MSU Peace Educators at the 4th National Peace Education Summit: Advancing Educational Pathways for Peace
The 4th National Peace Education Summit took place from September 18 to 19, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in Quezon City. The summit convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including academic leaders, policymakers, educators, youth, and representatives from civil society. Noteworthy participants included peace educators from various campuses of the Mindanao State University System, such as MSU-Main Campus in Marawi City, MSU-General Santos, MSU-Tawi-Tawi, MSU-Sulu, MSU-Maguindanao, and MSU-Buug.
Summit Theme and Objectives
Under the theme “Weaving Peace in Every Thread: Advancing and Innovating Pathways for Peace Education,” the summit aimed to integrate peace into educational structures, governance, and community engagement. The event sought to redefine the concept of peace as an attainable objective rather than a distant ideal, positioning it as a key element within educational frameworks and public policy.
Key Highlights of the Event
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among prominent figures in Philippine education and public policy, including Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity; Secretary Sonny Angara from the Department of Education; Secretary Jose Francisco B. Benitez from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); and Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This MOU emphasizes the need for collaboration among government entities to promote and embed peace education across various learning modalities, with the aim of ensuring its continuation amid political shifts.
Panel Discussions and Topics
The summit featured panel discussions on topics such as “Weaving Peace into Teacher Education: Transforming Future Educators as Champions of Peace” and “Knitting Peace in the Algorithm: Navigating Digital Peacebuilding in the Age of AI.” These discussions, moderated by accomplished educators, emphasized the role of educational institutions in fostering peaceful relationships and collaborative solutions within communities.
Launch of the Philippine Peace Institute
In addition, the Philippine Peace Institute (PPI) was formally launched at the summit, designated as a national hub for advancing peace, reconciliation, and unity through research and capacity building. The institute’s mission includes bridging academic insights with policy implementation, facilitating evidence-based recommendations, and promoting collaboration among various educational and community initiatives.
Commitment to Peace Education
Participants underscored the critical importance of institutionalizing peace education for its long-term sustainability, advocating for its incorporation into national education policies. The summit concluded with a shared commitment to advancing peace education as an essential component of national development and social cohesion.
Original source: Mindanao State University – MSU-Main Campus
