BukSU Completes Peace Corps-Facilitated Training on Climate and Peace Studies

MALAYBALAY CITY (12 March 2025) – Bukidnon State University (BukSU) successfully completed its Training for University Faculty on Climate Change and Peace Studies in partnership with the U.S. Peace Corps Philippines and Dr. Alan Robock from Rutgers University, USA.

The training produced 14 research concept proposals addressing the intersection of climate change and peacebuilding in Bukidnon, focusing on indigenous communities and agriculture. In her closing message, Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, University President, highlighted the proposals as a step toward research-driven solutions for sustainable development in Northern Mindanao.

“These proposals, once refined and submitted for grants, will address critical issues in Bukidnon, especially in rural and indigenous communities, where climate change impacts peace and development,” Dr. Mirasol said.

Dr. Mirasol emphasized that the training reflects Smart BukSU’s strategic direction toward Smart Research—rigorous research addressing local community needs.

BukSU signed its second Virtual Service Pilot agreement with the US Peace Corps (September to March 2025), allowing participants to donate time and services to support host country partners. Dr. Robock, the current Resource Person, is a VSP Participant.

Strengthening Research Capacity

Established in 2021, the Kalandang Taw Center for Peace Studies (KTCPS) serves as a research hub for peace and conflict studies, focusing on issues affecting indigenous peoples and the tri-people realities of Mindanao. The university aims to map conflicts in Bukidnon, evaluate how climate change triggers them, and develop strategies to address them.

The training addressed gaps in expertise related to peace and climate change, particularly in multidisciplinary research methods and strategic response. The 14 proposals reflect BukSU’s growing capacity to tackle these challenges.

The U.S. Peace Corps facilitated Dr. Robock’s engagement and provided strategic support, improving research quality and establishing partnerships for future initiatives.

Dr. Carina Joane V. Barroso, VP for Research, Extension, and Innovations, expressed gratitude to the U.S. Peace Corps and Rutgers University, particularly Dr. Robock, for guiding the research teams.

“Dr. Robock showed deep passion for teaching and research, challenging and inspiring us,” Dr. Barroso said.

Dr. Alan Robock thanked participants for their commitment. “I am glad to have been part of this and look forward to future engagements,” he said.

Mr. Milosil E. Cruz, US Peace Corps Program Coordinator, highlighted the success of the training, following the Analytics Training on Disaster Risk Reduction (July to December 2023). He noted that despite adjustments, partners met deliverables and are open to future collaborations.

Research Proposals Completed:

1.Integration of Traditional Conflict Resolution with Environmental Policies – College of Arts and Sciences

2.Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions of Climate Change Education – College of Education

3. Climate Adaptation and Peacebuilding in Lanao del Sur – College of Public Administration and Governance

4.Community-Based Climate Change and Peacebuilding – College of Nursing

5.Home Security via Audio Event Detection – College of Technologies

6. Fostering Positive Peace Through Culture, Arts, and Sports – College of Education

7. Alimaong’s Role in Climate Change and Peacebuilding – College of Arts and Sciences

8. Climate Change and Agricultural Conflict in Bukidnon – College of Arts and Sciences

9. Use of E-Technologies in Climate Adaptation – College of Technologies

10. Evaluating Local Institutions’ Climate Adaptation Practices – College of Nursing

11. Assessing LGU Capacities for Climate Adaptation – CAS and CPAG

12.Nature-Based Eco-Tourism for Climate Resilience – College of Business

13. Climate Change and Coffee Production in Malaybalay – CAS and CPAG

14. Government Efficiency and Climate Adaptation – College of Public Administration and Governance

Smart BukSU’s Strategic Thrust

The Provincial Government of Bukidnon and City Government of Malaybalay also sent participants from environment, agriculture, indigenous peoples, and disaster risk reduction offices.

Walter Balane, Head of KTCPS, said the proposals reflect BukSU’s focus on Smart Research—addressing indigenous and rural communities’ needs. A research writeshop is planned to refine the proposals for submission to relevant research calls.(Kalandang Taw Center for Peace Studies)