BICOL CONSORTIUM FOR PEACE & DEVELOPMENT : AN INITIATIVE FOR PEACE

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in cooperation with Bicol University (BU) and other partner agencies and HEIs held the Peace Orientation Strategic Planning for the Bicol Consortium for Peace Education and Development on the 23^rd to the 25^th of March 2009 at the Jennifer’s Kababayan Hotel in Legazpi City, Philippines. This strategic planning came up with plans and proposals for the creation of the Bicol Consortium for Peace and Development. This initiative had its beginning in the Chase Peace Workshop held in Tagaytay City for the members of the KALAHI Convergence group in Bicol. Director Rolando Asuncion of OPAPP together with Dr. Herbert B. Rosana in a small group discussion with the Dr. Mila Esparago and other partners broach the idea of a consortium for Peace Education. The challenge of Peace and Development in Bicol is enormous and with peace education as a strategy something could be done for the development needs of the region. After the chase workshop, a series of meetings were undertaken in order to crystallize this initiative for peace education

The Former Imperial Hotel, Legazpi City as seen from the rooftop of Jenifer's Kababayan Hotel

The first meeting was held at the office of the Department of Peace Studies in Bicol University upon the invitation of Dr. Herbert Rosana. The first meeting was attended by representatives from OPAPP, CHED, NEDA, DILG, Ateneo de Naga University, University of Nueva Caceres and the Social Action Center of Legazpi City. After the first meeting, the second was held at the Ateneo de Naga University, and followed by another meeting at the Office of the Presidential Assistant Secretary for Bicol in Naga City.

The Participants representing their respective institutions, seated from left: Myda Nieves of NEDA, Director Jovie Morata of OPAB, Aida Naz of PIA, Cristina Bahillo of DILG, Ms. Gina Oropesa of BU, Dr. Herbert Rosana of BU. Second Row Standing: Aireen Sel Bolvar of UNC, Dr. Ramon Lim of USI, Moises L. Toyado of Catanduanes State College, Ferdinand V. Valencia of CSPC, Marissa Trinidad of UNC, Dr. Rosemarie T. Frias of BU, Noe Racho of NEDA, Rosario Bagares of St. Louise de Marillac, Ricardo Tejeresas of DEPED, Gerald Fulay of Sorsogon State College,

This March 23^rd Strategic Planning workshop was the culmination the above mentioned series of meetings. The workshop has accomplished the task of formulating a strategic plan and identifies structures and systems. Bicol University has volunteered to be the secretariat for the consortium. And a technical working group was identified in order to draft the systems, plan and agreements for the consortium to be presented to the heads of offices of the members and would-be members of the consortium. Watch out for more updates.

Director Rolly Asuncion of OPAPP stressing a point

Small Group Discussion