15/06/2026
𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟑 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 | The third day of the Champions for Peace 2026 National Workshop brought delegates beyond the classroom and into communities, providing valuable opportunities to witness peacebuilding in action and deepen their understanding of social cohesion, inclusive development, and community resilience.
The day began with a meaningful Community Visit to Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, where delegates immersed themselves in the stories, experiences, and initiatives that have shaped the municipality’s transformation toward peace and sustainable development. Accompanied by 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒇. 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑨𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒚 𝑱. 𝑻𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒔, 𝑷𝒉𝑫, participants engaged with local leaders and community representatives who shared valuable insights on grassroots peacebuilding and collaborative governance.
A highlight of the visit was the message delivered by 𝑯𝒐𝒏. 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒍 𝑪. 𝑨𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒅𝒐, Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Kauswagan, who emphasized the foundations of lasting peace, stating, “As [delegates of] Champions for Peace, kailangan nasa loob ng puso at utak natin na para magkaroon ng sustainable peace sa ating lugar, hindi lamang sa Mindanao, kundi sa buong Pilipinas, dapat merong Inclusive Peace, Shared Development at may Respected Population.” His message reinforced the importance of inclusivity, equitable progress, and mutual respect in building peaceful communities.
Returning to Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, delegates continued their learning journey through Module 6: Harmony with People: The Peace Playbook, facilitated by 𝑱𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒉 𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒘𝒊𝒔 𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒑. Through meaningful discussions and collaborative engagements, participants explored key peacebuilding concepts and reflected on the role of dialogue, understanding, and collective action in fostering peaceful and inclusive societies.
The learning sessions continued with Module 7: Social Cohesion in Action: Dream It, Draft It, Do It, facilitated by 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝑫𝒆 𝑳𝒖𝒏𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒛. Delegates were encouraged to transform ideas into actionable initiatives, applying the principles and lessons gained throughout the workshop into concrete plans that promote social cohesion, active citizenship, and sustainable peacebuilding within their respective communities.
As the sun set on a productive day of learning, reflection, and collaboration, delegates gathered for the Cultural Night—a vibrant celebration of diversity, unity, and shared identity. Through cultural presentations, performances, and meaningful interactions, participants strengthened the bonds formed throughout the workshop while appreciating the richness of the cultures and experiences represented by fellow youth leaders from different communities.
As Day 3 concluded, delegates carried forward valuable lessons on inclusive peace, community engagement, and collective action—further strengthening their commitment to becoming advocates of peace, resilience, and positive change in their communities and beyond.
𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘗𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘴 & 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘢 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦
