WMSU-Peace and Human Security Institute

27/01/2026

The WMSU Peace and Human Security Institute extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished in the tragic sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in the Basilan waters on January 26, 2026. Our hearts ache with you for the lives lost, including the innocent and the brave souls whose journeys were cut short.

We hold in our thoughts and prayers all those who remain missing, and we stand with the survivors in this moment of profound loss and uncertainty. May they find strength, comfort, and support from their communities and from one another.

We especially lift up our partners and friends from the islands whose families and loved ones were among those affected by this devastating incident. Please know that you are not alone, we grieve with you, mourn with you, and commit to supporting you in any way we can.

In solidarity and compassion 🙏

WMSU Peace and Human Security Institute

21/09/2024

HUMAN RIGHTS 101 LEARNING SESSION

The Commission on Human Rights IX, in collaboration with the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Peace and Human Security Institute (PHSI), which serves as the Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE), successfully conducted a Learning Session on "Human Rights 101" for the WMSU Youth Peace Mediators-UNESCO Club, who are also CHRE volunteers. The session took place on September 20, 2024, at the Peace Education Resource Nook.

The event was facilitated by Ms. Shareeka Jean Villamer, Project Officer, under the guidance and supervision of Associate Professor Ludivina B. Dekit, Director of the PHSI.

Mr. Daniel Paculanang, Information Officer II from the Commission on Human Rights IX, delivered a presentation on the fundamentals of human rights and the mandates of the Commission. Additionally, Atty. Ronaele Ventus provided a comprehensive discussion on the Bill of Rights.

This activity aligns with WMSU’s vision of equipping students with the values and principles of peace and global citizenship, fostering their development as informed and active advocates of human rights.

13/09/2024

𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞: 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

On September 11, 2024, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) took another bold step in its commitment to fostering global citizenship and peace education. Through its Peace and Human Security Institute (PHSI), WMSU conducted an interactive learning session titled “𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞: 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.”

Facilitated by Asso. Prof. Ludivina B. Dekit, the Director of PHSI, the event engaged Grade 11 (in the morning) and Grade 12 students (in the afternoon) in a journey of peacebuilding and understanding the essence of being a global citizen. The session highlighted the importance of cultivating a sense of responsibility towards peace and community empowerment, aligning with the university's vision under the leadership of President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena.

The interactive learning experience included thought-provoking activities that encouraged students to reflect on their roles in fostering peace. Guided by co-facilitators Ms. Shareeka Jean Villamer, Project Officer and Ms. Mary Ann Francisco, PHSI Staff, students explored what peace means to them personally and what it means to be a global citizen. Through group discussions and collaborative brainstorming, participants developed concept maps illustrating the interconnectedness of peace and global citizenship, showcasing their understanding of unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility in both local and global contexts.

The session concluded with a reflection led by Director, Assoc. Prof. Ludivina B. Dekit, who inspired students to carry forward their newfound insights into their daily lives, both within their schools and communities. This event served as a powerful reminder that peace begins within each of us and that nurturing global citizens is essential for building a future grounded in unity and understanding.

WMSU continues to empower the next generation to be agents of peace, celebrating cultural diversity and promoting harmony.

07/09/2024

IN PHOTOS:

With the continuous collaborative efforts of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) through the Peace and Human Security Institute (PHSI) in taking a proactive role in organizing a Peace and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) Learning Session, the second session for Grade 6 of WMSU Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) students was conducted successfully in the morning of September 6, 2024, in celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month 2024.

Interactive sessions were facilitated by Dr. Marlon Grande, a faculty member of WMSU, and Ms. Shareeka Jean Villamer, Project Officer of PHSI, under the overall guidance and supervision of Asso. Prof. Ludivina Borja-Dekit, Director of Peace and Human Security Institute: aimed at fostering peace awareness and global citizenship values among the Grade 6 students .

Effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving techniques, all of which are essential life skills equipped to students for resolving conflicts peacefully in the near future. And what better way of practicing such lessons and skills, than role-playing?Through these exercises, students had the chance to practice peaceful conflict resolution strategies in a controlled environment, and learned how to approach difficult situations in a constructive and non-violent manner.

As participants of society, these lessons are crucial not only for the fostering of peace and nurturing development within their community, but also for becoming responsible and functional global citizens.

For the brighter future ahead; hearty hoorays to our Mini Peace Mediators!!!

04/09/2024

IN PHOTOS:

On September 3, 2024, WMSU's Grade 5 students participated in the Peace & GCED Learning Sessions as part of National Peace Consciousness Month celebrations. This event was organized by Peace and Human Security Institute with the valuable assistance of the WMSU Peace Mediator UNESCO Club and the enthusiastic support of our dedicated ILS Elementary School Principal, Dr. Ana Louisa Perez.

The session was facilitated by Ms. Shareeka Jean Villamer, Project Officer, through the guidance and supervision of Asso. Prof. Ludivina B. Dekit, Director of Peace and Human Security Institute.

It involved engaging the students in role-playing three distinct conflict scenarios, where they were encouraged to explore and devise peaceful resolutions. This hands-on activity was designed to enhance their understanding of respect for diversity, foster effective dialogue and communication, and develop their conflict resolution skills. In addition, the students created posters illustrating their vision of a Peaceful School Community, further reinforcing their commitment to a harmonious environment.

The success of this initiative was greatly attributed to the steadfast dedication of our University President, Dr. Ma. Carla Ochotorena, whose unwavering support for peace and harmony made this event possible. The active participation of our students not only exemplifies their commitment to these values but also paves the way for a brighter, more cohesive, and peaceful future community.

04/09/2024

✨ LOOK! ✨

The Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU), is a UNESCO center dedicated to promoting Education for International Understanding (EIU) and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) across the Asia-Pacific region, and is gearing up for its highly anticipated annual conference! Since 2016, this event has been a cornerstone for educators, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to collaborate and drive innovation in GCED.

We are thrilled to announce that 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐋𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐁. 𝐃𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐭, Director of the Peace and Human Security Institute, is one of the distinguished 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 for the 𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐂𝐄𝐃, themed “Revitalizing Multilateralism for Peace through GCED.”

She presented a compelling plenary session titled “Storytelling for Peace,” sharing her personal journey of finding peace, healing, and resilience to inspire and motivate others.

The conference is currently being held in the vibrant city of Seoul, South Korea, from September 4-5, 2024.

We look forward to the impactful discussions and innovative ideas that will emerge from this significant event.

04/09/2024

HAPPY PEACE CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH!

This year's celebration is themed "Transforming Minds, Transforming Lives". As the process of changing the perception and sharpening the standpoints in life, it ripples and influence collective mindsets. This process motivate integration of more platforms, bringing and bridging together gaps in the society and foster a peaceful and healthy environment. It transcends tribes , culture, religion and other sociocultural factors. Initiating better relationship and emerging better skills in solving and handling the different complexities in the society.

As September trails its path to its harmonious nature, here are the activities and initiatives ready to be in motion for everybody to join and participate with. With the same heart and goal for cordial and conflict - free society, we are more than happy to invite you to this exciting Initiatives.

18/08/2024

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝟭𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝟬𝗳 𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆 🎉

On this special day, we are beyond happy to greet an amazing individual whose leadership is more than what words can describe, with her dedication and love to her work she has unknowingly inspire people.

To our very own passionate, hardworking and active university president, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐚. 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐚 𝐀. 𝐎𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐚 we wish you a happiest birthday filled with so much joy, and triumph for this day and for the coming days, weeks and years. Indeed, you did not just inspire people’s lives, but you also encourage them to go beyond what they can do and to explore more. AND THAT, WE ARE MORE THAN HAPPY, MORE THAN THANKFUL 🥰

Once Again, from your PHSI family, Happy Birthday our ever so active and beautiful Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena!

30/05/2024

IN PHOTOS: CCAA’s PARTNERS’ FINANCIAL ORIENTATION FOR ACADEMIC PARTNERS

On May 21, 2023, the Council for Climate and Conflict Action Asia (CCAA), formerly known as International Alert Philippines, conducted a “Partners' Financial Orientation for Academic Partners” in Quezon City, Manila.

The orientation aimed to ensure effective financial management and accountability among partner organizations involved in the CCAA's initiatives.

CCAA is an independent non-governmental organization focused on understanding the roots of violent conflicts and vulnerabilities, and the interconnectedness of climate and conflict to achieve lasting peace. The project encompasses not only the region but also includes Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

The orientation was attended by representatives from the Council for Climate and Conflict Action Asia (CCAA), and its academic partners from Notre Dame University in Cotabato and Western Mindanao State University represented by the Peace and Human Security Intitute Director and Project Senior Researcher, Asso. Prof. Ludivina Borja-Dekit, and Project Officer Shareeka Jean Villamer.

19/04/2024

Happy Birthday to the esteemed Director of WMSU Peace and Human Security Institute, Associate Professor Ludivina B. Dekit Ludy Duarte Borja and Congratulations on passing your Comprehensive Examination for Doctor of Public Administration! 🥳

Your unwavering commitment to peacebuilding serves as a beacon of inspiration to many of us, especially to young leaders. Cheers to a year be full of success, fulfillment and happiness! ❤️

13/03/2024

HAPPENING NOW!

Awareness on Safe Space Act and Sexual Harassment

“𝓐 𝔀𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪 𝓿𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝔂 𝓭𝓮𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓪 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝔀𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷."—𝓜𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓪 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓱 𝓖𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓼

In celebration of National Women's Month, the Commission on Human Rights, Regional Office IX, will be conducting a human rights education entitled 𝐏𝐒𝐒𝐓!: 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 on March 13, 2024. The focus of this seminar is to raise awareness about the Safe Spaces Act and gender-based sexual harassment, as well as to shed light on the process by which educational institutions prevent and investigates cases of gender-based sexual harassment. This is essential to promoting a healthy environment free from harassment that is safe for everyone.

The said activity will take place on March 13, 2024, at the CTE, Social Hall, Western Mindanao State University, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City. This is in partnership with WMSU-Peace and Human Security Institute and partner organizations such as the WMSU Youth Peace Mediators - UNESCO Club, WMSU College of Liberal Arts -SC, WMSU Lakandiwa, WMSU CLA Gender Club, Rotaract Club of Western Mindanao State University, and Department of Political Science, WMSU.

Join us in this advocacy and participate for a better and safer environment for everyone!

08/02/2024

🕊️ WIHW 2024 - DAY 6: HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION ON THE RULE OF LAW AND INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW✨

“Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about the things that matter.” — Martin Luther King II.

On February 7, 2024, as the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024 concluded in the afternoon session, the WMSU Peace & Human Security Institute, in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights Region IX, conducted an engaging discussions on Human Rights Education on the Rule of Law, and International Humanitarian Law with members of the WMSU UNESCO Club and other students from different colleges participated in discussions addressing global issues to include violence, terrorism and other human rights violations.

Esteemed guests from the Commission on Human Rights, Information Officer III, Mr. Daniel S. Paculanag and Atty. Ronaele L. Ventus explored the significance of International Humanitarian Law and emphasized the importance of staying informed about current events.

Additionally, Dr. Nursia M. Barjose, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, imparted her life experiences, inspiring participants toward the pursuit of peace.