos to self-determination and self-governance.
Meanwhile, our close neighbor, Indonesia, facilitated the forging of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the Philippine Government and the MNLF. This agreement further symbolized both parties’ steadfast commitment to peace and laid the groundwork for future peace deals.
On the other hand, Malaysia’s key role in the inking of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) cannot be overemphasized. The CAB, signed in 2014 by the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), paved the way for the establishment of the BARMM and its regional government.
It is worth noting it was through Malaysia’s efforts that key issues and concerns which arose during the delicate period of peace negotiations were resolved, ensuring that the discussions moved forward amidst many challenges, as both parties eventually reached a mutually beneficial agreement.
And more recently, Norway continued to demonstrate its commitment to fostering global peace efforts by facilitating the signing of the Joint Communique between the Philippine Government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) on November 28, 2023, in Oslo.
This historic agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the CPP-NPA-NDF is a testament of their shared commitment to finding a “principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict.” Norway’s critical role as a third-party facilitator highlights the significance of involving international partners in resolving internal conflict.
Through these peace milestones, the Philippines is sending a clear and strong signal to the international community that it wants to play a key role in global peacebuilding efforts. Our country’s renewed bid for a seat in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028 symbolizes this desire to be an international peace maker.
During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. showcased to leaders across the globe the Bangsamoro peace process, and how it has become a cornerstone of his administration’s peace, reconciliation and unity agenda.
President Marcos has also recently highlighted the Philippines’ major contributions to international peacekeeping. Over the past six decades, we have deployed over 14,000 troops to 21 UN peacekeeping operations and special political missions across the four corners of the world.
As the President noted in his speech during the Vin D’honneur Reception in Malacañang last January 11, “Our candidature stands on our rich experience in building peace, forging consensus, and finding new paths for cooperation.” This track record demonstrates the Philippines’ capacity to provide experience-based insights to the Security Council.
These peacebuilding efforts align with the Marcos Administration’s vision for the country: to end the decades-long armed struggle in the Philippines. From the Bangsamoro peace process to the expected resumption of peace discussions with the CPP-NPA-NDF, these initiatives show that our country can significantly contribute to the global quest for peace and stability.
Finally, as our nation continues to push forward its public and strategic diplomacy efforts, we must always remember that armed revolution or armed struggle is an anathema in a peaceful, democratic and civilized society.
It will never be right to take the life of another individual or to use violence as a means to affect meaningful change. This is purely barbaric, and will never bring about positive, meaningful change.
(This is the first part of the two-part series on public diplomacy in ending armed struggle)
(Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. is the presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation, and unity.)