Human Rights Lecture: 60 Years of Human Rights and the Filipino Migrant Workers

This is a rejoinder to an earlier post on Human Rights. Here are some photos of the said symposium. The resource person was Atty. Mygee A. Nieves in charge with the legal department of the Region V office of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights based in Legazpi City. Pertinent issues on Human Rights and the Filipino Migrant Workers were discussed.

Atty. Nieves entertaining questions from the audience. Mr. Patrick Ojano, Moderating the Open Forum.

Atty. Nieves with the Officers of the Senior Class and the Volunteers for Peace

The Lecture-Symposium

Mr. Randolph Roda, The Class senior President

CSSP Faculty members Join University Wide Christmas Program

January 19, 2008. The University celebrated the last day of the anticipated Novena Mass for Christmas on January 19. The College of Engineering and Industrial Technology hosted the event. A get-together party and program was held to promote camaraderie and to foster the Christmas spirit among the faculty members, administration and staff of Bicol University. The event was held at the Gymnasium at the Legazpi II Campus.

The Faculty members of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy from left: Herbert Rosana, Letty Mata, Rose Frias, Ruby Ann Ayo, Elaine Salazar, Fely Hubilla and Maeng Dineros.

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.

TOPS Global 2008, Uppsala, Sweden

Some of the participants at the Top Level seminar on Peace and Conflict Research administered by the Department of Peace and Conflict Research of Uppsala University, Sweden. November 24, 2008-December 5, 2008. Our participation in this training course was made through the grant provided by the Swedish Government through SIDA. From Left: Gracia Maria Bertrand (Honduras), Herbert B. Rosana (the Philippines), Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of the Royal House of Sweden, Luly Altruiswaty (Indonesia), Maria Cecilia Costero (Mexico), Veeramalla Anjaiah (Indonesia), and Dal Bahadur KC (Nepal). [Photo belongs to Dr. H. Rosana]. A Picture story related to this was also published in the Jakarta Post by Veeramalla Anjaiah, Editor of the Foreign News department of the Jakarta Post. This training was participated by 25 participants from China, Columbia, Brazil, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Sweden.

To see the article of Anjaiah in the Jakarta Post just follow this link.

Here are some more photos:

At the Hotel Conference Room. From Left: Gracia Maria Bertrand (Honduras), Maria Cecilia Costero (Mexico), Juliana Johann (Brazil), and Herbert Rosana (Philippines).

Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria delivering her impressions at the Farewell Dinner at the Uppsala Castle

Socials at the Uppsala Castle from Left: Louise Dinkelspiel (Sweden), Seng Piseth (Cambodia), Helena Grusell (Sweden), Luly Altruiswaty (Indonesia), Mimmi Soderberg-Kovacs (Sweden), Gracia Maria Bertrand (Honduras) and Herbert Rosana (Philippines)

Human Rights Lecture for December 18, 2008

The Senior Class of the Department of Peace Studies is set to sponsor a lecture to be delivered by a representative from the Commission on Human Rights on December 18, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The theme of the Lecture is on the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and how it relates to the Rights of Filipino Migrant Workers. The issues affecting the Filipino Diaspora and Migrant Workers and their rights will be discussed. Interested persons who wish to attend this lecture must notify the persons in-charge since the College of Education Audiovisual Room can accommodate only as much. Interested persons please contact the following persons at the Departmental office during office hours: Mr. Jay Nuarin, the student assistant working at the department, Ms. Ellen Joy Recato, the President of JPA and Mr. Romulo Federico of the Volunteers for Peace. Venue of the Lecture: Audiovisual Room, College of Education, BU Main Campus, Legazpi City.

CSSP and BURDC Sponsored Meeting with the National Security Adviser of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

The Bicol University on November 13, 2008 in cooperation with the Office of the national Security Adviser sponsored the meeting of the University stakeholders with the Hon. Norberto Gonzales, National Security Adviser of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The NSA had been visiting state universities and colleges in order to promote dialogue and understanding. This meeting provided Bicol University the opportunity to present its programs and activities to one of the closest adviser of the President of the Philippines. The whole event was sponsored by the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and the Research and Statistics Center of Bicol University.

From Left: Fay M. Lauraya, the president of Bicol University, Norberto Gonzales, the National Security Adviser, Milo S. Ibrado, Jr. the Senior Deputy General and Helen M. Llenaresas, the Univeristy's Vice-President for Academic Affairs.

Norberto Gonzales, speaking to the Stakeholders of the Bicol University community

The National Security Adviser emphasized the need to promote a "first world thinking" among the Filipinos in order to achieve the development goals set forth by the government. The secretary was able to deliver his message clearly. The open forum resulted in a lively interaction between the Secretary and the audience. Present during the symposium were deans, department heads, professors and students. The secretary provided a witty and yet a positive analysis of the reasons underlying the underdevelopment of the country and offers a solution which he termed "First World Thinking".

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!

Almost Two Years Ago.....

[This Video Clip Belongs to Dr. Herbert R]
Almost a couple of years ago.....

if your PC has a viewer you will be able to view this clip which I have recorded at the height of typhoon Milenyo. This devastating super typhoon wrought havoc to our properties, destroyed livelihood and infrastructure. But the resilience of the Filipinos and the Bikolano people demonstrate that nothing is insurmountable as long as there is faith in the Lord and the willingness to help each other. In less than a year the People of Albay Province was able to spring up from this calamity. Our thanks goes to the Almighty and secondly to the People of Albay and the local leaders.

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

E-Registration for Second Semester

All students at the Department of Peace Studies are reminded that the issuance of ADVISING SLIPS for the e-registration will be on October 22-23, 2008. Your clearance papers, settlement of organizational obligations and submission of academic requirements are required prior to issuance of the Advising Slip. You will not be allowed to register without the Slip. Please see Dr. Rosana at the Departmental Office during office hours. Please be punctual.