NTF-ELCAC Shifts Peacebuilding Lens to "Positive Peace" for Sustainable Development

September 11, 2024

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is taking a bold step towards lasting peace and sustainable development by adopting the "Positive Peace" framework, signaling a paradigm shift in its approach to peacebuilding.

In his opening remarks at a Positive Peace training held at Sheraton Hotel, Manila, Undersecretary Ernesto Torres, Jr., NTF-ELCAC Director, emphasized the importance of acquiring "new lenses" in the pursuit of peace. He underscored the need to move beyond traditional security measures and adopt a more holistic approach that considers the social, political, cultural, and economic factors that contribute to a peaceful and prosperous society.

"As peace builders, we need to acquire new lenses in our collective effort to attain a just and lasting peace, and inclusive development for a united people," Torres told training participants.

He further emphasized the need for a shared understanding of peace, stating, "Individually, we may have our own definition of the term Peace, but do we share the same connotation and denotation of the term Peace?"

Undersecretary Torres highlighted the importance of the Positive Peace framework, which defines peace not merely as the absence of conflict, but as the presence of factors that contribute to a stable and harmonious society.

"Peace in its broad meaning defines it as not merely the absence of conflict or violence," he explained. "Peace encompasses the integrity of the social, political, and cultural superstructure; and the economic base of a society."

This shift in perspective signifies a paradigm shift in the NTF-ELCAC's approach to peacebuilding, moving beyond traditional security measures to address the root causes of conflict and create a more resilient and sustainable peace, he pointed out.

The one-day training, hosted by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) in collaboration with the NTF-ELCAC, equipped participants with practical tools and strategies to integrate "Positive Peace" principles into the NTF-ELCAC's cluster action plan, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and lasting peace.

The training featured esteemed facilitators like Steve Killelea, Founder & Executive Chairman of IEP; Lea Perekrests, IEP’s Director of Partnerships; and Crisostomo Bas, IEP’s Philippine Country Representative.

The IEP is an independent, non-profit think tank dedicated to shifting the world's focus to building peace. It develops metrics to measure peace and conducts research to understand the economic and social benefits of peace.

The NTF-ELCAC, in partnership with the IEP, is committed to promoting a holistic approach to peacebuilding that addresses the root causes of conflict. ###

NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU

Ref: Joel M. Sy Egco

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