THE Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE)-Barmm, in collaboration with the Schools Division Office of Cotabato City (SDOCC) and Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Philippines, hosted the inaugural Bangsamoro Peace Education Summit Conference at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, Bangsamoro Government Center. This significant event not only marks the 5th Bangsamoro Foundation Day but also commemorates the 10th Anniversary of Peace Day in Mindanao.
The summit aimed to underscore the crucial role of peace education in nurturing sustainable peace and development in the Bangsamoro region. In partnership with HWPL, SDOCC led the contextualization of 12 HWPL Peace Education Lessons, creating lesson exemplars for Bangsamoro learners.
These exemplars align with the guidelines set by MBHTE's peace and justice education framework, instilling in learners the values of a nonviolent culture, social justice, and respect for human rights, freedom, and inclusivity.
A team of 28 dedicated writers, including teachers from Grades 1-12 from various schools, 8 illustrators, 5 layout artists, and 3 facilitators, collaborated to interweave Peace Education into Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies) and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (Values Education) subject areas.
Seventeen evaluators, including Education Program Supervisors and principals from SDOCC led by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Concepcion Ferrer-Balawag and Curriculum Implementation Division Chief Dr. Pancho Balawag, ensured the comprehensive nature of the plans, tailored to meet the unique educational requirements and aspirations of Bangsamoro learners.
During the event, SDOCC unveiled the contextualized Peace Education Lesson exemplars compiled into a textbook. HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee, through a video message, expressed, "Now, the task is to maintain a world of peace forever… This textbook symbolizes the results of many people's efforts to rebuild a community destroyed by hatred and ignorance with love and wisdom. I hope that the light of peace will shine forever in Mindanao and the Barmm."
MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal commended SDOCC and HWPL for their efforts, emphasizing, "The Bangsamoro Education Code explicitly underscores the importance of peace education in our curriculum… MBHTE is steadfast in pursuing peace education."
Dr. Alivic B. Bilon, Education Program Supervisor, conducted a live demonstration teaching for Grade 2 students using one of the lessons of Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, addressing the themes of fear and bullying.
In the afternoon session, school heads and supervisors observed simultaneous demonstration teaching in 12 classrooms at Lugay-Lugay Central School using the lesson exemplars.
The first pilot testing of HWPL Peace Education Lessons took place in November 2019 in 7 schools, including elementary, high school, and college levels in Cotabato City. SDOCC and HWPL officially entered into a partnership on February 6, 2020, renewed on August 25, 2023, through a Memorandum of Agreement.
The January 24 Peace Day, declared by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim in 2016, acknowledges the civilian-led peace agreement signed between Muslim and Catholic leaders in 2014, mediated and proposed by HWPL Chairman Lee.
The 12 HWPL Peace Education Lessons aim to promote peace, understanding, and empathy globally. By educating learners about peace's significance, embracing diversity, promoting effective communication, and fostering a culture of care, these lessons contribute to creating a more harmonious and peaceful global society.
The 1st Bangsamoro Peace Education Summit Conference signifies a crucial moment in the ongoing journey towards lasting peace and prosperity in Mindanao. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to education, stakeholders aspire to build a future where harmony and understanding prevail. (HWPL)
