Day: November 16, 2024

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPRU) has launched the region’s first Peace Education Resource Nook (PERN) at West Visayas State University (WVSU) on November 15, 2024, marking a significant milestone in peace-building efforts in the country.

The resource nook was launched during a special ceremony at WVSU’s University Learning Resource Center (ULRC), marking a significant step toward fostering a culture of peace and non-violence in the region.

A Hub for Resources and Dialogue

The PERN will serve as a hub for students, educators, and the community to access educational materials, tools, and resources focused on peacebuilding. It is designed to promote awareness and understanding of peace processes, social justice, and the importance of resolving conflicts through nonviolent means. The nook will also host a variety of peace-related activities, including workshops, lectures, and community outreach programs.

Dr.  Peter Ernie D. Paris, Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) of WVSU, expressed excitement over the launch, saying, “This resource nook is a crucial part of our commitment to providing students with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute to a peaceful society. It will foster dialogue, understanding, and collaborative learning among students and the wider community.”

OPAPRU officials led by Executive Director Andres S. Aguinaldo, Jr., who represented Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., emphasized the significance of the initiative, noting that peace education is essential for building sustainable and inclusive societies. “By establishing the first Peace Education Resource Nook in the Visayas, we hope to empower students to become advocates for peace in their communities”, he said.

Building Future Peace Advocates

The establishment of the nook is part of OPAPRU’s broader strategy to promote peace education across the Philippines, aligning with the government’s efforts to address societal challenges through education and awareness. The facility is expected to support ongoing peace processes and enhance the overall understanding of the importance of peace in a rapidly changing world.

Future plans for the resource nook include collaborations with other educational institutions, training programs for teachers, and expanding access to peace education materials throughout the Visayas region. The initiative is also expected to inspire similar projects at other universities across the country.

In a significant step towards global educational collaboration, the American Language Village (ALV) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with West Visayas State University (WVSU) on November 15, 2024. This agreement sets the stage for a series of academic and cultural exchanges, beginning with an Immersion Camp to be held in Taiwan next year.

The partnership was formalized in a ceremony at WVSU’s main campus, attended by faculty, students, and representatives from both institutions. The Taiwan-based camp, which will be the first major project under the MOU, is designed to offer WVSU students an immersive experience. These students will act as teacher assistants, supervising students facilitating group activities, and supporting both the language instruction and the cultural activities integral to the camp’s curriculum.

American Language Village representatives led by Director Leo Liu, expressed their enthusiasm about the project, noting that Taiwan’s vibrant culture and international setting make it an ideal location for such an educational initiative. “We are excited to welcome the students as chaperones for our immersion camp. Their involvement will bring a fresh perspective to our program and help create a vibrant and inclusive learning atmosphere.”, he said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to enhance their skills and develop a deeper understanding of global cultures,” said Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris, Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) of WVSU. The initiative aligns with the university’s goal of equipping students with skills that are essential for a competitive international landscape.

The camp will feature a comprehensive curriculum, including cultural excursions, and interactive workshops led by educators from the American Language Village. Organizers are also planning activities that will encourage collaboration between participants from the Philippines, Taiwan, and potentially other countries.

As preparations for the Taiwan camp progress, both institutions are optimistic that this partnership will open doors for more collaborative projects, enhancing learning opportunities for students and faculty alike. WVSU International and Local Linkages Office is actively seeking to establish more partnerships that offer global opportunities to WVSU students.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) through the Center for Peace Education and the International and Local Linkages Office, recently hosted the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity’s (OPAPRU) Peace Education Tour on November 15, 2024, marking a pivotal moment for the university as it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with OPAPRU to advance peace education. The event focused on fostering meaningful dialogue among students and faculty about the importance of peace, reconciliation, and national unity.

The OPAPRU Peace Education Tour is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at engaging universities in discussions about the role of education in conflict resolution and nation-building. The tour at WVSU featured open forums, interactive discussions, and cultural activities that encouraged students and faculty to explore the concepts of peace, unity, and role in the peace process.

WVSU Center for Peace Education Coordinator Dr. Rejie Palmos, emphasized that everyone’s involvement in peacebuilding efforts is essential for creating a sustainable and peaceful future for the country.

OPAPRU officials led by Executive Director Andres S. Aguinaldo, Jr., who represented Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., expressed the institution’s commitment to supporting the government’s peace efforts. “By bringing this tour to universities like WVSU, we hope to inspire a new generation to take up the mantle of peacebuilding and to see reconciliation not as a distant concept, but as a reality they can shape”, he said.

One of the highlights of the event was a panel discussion featuring KAPATIRAN members, who shared their personal stories of transformation from armed struggle to becoming advocates for reconciliation and development. They detailed the challenges of reintegration into their communities and how government support and peace education have empowered them to lead meaningful lives beyond conflict.

During the event, WVSU and OPAPRU formalized their partnership with the signing of the MOU, which sets the foundation for collaboration in advancing peace education across the university in instruction, research, and extension. Through partnerships with academic institutions like WVSU, OPAPRU seeks to instill a culture of peace in the younger generation, who are seen as the key drivers of positive change in society.

This collaboration between WVSU and OPAPRU represents a significant step in the journey toward a more peaceful Philippines, as it enables the university to provide its students with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to play an active role in building a unified and peaceful nation.

Iloilo City, November 15, 2024 — The West Visayas State University (WVSU) International and Local Linkages Office, in partnership with Dagyoung Student Ambassadors and University Student Council, marked the annual International Students’ Day Celebration with a theme: “Celebrating the Power of Education in Spirit of Peace and Sense of Global Action for a Sustainable Community.”

The 2024 celebration emphasized the transformative role of education in fostering peace, promoting intercultural understanding, and encouraging global initiatives for sustainable development. The event attracted a diverse group of local and international students, faculty, and community members, highlighting WVSU’s commitment to global education and cooperation.

Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of ILLO, highlighted the importance of such events in promoting a culture of peace and sustainability among the students. “Education is the cornerstone of a peaceful and prosperous society. It is through platforms like these that we can empower our students to become global citizens and leaders for positive change”, she said.

Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, WVSU president, welcomed the participants and guests, and stressed that this activity is WVSU’s commitment to internationalization and cultural exchange. He also affirmed that WVSU is maintaining holistic education, addressing most especially the GenZ because they are the “techy generation”. He encouraged everyone to “advocate in the prosperity of WVSU, the new QS -ranked university in Asia”.

Looking Ahead: Commitment to Global Education

Mr. Jerome L. Duque, member of the Secretariat of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), International Affairs National Review Committee (iNRC) and the lead of Tarlac Agricultural University’s rankings, delivered an important address on the IZN Mandates and Commitment, emphasizing the critical role of higher education in global cooperation and the ongoing efforts to empower students through international programs.

Following that, Ms. Junel Ann Divinagracia, City Tourism Officer, Iloilo City, discussed Tourism and the Global Mindset. Ms. Junel explored the vital connection between tourism and education, highlighting how fostering a global mindset can contribute to better cross-cultural understanding and global cooperation.

Impact of International Education on Global Changes

The program also featured an audio-visual presentation of exchange students’ experiences at WVSU, offering a glimpse into the diverse and enriching experiences of WVSU students participating in international exchange programs.

Dr. Jemuel Garcia Jr., Chairperson of Division of Culture and the Arts of WVSU, tackled the topic International Students: Challenges and Opportunities shed light on the obstacles faced by international students, as well as the opportunities they can seize through global education and engagement. Dr. Garcia was a Bayer Young Environmental Envoy who was sent to Germany; a Japan Youth Exchange Network scholar, and; a FulBright scholar.

Following this, Mr. Gilbert “Bombette” Marin, Iloilo Provincial Officer, delivered a talk on Positioning Local into Global. Mr. Marin’s presentation focused on how local communities can expand their horizons by integrating into the global network, emphasizing the importance of international engagement and collaboration.

Volunteerism in Focus: Making Difference Together

Marlon T. Jinon, Chief Economic Development Specialist, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) VI, shared his own journey into the world of volunteerism, detailing how his experiences in community projects and international service have shaped his perspectives on leadership, education, and global citizenship. He emphasized that volunteerism is not just an act of service but a powerful means of creating connections across cultures and building understanding between people of different backgrounds.

Education as Bridge for Peace and Sustainability

Executive Director Andres S. Aguinaldo, Jr., of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), shared insights on Peace and the Role of Higher Education. He emphasized the importance of volunteerism in peace building and the role of higher education in nurturing leaders who can drive global change.

The celebration underscored WVSU’s role as a bridge between local and global communities, fostering an environment where education is a tool for peace and sustainability. WVSU continues to be at the forefront of creating opportunities for students to engage with the world, learn from diverse perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.

Connecting Students to Global Opportunities

The presence of the American Language Village (ALV) team led by Director Leo Liu and Campus France represented by manager, Mr. Paulo Udani, at WVSU’s International Students’ Day reflects the university’s dedication to providing its students with access to global opportunities. The event was a testament to WVSU’s commitment to preparing students for a globalized world.

As the event concluded, the spirit of unity, learning, and global action resonated among participants, reinforcing the belief that education is a powerful force for good in a world striving for a more sustainable and peaceful tomorrow.