ENGAGING students of the Tertiary Schools of San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) in various holistic and informative discussions about the state of unrest in the Philippines, the Bedan International Studies Association (BISA) organized the PEACEtahan Series to create a platform for engaging discussions, and bring together students to take action and foster holistic understanding and promote informed perspectives among the tertiary school students last  Nov. 14 at the Tugade Auditorium.

The event was in collaboration with the Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP), Bedan Educators' Society (BEdS), Bedan Entrepreneurship Society (BES), SBCA Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA), SBCA Bedan Information Technology Society (BITS), SBCA Junior People Management Association (JPMAP), The Bedan Herald, Tatak Bedista TV, and Rotaract SBCA. The event was attended not only by  Bedans but also by guest schools, including Miriam College.

Moreover, it featured esteemed individuals such as Kjerrimyr Rodrigo Andres, National Chairperson of the Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP), Atty. Ephraim Cortez, Secretary General of the National Union of Philippine People’s Lawyers, and Patrick Joshua Santos, Chairperson of the Katipunan ng Kristiyanong Kabataan sa Pilipinas. 

The discussions encompassed the economic and financial state of the Philippines, delving into topics like the Poverty Threshold. A highlight in one of the discussions were from Atty. Cortez, where he talked about the massacres and the insurgency occuring in country,  "Hangga't hindi na-reresolba ang mga root causes kung bakit may ganitong uri ng pag-aagnas, kahit pa sumurender ang New People's Army, magkakaroon ng magkakaroon muli ng struggle na kapareho niya dahil hindi na-address ang root causes. We have to look at the social-economic condition ng mamamayan," he said. 

The discussion also delved into Structural Violence and Oppression, not only in the Philippines but also in areas around the world, particularly in South Africa and the United States of America. Students actively participated in various activities and games, including retelling significant parts of our history where Filipinos fought for peace and justice along with reflecting on the story of Rosario —  a tale that examines the challenges within the Philippine Healthcare System.

In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, Raenielle Cruz (IV- BAIS PGER), BISA President, shared that the PEACEtahan series is about peace and social justice in the Philippines. When asked about the primary objective of the event, she said, “Mainly, PEACEtahan aims to initiate conversations and to enlighten the youth about the concept of unpeace in the Philippines (i.e., poverty, abuse, violence, etc.). With this, PEACEtahan advocates for community participation that pursues lasting peace and social justice in our country.” 

Then, when asked about the ways BISA and the other partner organizations intend to educate and inform the audience about peace and social justice through the series, she said, “It was able to meet its objectives of promoting and advocating for peace and social justice through talks and activities. The event was divided into parts with different speakers, which highlighted a certain aspect of unpeace in the country.”

Lastly, Cruz shared about the possibility of creating another event as part of this series. “The event is originally theirs and BISA simply became an instrument in bringing this event and advocacy to San Beda College Alabang. BISA is also planning events for the 2nd Semester that emphasize peace, social justice, and significant events in Philippine history.” She said.