A Blessed Christmas

To all our fellows and to all peace scholars and advocates, A Blessed and Merry Christmas. May the Prince of Peace bless us.

The Nativity Scene

Glory to God in the Highest and Peace to all men of goodwill

"Andurog kan Derechos": Tree Planting and Team Building Activities

On December 22, 2009, the Department of Peace Studies participated in a Tree Planting Activity and Team Building activity organized by the "Andurog kan Derechos" a local initiative group led by the Social Action Center - Diocese of Legazpi that provides protection for the victims of extra judical killings and the disaparecidos. The activity was organized with the objective of strengthening the relationship and bonding among the members of the group. The group decided to hold a tree planting activity at Misibis in Cagraray Island. Misibis is a tourist resort in Albay Province. Beside the resort the developers are creating an ecopark to highlight the importance of preserving our environment. Here are some of the pictures. This activity was particpated in by Church workers, the Police, the military and those in the academe.

Some members of the Andurog and their friends pose for a souvenir photo

Looks like we are in the Aegean Islands in Greece. But no, this is Misibis, in the Philippines

The Tree Planting Activity

The top soil was so sticky, it nearly ruined my running shoes.

A Taste of Tropical paradise at Misbis Resort

"overcome your fear of the heights" The eco-energy park is equipped with sports facilities that would enthrall sports minded people.

Its Almost Paradise. Service to the max with world class accommodations.

CAHRIHL: Revisited, Theme of the 8th Regional Peace Forum

On December 17, 2009 the Department of Peace Studies sponsored the annual Regional Peace Forum. This is the 8th year that this forum has been held. This year's theme centered on the Comprehensive Agreement of Respect for Human Rights and International law signed between the Philippine Government and the National Democratic Front. After 12th year of its signing what now? This was how the discussion unfolded. The Commission on Human Rights was invited to shed information on the IHL and the CAHRIHL while sector representatives were requested to offer their insights. A lively open forum ensued. Some students expressed cynicism, while others were analytical and critical in their questions, while others took the liberty to air comments. Many things remain to be seen and realized but the fact that we have embarked on the right path, things are on the positive side.

Col. Marlou Salazar delivering his reaction to the Presenters talk

The students of the Department of Peace Studies

Out Photographer, Mr. Patrick Ojano

The Panel of Resource Persons

Christmas Outreach 2009

The College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Bicol University undertook an outreach activity to the village of Culliat in Daraga, Albay. The Faculty members, students and staff of the college join the elderly and the children in celebrating the joys of Christmas. The activiety was undertaken this December 18, 2009.

Some of the Faculty members and staff of the College

The Senior Citizens of Culliat

The Christmas Program at the Culliat Community Chapel

The Senior Citizens, Joined by the faculty members and staff of the college.

2nd Phase of the Training of Trainers for Peace Education Concluded

The 2nd Phase of the Training of Trainers were concluded. The venue of the training was held at Hotel Villa Angelina on December 14-16, 2009. This capability building project was undertaken by the SPEAR Bicol Project as sponsored by the UNDP and OPAP in cooperation with the Bicol Consortium for Peace Education and Development.

Seated from Left: Dr. Herbert B. Rosana (Bicol University), Mr. Sofronio Llorin (Development Academy of the Philippines) Ms. Jean llorin (Hearts of Peace), Ms. Emily Lambio and Ms. Melody Grace Ibo (OPAPP),

Standing from left: Prof. Fe Mendoza (Sorsogon State College), Prof. Kenjie Jimenea and Prof. Marissa F. Trinidad (University of Nueva Caceres), Ms. Cha Nacion (DEPED), Prof. Babes Atutubo (Sorsogon State College), Cristy Bahillo (DILG), Ms. Ruby Ann Ayo (Bicol University), Dr. Virginia Reyes (University of Santa Isabel), Ms. Jovy Morata (OPAB), Prof. Gemma Valenciano (Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges), and Mr. Expedito Lobitania (Bicol University)

60 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

December 10, 1948 to December 10, 2009, 60 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Eleanor Roosevelt with a copy of the Spanish Version of the UDHR

"The UDHR declaration sets down the basic principles at the very heart of the human rights movement. It has enabled remarkable progress in human rights, inspiring international human rights standards, laws and institutions that have improved the lives of many around the world." Amnesty International

Bicol University Gubat Sorsogon Campus

I have the chance for this semester to teach again in our undergradaute program in Peace Studies at Gubat, Sorsogon. Gubat is around 20 kilometers from the City of Sorsogon. My schedule is every Wednesday each week. I use to leave very early from Tabaco some 70 kilometers away from Gubat Campus. It is a bit tiring but this helps break my daily routine. Gubat is small town. Life moves a little bit slower.

The Church of St. Anthony

This is the Building of the BU Gubat Campus. This building use to be the old Municipal Building but since the Local Government moved to another location, this building was renovated and restored to be the main building of Gubat Campus. This building is located adjascent to the Church. During Spanish colonial times both church and municipal building serve civilian administrative services. This explain why this building is located near the Church.

2nd Business Meeting of BCPED's Regional Peace Education and Development Committee

December 4, 2009, the BCPED's Regional Peace Education and Development Committee (RPEDC) meet for their second business meeting at the CHED's regional office V. Dr. Peralta, Director IV of CHED's regional office was the host. Several topics were discussed in the agenda of said meeting. An update on the activities of the consortium were given and future plans were discussed. Sister Josie Onag of Universidad de Santa Isabel presented a proposal on the issue of how to charged membership fee and annual fees. The topic was deliberated upon and a consensus was reached. The group also expressed interest in the upcoming research agenda and wish to participate in this activity. Dr. Lauraya proposed that the 3rd business meeting be held on January and afterwards it will be followed by the research agenda setting. The next business meeting was set for January 6, 2010 at USI. USI will serve as the host.