BukSU Peace Center joins P4P Southeast Asia Launch

DAVAO CITY – Bukidnon State University’s Center for Peace Studies participated in the Southeast Asia Launch of the Geneva-based Principles for Peace at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on July 11, 2023.

Center Head, Mr. Walter I. Balane, attended the event as representative of BukSU. He joined representatives from the academe, mainly from the Mindanao State University System and representatives from stakeholders of the Bangsamoro Peace Process.

The Principles for Peace (P4P) Foundation engaged with the Global Partnerships for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC), Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), International Center for Innovation, Transformation and Excellence in Governance Inc. (INCITEGov), and GZO Peace Institute.

Organizers said after having gathered inputs through an extensive two-year global consultation process, P4P serves as a follow-up mechanism for a Principles for Peace Initiative that promotes the implementation of new principles, standards, and metrics that aim to fundamentally reshape peace and conflict prevention efforts and charting a path towards lasting peace.

As such, the launch will initiate a process to explore how P4P can be utilized to revitalize the broad support that has accompanied the Bangsamoro Peace Process.

“The launch hopes to celebrate a paradigm shift in the field and create an independent feedback loop to inform decision-making that is inspired by and can accompany peace-building practices in the region. Thus, the theme for the launch will be “Reimagining and Reenergizing Support for the Bangsamoro Peace Process.”

The launch became a reunion for peace stakeholders in Southeast Asia, especially in Mindanao. For BukSU, it also became an opportunity to introduce its peace center to Mindanao peace stakeholders, initiate linkage, and invite prospects for collaborations.

Above all, it was an opportunity to learn, Mr. Balane said.

“I attended with my ears wide open to the ocean of lessons and experiences from the peace stakeholders. It also opened doors for endless possibilities,” Mr. Balane said in his message to the organizers.

BukSU created the Center for Peace Studies along with three other research centers during the administration of Dr. Oscar B. Cabanelez under then VP for Research, Extension, and Innovations Dr. Joy M. Mirasol.  Dr. Mirasol, now BukSU’s 3rd University President, was succeeded by current VPREI, Dr. Carina Joane V. Barroso.

The Center for Peace Studies is under the OVPREI with the leadership of Dr. Barroso.

The three other research center are headed by Dr. Zeny B. Maureal (Center for Mathematical Innovation), Dr. Derren N. Gaylo (Center for Educational Analytics), and Ms.Lorraine A. Anasco (Center for Local Governance). (CPS Peace Monitor)