Graduation Day

 I will extol thee, O God my king: and I will bless thy name for ever; yea, for ever and ever. - Psalm 145:1

After four years the graduates of Batch 2010 celebrated their graduation with a thanksgiving to Almighty God.  Human achievement will only find its real meaning in the context of God's plan.

Block A - B.A. in Peace Studies

Our student Jose Romulo Federico has created this picture.

The 3rd Business Meeting of the Bicol Consortium for Peace Education and Development

The BCPED held its 3rd business meeting on January 26, 2010 at the Universidad de Santa Isabel in Elias Angeles St., Naga City.  The meeting was presided by Dr. Orfelina Tuy, the assistant regional director of DEPED for Region V.  Various topics were discussed such as the updates on the school for peace project and the capability building training for trainers.  Plans were discussed.

The Many Faces of Mayon Volcano

Let me share with you some photos I have of Mayon Volcano.  I took these pictures at different times.

Mayon as seen from the Rice Fields in Padang, Legazpi City

I pulled over in the Highway in Basud Santo Domingo, Albay to get this late evening vies of the Mayon with the southern star in view

Mayon with the silvery afternoon sky in the background.  I took this photo in Basud, Santo Domingo, Albay

Mt. Mayon appears so close.  I took this picture in Bogtong Road, Legazpi City beside the Yawa River.

Mt. Mayon as seen from San Miguel Island in Tabaco City

Another view of Mayon from the  Island of San Miguel.  Notice the hills near the mount.  These hills shields the small town of Malilipot from potential danger from volcanic eruption.

43rd World Day of Peace

The Roman Catholic Church today observes the 43rd World Day of Peace since Pope Paul VI of blessed memory declared the World Day of Peace.  Here is an excerpt form his declaration.

"A warning must be kept in mind. Peace cannot be based on a false rhetoric of words which are welcomed because they answer to the deep, genuine aspirations of humanity, but which can also serve, and unfortunately have sometimes served, to hide the lack of true spirit and of real intentions   for peace, if not indeed to mask sentiments and actions of oppression and party interests. Nor can one rightly speak of peace where no recognition or respect is given to its solid foundations: namely, sincerity, justice and love in the relations between states, and, within the limits of each nation, in the relations of citizens with each other and with their rulers; freedom of individuals and of peoples, in all its expressions, civic, cultural, moral, and religious; otherwise, it is not peace which will exist - even if, perchance, oppression is able to create the external appearance of order and legality - but an unceasing and insuppressible growth of revolt and war." [Excerpt/quote]  Pope Paul VI in 1968, the Declaration can be read from the Holy See's Website

A Blessed Christmas

To all our fellows and to all peace scholars and advocates, A Blessed and Merry Christmas. May the Prince of Peace bless us.

The Nativity Scene

Glory to God in the Highest and Peace to all men of goodwill

"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.

CAHRIHL: Revisited, Theme of the 8th Regional Peace Forum

On December 17, 2009 the Department of Peace Studies sponsored the annual Regional Peace Forum. This is the 8th year that this forum has been held. This year's theme centered on the Comprehensive Agreement of Respect for Human Rights and International law signed between the Philippine Government and the National Democratic Front. After 12th year of its signing what now? This was how the discussion unfolded. The Commission on Human Rights was invited to shed information on the IHL and the CAHRIHL while sector representatives were requested to offer their insights. A lively open forum ensued. Some students expressed cynicism, while others were analytical and critical in their questions, while others took the liberty to air comments. Many things remain to be seen and realized but the fact that we have embarked on the right path, things are on the positive side.

Col. Marlou Salazar delivering his reaction to the Presenters talk

The students of the Department of Peace Studies

Out Photographer, Mr. Patrick Ojano

The Panel of Resource Persons

Christmas Outreach 2009

The College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Bicol University undertook an outreach activity to the village of Culliat in Daraga, Albay. The Faculty members, students and staff of the college join the elderly and the children in celebrating the joys of Christmas. The activiety was undertaken this December 18, 2009.

Some of the Faculty members and staff of the College

The Senior Citizens of Culliat

The Christmas Program at the Culliat Community Chapel

The Senior Citizens, Joined by the faculty members and staff of the college.

2nd Phase of the Training of Trainers for Peace Education Concluded

The 2nd Phase of the Training of Trainers were concluded. The venue of the training was held at Hotel Villa Angelina on December 14-16, 2009. This capability building project was undertaken by the SPEAR Bicol Project as sponsored by the UNDP and OPAP in cooperation with the Bicol Consortium for Peace Education and Development.

Seated from Left: Dr. Herbert B. Rosana (Bicol University), Mr. Sofronio Llorin (Development Academy of the Philippines) Ms. Jean llorin (Hearts of Peace), Ms. Emily Lambio and Ms. Melody Grace Ibo (OPAPP),

Standing from left: Prof. Fe Mendoza (Sorsogon State College), Prof. Kenjie Jimenea and Prof. Marissa F. Trinidad (University of Nueva Caceres), Ms. Cha Nacion (DEPED), Prof. Babes Atutubo (Sorsogon State College), Cristy Bahillo (DILG), Ms. Ruby Ann Ayo (Bicol University), Dr. Virginia Reyes (University of Santa Isabel), Ms. Jovy Morata (OPAB), Prof. Gemma Valenciano (Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges), and Mr. Expedito Lobitania (Bicol University)