In the post-war context, the competition to prioritize the national agenda is strong. Everyone – from foreign aid organizations, UN consultants, to government officials, to entrepreneurs to religious leaders – is clamoring to shine the spotlight on the most pressing … Continue reading →

“Peacebuilding is creating the opportunity for shared experiences,” Todd Walters, activist and adjunct professor, told our workshop class. The workshop was a 2-credit course on Peacemaking and the Environment, and concluded last weekend. It was an incredible learning experience that … Continue reading →

Catholic Relief Services (CRS), our host organization during the course, operates based on a framework of analysis that recognizes the many facets of society in conflict. The 5 “Eyes” of Conflict Institutions: Systematic level – bias, prejudice, and structural conflict … Continue reading →

The passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law presents many challenges and uncertainties to the future of Mindanaoans. Every stakeholder has a dramatically different perspective of the passage of the law and what it will mean for peace. At one town … Continue reading →

On January 13, I wrote about our visit to a rural elementary school in a Zone of Peace: “Our first community visit today, in that we had a chance to walk around a barangay. We followed dirt roads dissecting blocks … Continue reading →

Gay rights an underground movement growing slowly across Southeast Asia, and even in Mindanao. Without a doubt, the violence of the political and religious conflict dominates the cultural landscape in the struggle for self-determination and autonomy. Human rights is discussed … Continue reading →

First, an empowered woman lifts up other women Second, an empowered woman inspires other women and mentors young women. Third, an empowered woman never feels guilty. Fourth, an empowered woman does not try to be a superwoman. Fifth, an empowered … Continue reading →

On Thursday, April 9 the research team gave a presentation in the Irvine auditorium on campus at MIIS. We collaborated with students from Dr. Iyer’s Spring Break course to LA, and gave a combined presentation entitled “Violence Explained, Peace Explored.” I’m sure … Continue reading →

A few weeks ago I co-hosted a J-term sharing event on campus. We wanted to provide an opportunity and casual space for students to have lunch together and share about their experiences on immersive programs during J-term. It was sponsored … Continue reading →

Thoughts from a recent graduate of MIIS.   Image: “Justice” by Retna and El Mac Los Angeles, 2010