North Valley College Foundation, Inc. (NVCFI) underscored its commitment to transformative and emancipatory education as the Ethics and NSTP classes successfully organized and hosted a Peace Forum in celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace. The activity gathered students, faculty, and partner barangay officials for a reflective, participatory, and solutions-oriented learning experience that moved beyond traditional written examinations. In his opening message, Dr. Rogelio P. Bayod, Research and Publication Director of NVCFI, emphasized that the forum advances CHEDโs Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) framework. He noted that education must foster critical reflection, civic participation, and collective problem-solving. โOur goal is to help learners confront real-world issues and design meaningful responses, not merely answer paper-and-pencil tests,โ Dr. Bayod stressed. Plenary Sessions Highlight Peacebuilding and Democratic Participation The first plenary speaker, Gen. Dioscoro โDoicksonโ Hermoso, PA (Ret.), a highly respected military officer known for his significant contributions to the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), discussed the role of government in peacebuilding. He elaborated on security sector reforms, community collaboration, and integrated governance as foundations of long-term peace in Mindanao. The second speaker, Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc of Ateneo de Davao University, a noted philosopher specializing in social ethics and Mindanao studies, delivered a talk on โBuilding Grassroots Democracy: Leveling the Playing Field in the Bangsamoro.โ Dr. Maboloc emphasized inclusive participation, dismantling structural inequality, and empowering marginalized communities to strengthen democratic life and sustain peace. Reactors Provide Global and Local Peace Perspectives Mr. Rommel Dela Rosa, Team Leader and Political Affairs/Security Coordinator of the Eastern Regional Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), provided international perspectives on peace and conflict. Drawing from complex peace operations, he highlighted the importance of local ownership, inclusive dialogue, and trust-building. Atty. Rendel Mangliawan, Municipal Councilor of Kabacan and law professor at USM, offered insights on the intersection of local governance, legal frameworks, and grassroots peace initiatives. He underscored the responsibilities of community leaders and students in cultivating a culture of peace. Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The Peace Forum directly contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing NVCFIโs commitment to holistic and socially responsive education: โข SDG 4: Quality Education โ by promoting emancipatory, outcomes-based, and transformative learning experiences. โข SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions โ through discussions on peacebuilding, democratic participation, governance, and the rule of law. โข SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals โ through collaboration with barangay partners, government representatives, peace advocates, and international peace practitioners. By aligning educational activities with global targets, the institution helps shape students into proactive contributors to peaceful and sustainable communities. Peace Reflections and Commitments The forum gathered Ethics and NSTP students, faculty members, and partner barangay officials who actively engaged in the interactive discussions. The activity concluded with participants writing their thoughts, feelings, and commitments for peace on the Peace Freedom Wall, symbolizing their shared vision for a united and harmonious Mindanao. Through this successful Peace Forum, North Valley College Foundation reaffirms its role as a catalyst for critical consciousness, community engagement, and peace-centered educationโempowering learners to become advocates of justice, dialogue, and sustainable development.
