Peace Odyssey: Some Editions from the Past

Of interest, here are some photos of some editions of the Peace Odyssey, the student publication of the Department of Peace Studies. The mythical journey of Odysseus has inspired the original founders of this publication to compare the journey of the Greek hero with the quest for peace.

BLESSED EASTER TO EACH AND EVERYONE

The 2009 Graduates of BA in Peace Studies

Changing Climate Patterns: A Challenge in Making our Communities Secure and Safe

There is a very interesting report on climate change vulnerability that will have impact on human security. Here is an excerpt from Abano's report for the Business Mirror. The full article can be read at Business Mirror:

Excerpt:

"According to the report, the Philippines, unlike other countries in Southeast Asia, is not only exposed to tropical cyclones, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country, but also to many other climate-related hazards, especially floods (such as in Central Luzon and Southern Mindanao), landslides (due to the terrain of the country) and droughts. The National Capital Region (NCR), Southern Luzon, Bicol region and the northern regions of Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Cordillera Administrative Region were found to be the most vulnerable regions in the Philippines susceptible to multiple climate hazards, especially cyclones and floods."

This season is supposed to be summer and dry but yesterday heavy rains poured and flooded streets. Unusual during summer months.

The Basketball Court of the Campus, drench in rain water.

Flooded street, Legazpi City, Philippines.

B.A. in Peace Studies - Graduation 2009

Cartoons by Karen Monasterial, Peace Studies Undergraduate Student

Announcement:

Joint Baccalaureate Mass - College of Economics, Business and Management, College of Engineering, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy

March 30, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at College of Engineering Gymnasium, Bicol University, Legazpi City.

Commencement Exercises of College of Economics, Business and Management, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy

March 31, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. College of Engineering Gymnasium

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

BA in Peace Studies Majors Received Spiritual Guidance Formation

To Mark the closing of the school year, the senior class of the BA program on March 11, 2009 went on a recollection. A spiritual time designed to help them discern the will of God and find direction as they leave the portals of the University to face the "real" world.

The priests and novices of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) facilitated the recollection.

Rev. Fr. Malanyaon, delivering the homily during Mass.

The SOLT Regional Headquarters

The Senior Class

BAPS Volunteerism in Action February 2009

February 14-15, 2009, the Students of the Department of Peace Studies upon the invitation of Habitat Bicol joined the Global Village Volunteers from Kyoto University of Foreign Studies for a volunteer work in the relocation settlement at Tagaytay, Camalig, Albay.

Welcome Streamer at the Municipal Hall

The BAPS Students with the Japanese Volunteers

The BAPS Students with their chaperon, Mr. Engelbert Reolo (3rd from left at back row)

Batch 2008-2009 of the B.A. in Peace Studies

On February 13, 2009 the Senior Undergraduate Class of the BA in Peace Studies Program posed for the Official Souvenir Photo. Here are some of the Photographs.

The Official Photo:

B.A. in Peace Studies Batch 2008-2009

The Unofficial Photos:

"May I have your attention please... get ready and say cheese..."

They call themselves the Kung Fu Kids. Indeed a formidable clique in the Batch.

The ladies of Disaster Management

We are just simple guys with simple dreams. But consistent and persistent too.

from your mentors: Good Luck to your endeavors! Happy Journey to the road we call life. God Bless.

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.