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?

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