Jesus Dureza Role in Philippine Politics and Society

Jesus Dureza's role in Philippine politics and society is a significant one. He has been a key figure in the country's peace process, serving as the chief negotiator for the government in the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Dureza has also held various government positions, including that of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. He played a crucial role in the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which created the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

As a seasoned politician, Dureza has been a strong advocate for peace and development in the country's conflict-affected areas. His commitment to the peace process has earned him recognition and respect from various stakeholders, including local communities and international organizations.

Dureza's experience in government has also given him a unique perspective on the country's social and economic issues.

Jesus Dureza was born on December 24, 1947, in Guimbal, Iloilo.

His family migrated to Davao when he was just one year old.

Dureza finished elementary as the class valedictorian at Guihing Elementary School in Hagonoy in 1959.

He graduated with honors from Holy Cross of Digos High School in Digos in 1963.

Dureza was classmates with the future President Rodrigo Duterte during his time at Holy Cross of Digos High School.

He graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree from Ateneo de Davao University in 1967.

Dureza earned his law degree from Ateneo de Davao University in 1973.

He placed 10th in the Philippine Bar Examination the same year.

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Jesus Dureza started his career in journalism before entering politics. He worked as a radio host for RMN Davao and as Davao correspondent for The Manila Times while a law student at the Ateneo in 1972.

Dureza was a multi-talented individual, serving as an editor for Mindanao Times, a correspondent for Manila Bulletin, and a television presenter of "Brainstorm" in Davao City after finishing law.

He was also the President of the Davao Press Club, showcasing his leadership skills and commitment to the journalism community.

Dureza joined politics in 1987 after being elected as Congressman of the newly established First District of Davao City. He served in the Corazon Aquino administration after his term in Congress as Director of the Philippine Coconut Authority in 1989.

Dureza was appointed by Fidel Ramos as his presidential assistant for Mindanao and chairman of the Mindanao Economic Development Council. He also served as the official spokesperson for the former president from 1998 to 2000.

Dureza founded the Advocacy MindaNow Foundation in 2002, demonstrating his dedication to promoting peace and development in Mindanao.

Before returning to government service in 2016, Dureza was a senior partner at the Rama Dureza Abarquez Law Firm. He was also the publisher of Mindanao Times and held various other leadership positions.

President Rodrigo Duterte fired an Undersecretary and a Director in the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) due to corruption.

Duterte accepted the resignation of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, who took full responsibility and apologized for the corruption in his office.

Dureza's resignation came two days before the start of the annual Mindanao Week of Peace.

The President fired Undersecretary Ronald Flores, who was in charge of Support Services and National Program Manager of the Payapa at MAsaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program.

Dureza also mentioned that he had to gather evidence to support his decision to terminate the officials, which he did after speaking with some local officials.

The President had previously asked Dureza to take up the issue with the Executive Secretary, but Dureza decided to take action himself.

Dureza's resignation was dated November 27, but it's unclear when he sent the letter to the President.

Dureza's resignation paved the way for the needed reorganization at OPAPP, as suggested by the President.

Jesus Dureza's approach to peace building is rooted in the idea that development and peace efforts should be driven by common interests, not personal agendas. He emphasizes the importance of collective action to achieve concrete, radical change.

The President's vision is to address historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people, and Dureza stresses that stakeholders must come together to push for the BBL's passage in Congress. This requires a unified voice to overcome opposition.

Social healing is a crucial aspect of the peace process, as Dureza notes that the conflict has destroyed social relationships and the moral fiber of society. It takes time and effort to rebuild broken relationships.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process has spearheaded social healing efforts among those affected by the armed conflict. Dureza calls on sultanates to become agents of peace and help the national government strengthen the social healing process.

Sultanates play a vital role in shaping public opinion and can be effective agents of peace. By engaging with them, the national government can tap into their influence to promote social healing and peace.