by Michelle Jeanne C. Caracut, Office of the Chancellor
Sociology Professor Arnold P. Alamon launched his two books on August 16, 2017, in MSU-IIT. The book launching was hosted by the Department of Sociology, College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), and the Department of Research of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE).
The first book, “Wars of Extinction: Discrimination and the Lumad Struggle in Mindanao”, contains stories of Lumad groups in Mindanao and their struggle for their rights to their ancestral lands. The second book, “Nations in Our Hearts: Essays on Mindanao”, is a compilation of writings that recall and examine social, political, and environmental situations that have affected and continue to affect the country and its people, with a special focus on Mindanao.
These books were first launched at the Xavier University Little Theater, Cagayan de Oro on August 12, 2017, Saturday.
During the book launch at CASS, Dr. Jay Rey Alovera, faculty member of the same department, gave his review on his first book while Prof. Yasmira Moner from the Department of Political Science gave her review on the second book.
During the Book Launch, Alamon narrated how and when he started writing his books.
“The last time I was at the Xavier University Little Theatre was in 1992, 25 years ago. I was part of the Corpus Christi High School debating team and we were up against the Xavier High School team. It was the first year of the Ramos administration and he immediately engaged the Left in peace negotiations. The proposition was: should the communist rebels be given general amnesty by the government and we were in the affirmative side,” he said.
“I remember pleading at the opposing team to take the matter seriously and lamented that if the real negotiations mirrored their flair for comedy and histrionics, instead of debating on substantive matters on the root causes of why Filipinos rebel against government, then there would be no chance for peace in this land. 25 years later I am still making the same appeal for a just and lasting peace in these two books,” recalled Alamon.
CASS faculty members and staff lauded Alamon for his achievement.
Alamon, who is also a columnist for Sun Star Cagayan de Oro, extended his appreciation and gratitude to the department and to the Institute as well for the support and encouragement while he was writing his books.
Copies of the books are available at the Department of Sociology.
Topics : Book Launching Alamon Sociology