PEACE CONSORTIUM LAUNCHED IN REGION V

October 22, 2009. After two years in the making finally, the Bicol Consortium for Peace Education and Development (BCPED) was launched at the Arcilla Hall of the Bicol University, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. The Department of Peace Studies facilitated the whole activity with the cooperation and technical assistance from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Philippine Peace Process. The consortium was established as an outcome of the Regional Kalahi Convergence Group Workshop in Tagaytay City in November of 2007. The idea was that the Higher Institutions of Learning in region V as well as the basic education department and other agencies can help promote peace education as a strategy for poverty reduction. Moreover, the BCPED is anchored on the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan, as well as the EO 570 mandating teacher training institutions and basic education to implement a peace education program.

A ceremonial MOA signing program was held at the Archilla Hall. The following Institutions were represented as members:

1. Bicol University
2. Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges
3. Catanduanes State Colleges
4. Commission on Higher Education-V
5. Department of Education-V
6. Department of Interior and Local Government-V
7. National Economic Development Authority-V
8. Office of the Presidential Assistant for Bicol
9. Philippine Information Agency-V
10. Social Action Center – Diocese of Legazpi
11. Sorsogon State College
12. University of Nueva Caceres
13. Universidad de Santa Isabel

Other personalities were also present to witness the occasion such as the UNDP which funded the SPEAR-Bicol Project of the Consortium, the local government officials of Castilla, Sorsogon, and other DepEd Officials. The students of the Department of Peace Studies performed a tableau for the doxology and the national anthem, while Dr. Fay M. Lauraya, president of Bicol University gave the welcome remarks. Dr. Herbert B. Rosana, Head of the Peace Studies department explained the rationale and objectives of the BCPED. Dr. Ramon Lim of the University of Nueva Caceres introduced the members of the consortium. Afterwards there was the ceremonial signing of the MOA and the commitment setting.

The BCPED envisions a strong society of Bicolanos working for peace and sustainable development. And thus it appropriated for it self the mission of becoming a lead coordinating center in the development of competent and committed individuals and institutions promoting peace and development in Bicol through advocacy, capacity building, education and networking and research. A work plan was presented to the Regional Peace and development Committee (RPDC). The Peace and Development Committee is the highest policy making body of the consortium. While the Technical Working Committee (TWC) performs the task assigned to the consortium. The TWC is subdivided into four groups that embodies the goals of the BCPED). The day to day operation of the consortium is undertaken by the Secretariat headed by a director. Bicol University will serve as the secretariat of the consortium.

After the program the first business meeting of the group was convened by Dr. Fay Lauraya. Dr. Lauraya was elected as the Chair of the group and Dr. Layon of the Department of Education through his representative was elected as vice chairperson. Various topics were discussed pertinent to the activities and programs of the consortium.

To read the PIA Report read Bicol to unveil MOA for peace education and development

The Ceremonial Signing

Dr. Ramon Lim of the Universidad de Santa Isabel Introducing the Members of the Consortium

Students and Faculty Members of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Witnessed the MOA Signing

The Officials of the Department of Education

Dr. Rosemarie Frias, Dean of Social Sciences and Philosophy giving the closing remarks

Dr. Orfelina Tuy of Deped Region V, signing the pledge of commitment

The Representative from the DILG - V

ASEC Tomasito Monzon

Ms. Marissa Trinidad of UNC

BU PARTICIPATES IN APPRA CONFERENCE 2009, HUALIEN, TAIWAN

The chair of the Peace Studies Department, Dr. Herbert Rosana together with a senior BAPS student participated in the Asia-Pacific Peace Research Association (APPRA) Conference in Hualien, Taiwan, September 9-12, 2009. They presented the output of the summer field research of the department entitled: "The Emerging Nature-Tourism in Caramoan: Stakeholder's Perception of Benefits and opportunities." The theme of this years conference was "Innovation and Change: Peace Research, Studies and Education in Asia-Pacific". The conference was chaired by John Synott of Australia. The conference was successfully concluded with almost 40 scholarly papers presented at various panels. The conference was made possible through the assistance provided for by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD), The Taiwan International Studies Association and the National Dong Hua University (NDHU).

The participants of the APPRA 2009 Conference posing with the welcoming faculty members of the College of Indigenous Studies of NDHU which serve as the venue of the conference. The faculty and staff of the college performed an indigenous dance to welcome the participants.

The Filipino participants from left, Jose Romulo of Bicol Unversity, Loreta Castro of Mirriam College, Al Fuertes of George Mason University (US), Lourdes de la Torre of the Antonio Technological College of the Philippines, and Herbert Rosana of Bicol University.

In front of the MUrakami Inn, Hualien, Taiwan, from Left, Lukasz Zablonski, Poland (based in Japan), Peter Wastoby, University of Queensland, and Herbert Rosana from Bicol University, the Philippines.

Dr. Herbert Rosana and Mr. Jose Romulo Federico doing their presentation at Session B

The Campus of the National Dong Hua University, Hualien, Taiwan.

The Plenary

Head of the Peace Studies Department of CSSP Participates in IHL Regional Summit

The Head of the Peace Studies Department of Bicol University, Dr. Herbert B. Rosana participated in the Regional Summit on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the Philippines this August 10, 2009 upon the invitation of the Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights in Region V. The theme of the summit was: GENEVA CONVENTIONS: HUMANITY AMIDST CONFLICTS. The summit was attended by various representatives from sectors such as Social Action Centers of the Dioceses in Bicol, members of the Armed Forces, the Police, the Academe and the LGU. Variuos point of views were discussed. The output of the workshop will be sent to the National Summit on August 12 in Manila.

Atty. Pelagio Senar, Regional Director of CHR in Bicol providing the introduction to the IHL

Philippine Madrigal Singers UNESCO's Artist for Peace

"The Philippine Madrigal Singers, one of the most awarded choirs in the world, made the country proud once again when they were designated by United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director General Koïchiro Matsuura as Artist for Peace."

More of this can be read from: YAHOO NEWS

MAPSS & PASA Program Opens First Trimester Term for AY 2009-2010

August 8, 2009 Saturday saw the first day of classes for the First Trimester 2009-2010 of the Ph.D. in Peace and Security Administration (PASA) and the Master of Arts in Peace and Security Studies (MAPSS) of the Bicol University - Camp Crame Extension Program. This is the 13th year of BU's MOU with the PNP. Classes are now held at the Maritime Group's Building. We are hoping that as the BOR deliberates on the revised curriculum for the PASA and MAPS that the students will benefit from these changes.

The Lobby of the PNP Maritime Group Building at Camp Crame, Quezon City

The Department Goes Yellow

The Department of Peace Studies goes yellow as it join the whole nation in mourning the passing away of its former leader - Corazon C. Aquino. Cory Aquino is the widow of Benigno Aquino who helped restore democracy in the Philippines after long years of dictatorship under Marcos.

Corazon Cojuangco Aquino 1933-2009

Corazon Cojuangco Aquino 1933-2009
Thank you dear Madam Cory for your love, sacrifices, simplicity and dedication to God, Church and Country.

Peace Logo for Year 2009

Every year the undergraduate organization, The Junior Peace Advocates commissions the printing of commemorative T-Shirts. Some of the talented students of the BAPS Program submitted their entries.

Here is the entry of Judeen Celorico.

This one is by Raphael Soriano, Jr.

While this one is by Karen Monasterial.

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.

Caramoan: BAPS Students on Field Research Practicum

April 30, 2009 - May 7, 2009 - The Junior Undergraduate students of the department went on their field practicum to gather data for their research project and at the same to interact with the community in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines. Recently, Caramoan had been the subject of ecotourism lovers because of its pristine coral islets and white sand beaches. If one wants to see a place unspoiled yet by commercial tourism one has to visit Caramoan. I would guess tht most of us have read reviews and articles about Caramoan. Our students went to Caramoan to describe and explore the events and issues from the context of Human Security, Sustainability, and poverty eradication theories. Tourism had been identified as a strategy for poverty alleviation or eradication. The Caramoan Peninsula and Bicol in particular is rich in natural resources and scenic places. While we seek economic development, we also seek social development. There should be a balance between meeting our needs and at the same time conserving our resources not only for the present generation but for the future. The papers of the students are still in the making so for now allow us to share with you some photos. However once the paper has been presented we will publish the ablstract on this blog.

The Municipal Building. Our young researchers in the making take their pose for this photo session.

We had a lively interview with the mayor, Constantino H. Cordial jr.

The young men of the group in front of the brick church

Even in a place so remote like Caramoan, the presence of the Church is always felt. One would wonder how a remote place like caramoan would have a magnificent Brick Church like this. This is a testament to the faith of the People of Caramoan and their love for God and the Church. This Church was built by the Catholic Missionaries some two centuries ago, who ventured in these islands to evangelize the people.

This is downtown Caramoan. Caramoan is a small town actually.

The white sand and coral islets

Is this paradise on earth?