PHL finding ways to boost United Nations peacekeeping operations

While it has garnered praise for the performance of its peacekeepers abroad, the Philippines still wants to see how it can strengthen its engagement with the United Nations’ Department of Peacekeeping Operations. Philippine deputy permanent representative to the UN Eduardo José de Vega met with UN Police Adviser Ann-Marie Orler to discuss the matter, the Philippine Mission to the UN said. “Among the partnerships already identified by the Philippines and DPKO for implementation in 2013 is a ‘Training of Trainers’ program to be conducted in Manila. Areas being explored include greater participation of female police officers in peacekeeping operations,” the mission said in a news release. During his meeting with Orler, de Vega underscored the Philippines’ commitment to “strengthening the ramparts of global peace and security.” He added many opportunities to strengthen the partnership with the DPKO were available, particularly in capacity building for Filipino Police Officers. For her part, Orler commended the Philippines for its sustained contributions to the UN’s peacekeeping operations. “She noted, in particular, the high quality of participation by Filipino police officers in and their contributions to various peacekeeping missions of the UN,” the Philippine mission said. Orler also welcomed the Philippines’ interest in identifying and undertaking activities aimed at strengthening collaboration with the UN DPKO, particularly in capacity building. Meanwhile, Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN Libran Cabactulan pointed out that “a deeper engagement with the UN’s Department of Peacekeeping Operations benefits both the Philippines and the UN through the sharing of best practices based on actual field experiences.” “Our participation in peacekeeping operations of the United Nations is a principled commitment and a demonstration of what we as a country and a people have contributed to keeping and securing global peace on the ground. By strengthening our partnership with the UN, we will continue to make sure that we further improve our capacities and ensure that we do our part in keeping our world more secure,” he said. The Philippines’ participation in the UN peacekeeping operations dates back to 1992 when it sent the first Philippine National Police contingent to Cambodia as part of the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). From 2006 to 2011, the Philippines was consistently among the Top Ten Contributing Countries for Individual Police Officers and for Female Individual Police Officers. - VVP, GMA News