2010 Summer Institute in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights: Internal Conflict in the Asia-Pacific Region

The 2010 Summer Institute in International Law and Human Rights with the theme "Internal Conflicts in the Asia Pacific Region" was successfully concluded in Bali and Aceh, Indonesia on May 22, 2010.  The 2010 Summer Institute started last May 10, 2010.  The Academic portion of the institute was held at Bali and the field trip in Aceh, Indonesia.  

The Faculty, staff and Participants in the 2010 Summer Institute in IHL and Human Rights, Bali and Aceh, Indonesia

The East-West Center Brochure describe the purpose of the program as: "This two-week workshop is designed for participants working across a broad range of fields and disciplines related to IHL and human rights. The workshop is best suited to people working within the Asia Pacific region or with an Asia Pacific focus. Participants from Southeast Asia are strongly encouraged to apply. Lawyers, academics, journalists, non-governmental organization workers, investigators, monitors, government agency workers, as well advanced (graduate level) law students from across Asia and internationally will find the workshop relevant to their work." 

Rebacca Minty (Left) and Vener Macaspac (Right) both Rotary Peace Fellows from UC Berkeley.

The two-week training was held at the Patra-Bali, in Tuban District of Denpasar, the capital of Bali.  The participants came from various places in the Asia-Pacific region and from various backgrounds consisting of lawyers, academics, journalists and NGOs.  Various themes were discussed such as Identifying the  root causes of conflict, Characterizing the conflict in Mindanao and Southern Thailand, human rights concerns during internal conflicts, effective human rights reporting, the legal characterization of conflict, humanitarian responses during conflict, legal tools for responding to internal conflicts, and many others.  The teaching approach include lecture-inputs, assigned readings, group discussions and large group discussion.  The time was well managed.  At the same time the giving of assigned reading in advance of the workshop provided the participants with good inputs that prepared them for the discussions.  The variety of backgrounds enrich the discussions.  Various insights were brought out and various insterpretation made it easy to contextualize the issues surrounding IHL and Human Rights in relation to the internal conflict in the Asia-Pacific Region.

The faculty of the institute provided much needed inputs and direction.  The faculty consisted of professionals from various discipline.  Indeed this institute and its focus has became an opportunity for the participants to fully understand, gain insight on the situation of the internal conflicts in the Asia-Pacific Region.  After the institute the participants will go back to their home countries and their work, but the learnings they obtained from the institute will help improve the human rights situation in their countries.  

Yusuf Kalla, former Indonesian Vice-President, played an important role in the Aceh Peace Process  and the Peace Process in Sulawesi was a resource speaker and an honored guest

The Filipino Participants together with Ms. Carolyn Eguchi (Center) of the East-West Center

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.