Mindanao Peace Studies Conference IV

The 4th Mindanao Peace Studies Conference took place last November 20-21, 2018 at the CBE Function Hall of Father Saturnino Urios University, Butuan City. This year takes on the theme “Poverty, Politics, and Peace”. The activities unrolled in two days: the Junior Scholars’ Forum on the first day, and the Main Conference the following day. Bro. Carlito “Karl” M. Gaspar, CSsR, plenary speaker during the Junior Scholar’s Forum, spoke about the "Lumad Eco-Political Landscape’s Direct Connection to Impoverishment & Un-Peace: The Case in Bislig, Surigao." It was followed by breakaway sessions where the delegates can choose from varied, interesting topics presented by Junior Scholars. Meantime, two other parallel sessions took place simultaneously: Local Art Workshop facilitated by Mr. Kit Gresos, and Music and Theater Workshop under the lead of Mr. Titing Trinquite and Mr. Richard Dian Villar. The younger participants took part in the said workshops. In the afternoon, there was an Indigenous People’s Forum where the IP representatives had an open discussion on issues concerning their communities. The first day was capped with a dinner and cultural presentation.

The Main Conference’s first plenary speaker was Atty. Benedicto Bacani who discussed on the “Dynamics of Poverty, Politics, and Peace: Mindanao and Beyond.” It was followed by another set of breakaway sessions presented by scholars from all over the Philippines. The second plenary speaker was Ms. Merlie “Milet” B. Mendoza who shared her lived experience as

“Independent Humanitarian, and Peace and Social Development Worker.” The last set of breakaway sessions took place that afternoon. Cocktails, Conference Dinner, and Closing Program concluded the two-day conference. The Mindanao Peace Studies Conference IV was organized by FSUU through the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research, Rev. Fr. Randy Jasper C. Odchigue, in cooperation with Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).