When strategic communications experts from two nations gather, it builds a strong, effective partnership for future initiatives, and of course, an exceptional group photo.
The Strategic Communications and Military Public Affairs Workshop brought together ADF personnel and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of National Defense, Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard in Manila, Philippines.
The three-day workshop was part of Australia's Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program in the Philippines.
Participants exchanged best practices and enjoyed robust discussions on communications policy and military public affairs processes across the strategic, operational and tactical information domains.
Developed and facilitated by members of Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) and the 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit (1JPAU), the program was designed for both countries to learn from one another.
The exchange of ideas and knowledge is invaluable as the Philippines and Australia undertake an ambitious program of bilateral and multilateral training, exercises and activities.
HQJOC Public Affairs Officer for the Indo-Pacific Region Squadron Leader Bel Culley said streamlining processes and synchronising messages with strategic partners has never been more important given the current geopolitical environment.
"I've had the absolute honour of collaborating with our Filipino friends on key activities and exercises such as Indo-Pacific Endeavour, Exercise Alon and maritime cooperative activities," Squadron Leader Culley said.
"We've developed excellent working relationships and achieved great results. This workshop presented another opportunity to share processes and challenges, to deliver aligned public affairs effects in the region."
'The workshop got our nations on one page to deliver the right information and messages that we want to convey across the globe.'
Squadron Leader Culley said when synchronised and executed successfully, strategic communication effects could stretch well beyond borders.
If there is one thing communications specialists are good at, it is talking.
The room was a boisterous melting pot of experience with public affairs experts from different ranks, specialisations and military branches, as well as defence and government departments sharing their knowledge.
Captain Punsalan, of the Philippine Army Public Affairs, emphasised that in today's rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, collaborating on military public affairs was crucial to staying one-step ahead.
"The workshop got our nations on one page to deliver the right information and messages that we want to convey across the globe," Captain Punsalan said.
"Aside from the best practices, insights, systems and capabilities learned, the most beneficial part of the workshop was gaining the trust and confidence of both partner nations.
"This will enable the Philippines and Australia to work comfortably and seamlessly as we achieve a common goal of maintaining peace and stability within our region."
'Understanding the differences and similarities between both nations in the field of media management and public affairs processes is crucial to ensure key messages and themes are delivered across all spectrums of the information environment.'
1JPAU Corporal Adam Abela jumped at the opportunity to represent the ADF as an imagery specialist within the international workshop.
"It was inspiring to see everyone sharing their expertise and to understand the diverse roles and responsibilities, which sparked great discussions about our workflows and how we can enhance collaboration in the future," Corporal Abela said.
"The most valuable part of the workshop for me was the depth of the discussions, especially the focus on strategic effects from various national perspectives.
"Sharing my experience as an ADF imagery specialist while learning from others was deeply rewarding. I know I can reach out to this network again and I'm grateful for the opportunity to strengthen international ties in our field."
Honest conversations on strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement was noted by Captain Romblon of the Philippine Air Force as a vital foundation for growth and effective collaboration.
"Understanding the differences and similarities between both nations in the field of media management and public affairs processes is crucial to ensure key messages and themes are delivered across all spectrums of the information environment," Captain Romblon said.
"The workshop was surely an eye opener, and I would recommend it is conducted again in the future because the breadth of discussion is of the utmost importance for public affairs practitioners."
'Mabuhay (long live) Philippines and Australia' became the unofficial slogan of the workshop amongst its participants, a fitting motto that demonstrates the strong foundation between the nations.
Building on this foundation, the second workshop will be held in 2025 as both nations plan towards Exercise Alon.
