IPDM conducts online training workshop for NCMF Region 10’s Peace and Conflict Resolution Division
by Karen R. Veloso*, CON/IPDM
The Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM) held a virtual training-workshop on Conflict-Sensitive and Peace-Promoting Approaches Training-Workshop for personnel of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Division (PCRD) of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) – Northern Mindanao Regional Office on February 8-11, and 15, 2021.
The five-day activity that was held via Zoom was also participated in by the chiefs and employees of other divisions of NCMF Region 10. The PCRD takes the lead role in advocating peace and resolving conflict in Muslim Filipino communities in the region through community-based programs and projects.
The training-workshop aimed to capacitate the participants in designing and implementing programs that are conflict-sensitive and that promote peace. The topics included in the training-workshop were self-transformation relevant to peacebuilding; skills, models, and theories on conflict-resolution and peacebuilding; basic tools in preparing a conflict assessment, among others.
During the opening program, Chancellor Sukarno Tanggol expressed his hope to address, through peace initiatives and sensitivities, the narratives that promoted misunderstanding of Islam and that also stimulated conflict globally, including the Marawi Siege.
Chancellor Tanggol also mentioned his vision of MSU-IIT hosting advanced training on these areas at the international level, as well as pursuing sustainable academic programs for peace and development. He also reiterated his administration’s strong commitment to peace and development.
Aside from the IPDM Team led by Asst. Prof. Yasmira P. Moner, former IPDM Director, Prof. Saturnina Rodil, and Dean Macrina Morados of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies were among the resource speakers of the activity.
Dr. Abdulnasser P. Masorong, Regional Director of NCMF-10, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the realization of the training-workshop. The idea sprang from his visit to the University two years ago where he met with Prof. Rodil and discussed possible partnerships and engagements.
Dr. Masorong recognized the need to capacitate NCMF employees on peace education and conflict settlement for them to effectively and competently implement the mandate of the division. Among the tasks they have been doing are activities on preventing and countering violent extremism, networking with peace advocates and organizations such as IPDM.
Furthermore, he articulated his hope for more engagements through collaboration between NCMF and MSU-IIT, not only on peace promotion but on other aspects and programs that will help promote the well-being of Muslim Filipinos in Northern Mindanao.
-Photos by OPI and IPDM
*Asst. Prof. Karen Veloso is a faculty of the College of Nursing and a member of its College Research and Extension Committee. Her areas of specialization are Community Health Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. She is the current Peace Education Coordinator of MSU-IIT IPDM. You may follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-veloso-1414773b/.
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