Short Course on Peace Processes Highlights Mindanao

The Master in Peace Studies (MPS) program is administering a short course on Peace Processes focusing on Mindanao from January 22 to 27.

It features a series of lectures and discussions on different topics, ranging from peace agreements and frameworks to the conduct of the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

One of the highlights is an interaction through a conference call between the course participants, who are also enrolled in the MPS program, and Mr. Mohagher Iqbal, Implementing Panel chair of the MILF.

Facilitating the course is Mr. Michael Frank A. Alar, an independent consultant on conflict transformation, dialogue and peace processes to the World Bank Philippines and a member of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. Mr. Alar is also a Silliman alumnus who was an active student leader during his college days.

On January 23, Mr. Alar also gave a seminar on the History of Conflict and Peace Processes in Mindanao. It was attended by MPS students and junior high school students of the Saceda Youth Lead.

The MPS program in Silliman started in June 2012 and has three areas of concentration: Peace Education and Culture of Peace, Conflict Transformation, and Managing Development and Peacebuilding Programs.