The Craft of Public Relations: The Journey to Political Achievement of Congressman Eric Yap

The Craft of Public Relations: The Journey to Political                 Achievement of Congressman Eric Yap

 

        Eric Yap (born December 3, 1982) is a Filipino politician currently serving as the representative of the now lone congressional district of Benguet Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region. He was born on May 11, 1979, in Quezon City. He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Architecture (1997-2002). He was elected as a party-list representative for ACT-CIS in the 2019 elections and later appointed as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations in March 2020. In January 2022, he was installed as a legislative caretaker of the congressional district of Benguet, after Nestor Fongwan, the previous congressman, died on Dec. 18, 2019. He was also a member of the Philippines House of Representatives.

         Congressman Eric Yap did not begin his career in politics with a traditional political background. Instead, he was an architect. This provided a means for him to elevate and solidify public opinion toward him without relying on his elected office for personal improvement. This approach illustrates how relevant experience and skills drive a public relations campaign time and again. His work successfully garnered the support of the people of Benguet throughout his first candidacy. His campaign strategies provided many opportunities across Benguet. Thousands were helped, especially the youth, during his candidacy because of his unwavering support through spearheaded programs.

         To further his civic service and complete his proposed projects, he visits isolated locations. The Mobile Tulong initiative, which was created to help Benguet’s outlying areas, probably involves the congressman traveling to hard-to-reach places to carry out projects and offer his public services. An excellent illustration of how to successfully develop relationships in public relations is this proactive approach to constituent participation. The primary focus of mobile oxygen is the delivery of oxygen tanks or respiratory support for medical circumstances and air quality challenges. Since Benguet has mountainous area, this service can serve more remote communities. Youth Assistance Program seeks to provide the youth with opportunities and support through job training programs, community development initiatives, and educational help. In my opinion, the most commendable curriculum is the one which drastically improves educational outcomes. Infrastructure projects have also been completed, including reconstructing roads, updating public buildings and facilities, improving water and sanitation systems, and helping local businesses and industries. He has 87,000 Facebook followers and is well-known on social media, receiving numerous compliments for his accomplishments. He probably shares his opinions through interviews and media appearances since he extensively uses the internet and he needs to keep his name in orbit of the public and of his voters. Using the local social media influencers for better video campaigns were to increase his profile on the internet. Additionally, the recent Adivay Festival concert, which was performed by Filipino artists and was held at BSU, La Trinidad in November 2023 and 2024, can be seen as an effective tool for increasing his visibility and popularity, particularly among the youth audiences, as part of his comprehensive campaign strategy.

        There can also be involvement in media relations, such as the high-profile issue of the renewal of ABS-CBN, which demonstrated his ability to engage with the media and his influence on public opinion regarding legislative matters. He frequently attends and speaks at various events, conferences, and town hall meetings in his capacity as a leader, both past and present. Since Eric Yap was not a Benguet resident, he faced several challenges when he was appointed as a caretaker. He was accused by Senator Manny Pacquiao of participating in projects that led to excessive expenses for flood control and slope protection. In response, twelve of the thirteen local mayors of Benguet defended him against these charges. This story illustrates the need for public relations strategies like transparency and timely communication during crises, as well as the use of close relationships with local leaders in such circumstances.

        Congressman Yap’s most significant move during that period was to form the United Benguet political party in partnership with 12 incumbent mayors from his constituency. This strategic alliance shows how networking and relationship-building are critical in today’s political landscape. This demonstrates how public relations help in building coalitions and expanding the influence of the said candidate.

        As a young resident of the Province of Benguet, his architectural background may impact his public relations approach. His expertise may have helped him develop practical solutions to Benguet’s development challenges. While not explicitly mentioned, his family connections in politics can lead to lobbying opportunities, as Congressman Yap’s relatives might have connections in the lobbying world, from which he is indirectly benefiting through legislative efforts.

        Yap is dedicated to serving the many cultures of the Ibalois, Kankanaeys, Kalanguyas, and others, even though Benguet is not partial. His youthful and energetic demeanor enhances his reputation and sets him apart from more established politicians. As he began his career in Benguet as a caregiver, he was adored by the locals and assimilated into many of our customs. In Benguet, he has already made his place of residence. This illustrates the role public relations plays in influencing public perceptions.

       As the saying goes, you cannot serve the people unless you serve your ambition – congressman Eric Yap is just one prime example of how effective public relations can take your political career beyond its limits, which is a key takeaway from his story to success in the political scene. Yap has applied what little he have learnt as an architect, a skill set that they have capitalised on to forge connections with constituents and overcome political obstacles since representing Benguet. Yap has continued to attempt to be upfront with constituents and to clear the air as much as he can, despite a lack of heavy reminders in the wake of criticism and controversy. This adaptability has seen him through tight spots and kept his allies strong in his district until today.

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Wikipedia contributors. (2024, August 19). Eric Yap. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Yap