Obituary

JEAN N. LLORIN
Thanks po Madam Jean for everything you have done for our Peace Studies Program in Bicol University.  The short time that we have known you have been meaningful to us.  Have we known you long before we could have involved you with our Peace Studies Program.  I have not seen anyone as passionate and dedicated for the cause of Peace than Madam Jean Llorin.  She was humble and self effacing but very engaging in our workshops and trainings.  We will miss you po. and We know that you are blessed where you are now.  See you at the break of dawn in Eternal Life.  May you rest in peace.  To the family and loved ones of Madam Llorin we extend our condolences and we share your grief and sense of loss.  Let the peace of our Lord be your consolation in at this time.  - From Dr. Herbert Rosana, the Faculty Members, the staff and the Students of the DEPARTMENT OF PEACE STUDIES, Bicol University, Legazpi City.

Peace Studies Summer Field Research 2010 Commences

Summer Field Research Class 2010.  Instructor:  Dr. Herbert B. Rosana, Associate Professor of Peace Studies

The Junior class went for their field research practicum on May 30, 2010 up to July 4, 2010.  The theme of this summer's field research was centered on Building Secured Communities.  The analytical framework for this project is based on the concepts developed by UNDP on Human Security.  The venue for their field practicum were three villages or barangays from Legazpi City, namely, Bangquerohan, Lamba and Gogon.  They are expected to come up with a research paper.  The design of the study is qualitative.  

2010 Summer Institute in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights: Internal Conflict in the Asia-Pacific Region

The 2010 Summer Institute in International Law and Human Rights with the theme "Internal Conflicts in the Asia Pacific Region" was successfully concluded in Bali and Aceh, Indonesia on May 22, 2010.  The 2010 Summer Institute started last May 10, 2010.  The Academic portion of the institute was held at Bali and the field trip in Aceh, Indonesia.  

The Faculty, staff and Participants in the 2010 Summer Institute in IHL and Human Rights, Bali and Aceh, Indonesia

The East-West Center Brochure describe the purpose of the program as: "This two-week workshop is designed for participants working across a broad range of fields and disciplines related to IHL and human rights. The workshop is best suited to people working within the Asia Pacific region or with an Asia Pacific focus. Participants from Southeast Asia are strongly encouraged to apply. Lawyers, academics, journalists, non-governmental organization workers, investigators, monitors, government agency workers, as well advanced (graduate level) law students from across Asia and internationally will find the workshop relevant to their work." 

Rebacca Minty (Left) and Vener Macaspac (Right) both Rotary Peace Fellows from UC Berkeley.

The two-week training was held at the Patra-Bali, in Tuban District of Denpasar, the capital of Bali.  The participants came from various places in the Asia-Pacific region and from various backgrounds consisting of lawyers, academics, journalists and NGOs.  Various themes were discussed such as Identifying the  root causes of conflict, Characterizing the conflict in Mindanao and Southern Thailand, human rights concerns during internal conflicts, effective human rights reporting, the legal characterization of conflict, humanitarian responses during conflict, legal tools for responding to internal conflicts, and many others.  The teaching approach include lecture-inputs, assigned readings, group discussions and large group discussion.  The time was well managed.  At the same time the giving of assigned reading in advance of the workshop provided the participants with good inputs that prepared them for the discussions.  The variety of backgrounds enrich the discussions.  Various insights were brought out and various insterpretation made it easy to contextualize the issues surrounding IHL and Human Rights in relation to the internal conflict in the Asia-Pacific Region.

The faculty of the institute provided much needed inputs and direction.  The faculty consisted of professionals from various discipline.  Indeed this institute and its focus has became an opportunity for the participants to fully understand, gain insight on the situation of the internal conflicts in the Asia-Pacific Region.  After the institute the participants will go back to their home countries and their work, but the learnings they obtained from the institute will help improve the human rights situation in their countries.  

Yusuf Kalla, former Indonesian Vice-President, played an important role in the Aceh Peace Process  and the Peace Process in Sulawesi was a resource speaker and an honored guest

The Filipino Participants together with Ms. Carolyn Eguchi (Center) of the East-West Center

"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.

Donsol Sorsogon: Field Research Practicum of BAPS III

The BAPS III Group B undertook their field research practicum in Donsol Sorsogon. The group focused on the effects and impacts of the ecotourism project in Donsol from the perspective of the non-direct beneficiaries. Non-Direct beneficiaries from this point of view refers to the sector of society that are not direct participants of the Tourism activity but indirectly benefits from it. The six barangays (villages) were the geographical boundaries of the study.

The Student-Research Team in front of the Gabaldon Building of Donsol Elementary School

Through the kindheartedness of the principal of Donsol Elementary School Mrs. Precilla Ombao, the Donsol Elementary school became our headquarters for the whole week practicum.

The Research Team Boarding the Jeepney on their way home

After accomplishing our mission we were just so happy to be on our way home.

The Group doing a preliminary presentation of their data analysis and interpretation

The Team B doing a preliminary presentation of their output. The group plans to hold a public presentation of the research output in Gubat Campus later in the month of June.

Trees for Peace

Ecological Balance and respect for the environment has been a corner stone of peace advocacy. Hence on February 11, 2009 in order to celebrate Peace Day 2009, the Senior Undergraduate Class of the Department of Peace Studies went on a tree planting activity at the Centennial Forest at the Foot of Mt. Mayon Volcano in the municipality of Sto. Domingo. This activity was done in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The Senior Class with their Adviser and Chair of the Department, Dr. H. Rosana

The Young ladies of the Peace Studies Studies Department

For the past few years we have been offering this undergraduate program in the department there has always been a dearth for female students taking interest in Peace Studies. We have tried our best to be equally sensitive by making the enrollment open for both males and females. But apparently with no success! But we succeed in one thing - making the males peaceful and nurturing!

The Menfolks of the Senior Class Proudly holding up to their Mahogany Seedlings

A Group of enthusiastic Students.

There is an interesting poem and an inspiring one written by Joyce Kilmer about trees one line goes this way....

"Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree."

I think this is the essence of environmental Peace, a recognition that only God the creator can make trees and the Creator is the Lord of creation who maintains balance by His providence. So let us love our environment just as we love God and ourselves.

DOP to Celebrate its 13th year as a Department

Undergraduate Students of the Department of Peace Studies Performing a "Peace" Inspired Doxology, Bicol University Amphitheater

The Department of Peace Studies of Bicol University's College of Social Sciences and Philosophy will celebrate Peace Day on February 11, 2009. A set of activities both traditional and innovative are planned for by the Senior's Class. As traditionally done, the whole event will start with a Solemn Liturgical Celebration or the Holy Mass as an expression of our abiding faith and trust in the Almighty. It will be followed by the annual lecture to be delivered by a guest of honor who will be invited solely for this occasion. The afternoon of the 11th of February will include several activities, like contests, tree planting and community services. In the eveneing there will be a ball to honor the members of the alumni and distinguished faculty members. We will keep you posted on developments as we go on with our preparations.

BU Set to Reframe Its Peace Studies Program

N-6, Department of Peace Studies, BU-CSSP, Arcilla Hall, Daraga Campus,Daraga, Albay, Philippines - The official Address of the Department of Peace Studies

Arcilla Hall as seen from the Second Floor of the Social Science Building, Home to the Department of Peace Studies. This is the Old Gabaldon Building dating back to the American Colonial Days. The Thomasites Built Schools in the Countryside in order to Provide General Education to the Public. Made of Sturdy Hard Wood and Cement, this has stood the test of times. A legacy of the Past, but worth preserving. This hold memories to hundreds of children now in their adult years who passed through its portals.

The Bicol University is set to Reframe and redirect its Peace Education Program in order to meet the demands and development needs of the region and of the nation. This is also one way of articulating a coherent Peace Education Program that would cover the Basic as well as higher education. A series of preliminary meetings had been undertaken to this effect and participated by key persons in the University. On January 28-29, 2009, BU will conduct the first workshop to set the direction for the BU Peace Education Program. As they say it a shot in the arm. The dynamism of a proogram is proven by its ability to meet the needs of the community and its adaptability. The Department of Peace Studies hopes that this undertaking will result in a revitalized Peace Education Program, responsive to the regional and national development goals.

Undergraduate Studies Christmas Break

The students in theUndergraduate program of the Department of Peace Studies went on a picnic to celebrate Christmas. This is also a welcome event and a break from the mind-breaking academic work. To make the even meaningful, the organizers chose an eco-friendly resort that features the beauty of nature. Here are some of the photos.

The Spring Resort's Motif Highlights Nature's Beauty

Shrubs and small trees provide a relaxing atmosphere

The Officers of the Junior Peace Advocates facilitated the "get-together"

The Freshmen, the youngest group in the Department with Dr. Rosana

The pool is certified mountain spring water

The Undergraduate Students of the Department of Peace Studies under the leadership of the Junior Peace Advocates sponsored a Christmas outing for the all the year levels. The students together with their mentors went on a Christmas Break. The officers of the JPA organized a program, games and other forms of amusement. This is indeed a welcome break from the demands and stress of academic work. An "environmentalist" outing was sponsored by the group. The venue of the program speaks of an environmentalist advocacy. Indeed everyone had a merry Christmas. If Christ's birth is an expression of God's love for humankind, then our respect for the environment and care for one another is a way of reciprocating that love that comes from above.

Blessed Holidays to Everyone

November 1 - All Saints Day
November 2 - All Souls Day

Today are important holidays in the Philippines, everyone is visiting their ancestral homes and remembering their departed loved ones. Enjoy your holidays!

Encyclopedia of Peace Education

For the information of researchers on peace, there is a very interesting website published by TEACHERS COLLEGE Columbia University, New York. It is an online encyclopedia that provide details about certain topics on Peace Education. The website also provides opportunities for scholars to send in entries or information. Visit the web site at EPE Teachers College Columbia University

Bicol Univerity 39th Foundation Anniversary

Happy 39th Anniversary to Bicol University - From the BAPS Family!

First Peace Education Capability Building Seminar for Teachers and Instructors

The BU-CSSP and Its Department of Peace Studies, in cooperation with the Office of the Vice-President for Production of Bicol University will hold the FIRST PEACE EDUCATION CAPABILITY BUILDING SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS AND INSTRUCTORS on September 4-5, 2008. The venue was originally set at the Entrepreneruship Hall but was moved to The Science Auditorium Building at the Main Campus. This in order to provide the participants more access and amenities.

The seminar was endorsed by the COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION Regional Office V and by the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Regional Office V. The activity was also supported and endorsed by the President of Bicol University Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya.

Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. is the keynote speaker and will be duly represented by Undersecretary Pedro Cesar Ramboanga of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The Seminar will be facilitated and served by the following:

• Staff of the Office of the VP for Production
  
• Staff of the BU-CSSP

The Resource Persons are the following:

• Prof. Serafin Arviola, Extension Director of the Philippine Normal University
• Dr. Herbert Rosana, of Bicol University
• Ms. Rosemarie Buan, Economic Especialist from the NEDA Region V.
• Prof. Marcia Rico, Bicol University
• Prof. Asuncion Mirabueno, Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, Bicol University
• Prof. Flor A. Jenkin, Planning Office, Bicol University

For further information Please contact: Mobile Phone: +639106292527

Department of Peace Studies: Before & After "Reming"

After several years Bicol Region was badly hit by a super typhoon "Reming" in December of 2006. Global warming has shown its ugly head: namely drastic change in weather pattern. The Province of Albay was caught in the center of the Storm. It destroyed infrastructure, demolished villages, and resulted in loss of live and property. Our Campus was not spared. It destroyed a large portion of our buildings. Destroyed books and documents. But after a year, we have shown our resiliency and determination to rise from this crisis. Through the the help of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and through the efforts of Gov. Joey Salceda, and the cooperation of the BU administration headed by the SUC Pres. Dr. Fay Lauraya has spearheaded the rehabilitation of our Buildings.

Before: The Rooms housing the Office and Classrooms of the Department of Peace Studies as it appeared a couple of days after the Typhoon in December of 2006

Today: The Rehabilitated and Rebuilt Classrooms and Offices

The Western Entrance, Fully renovated and Painted as it appears today June 2008

The Stage and Basketball Court

The ABCs of Peace

Cardinal Martino, President of the Pontifical Cpuncil for Justice and Peace spoke thus: "To avoid war, leaders must first consult the "ABC's of peace" that are written on the hearts and minds of all people, says the president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace." More of this can be read from zenit.org

Notice

To our Students, Friends and Affiliate Faculty Members, we are on the process of building this blog site. Rest assured that in the upcoming few days we shall be uploading notices, articles and useful information about the Department of Peace Studies.