School of Peace Launched in San Isidro Elementary School, Castilla, Sorsogon

The Bicol Consortium for Peace Education and Development has launched the Schools for Peace Project in San Isidro Elementary School in Castilla, Sorsogon, Sorsogon. This project is one of the three components of the SPEAR-BICOL project under the GoP-UNDP Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding project through the help of OPAPP. The School principal, the teachers, members of the Parents-Teachers Association and local village officials welcomed the project undertaking. The launching was held last November 20, 2009.

Ms. Sancha Nacion, Education Supervisor II from the Deped Regional Office-V delivering a welcome remarks in behalf of the department of education.

Dr. Herbert B. Rosana, representing the BCPED secretariat explaining the importance of Peace Education and why everyone in the community should take interest in the project.

The Joys of Advent

Advent is one of the most joyous season in Philippine Culture. The simbang gabi or the nine dawn masses preceeding Christmas is a devotion most loved by Filipinos. It is anticipated by both the old and the young. It is believed that once you completed the nine dawn masses the Holy Child Jesus will grant your wishes and intentions for the novena. Aside from its religious significance it is also a tradition that binds families and friends together. After the mass, people buy home made cakes and hot chocolate for early breakfast. As the time nears, churhces are getting ready for this event. Our parish church is also preparing for this. Tonight while passing the Church plaza I took a picture of our church's belfry aglow in neon lights.

This is how our church belfry look like in day time.



At night time it is aglow with neon lights purposely placed to celebrate Christmas.

BCPED Peace Education Training of Trainers Phase 1 Concluded

From November 24-26, 2009, the Bicol Consortium for Peace and Development (BCPED) in cooperation with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process has undertaken the Peace Education Training of Trainers Workshop. This activity was funded by the UNDP and this is in line with the strategic and action plan formulated by the group in March of 2009. The aim of this activity is to develop a pool of research persons in Peace Education who will lend support to the Schools for Peace Project and the Peace Education undertaking of the consortium. This training is a three phase activity. The first phase aims to provide basic peace education training to the pool resource persons. While the second part aims to refine the training module and the third phase will be the practicum. The training was facilitated by Madam Jean Llorin of HOPE together with Dr. Herbert Rosana of Bicol University and of Mr. Serafin Arviola of the Philippine Normal University.

The Trainees and their Mentors

The participants deeply engrossed in discussion

Group dynamics

Workshops