Mindanao college includes ‘peace education’ in curriculum

MANILA, Philippines - A Catholic college in war-torn Mindanao has included "peace education" in its curriculum for the incoming school year. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the Assumption College in Davao (ACD) made the move as part of its peace advocacy program in the island. "If we really want peace, we must involve our young people who will someday become future leaders of our country and city," Sr. Marietta Banayo, ACD president, said in a statement posted on the CBCP website Thursday. ACD's peace education will also include awareness and understanding on the plight and culture of indigenous people's communities. Earlier, the school held a sneak preview of "Hunghong sa Yuta (Earth's Whisper)," a Mindanao film made by the religious Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Banayo said this is part of their peace advocacy program in Mindanao that seeks to infuse in the minds of the students the passion to work for peace. She said the peace education and training will be incorporated in the curriculum of the high school and college students. "We are forming responsible students who have high regard for peace and inter-religious dialogue," Banayo said. The peace training will include lectures and activities that will focus on peacemaking, understanding the real meaning of peace, and inter-religious dialogue. "We want our students to learn more about peace, we want them to understand the true meaning of peace and see for themselves what they can contribute toward peace in Mindanao," the ACD president said. Banayo also believes that with peace education, children will no longer be blind to the real conditions in Mindanao and be more socially aware and actively involved in peace advocacies. "We cannot deny that there is really violence in Mindanao. And for so long as there is militarization of armaments, then, the kids and the children will always be at the disadvantaged side," she said. Banayo also expressed dismay on the sad fact that blood must be shed first to reclaim peace. The Missionary of the Assumption Sisters also have a school in the lumad communities here in Davao City. "We wanted also to intensify our campaign for respect of the Indigenous People (IP) as well as the recognition of their rights," she said. Banayo stressed that the IP communities are often easily forgotten especially in terms of providing development and livelihood assistance from the government as the latter focus more on the rebels. She added that the IP communities are also struggling for recognition and concern from the government. - GMANews.TV