The University and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) held exploratory talks on November 4, 2026, at the Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) Hub in the Talisay (Main) Campus, to identify areas of collaboration in peace education, covering academics, research, and community extension.
NIR South Coordinator April Casalem of OPAPRU met with OIC-VP for Academic Affairs Arjay Alvarado; OIC-Dean Jose Lizael Lampinez of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS); Dean Ophelia Duayan of the College of Education; BA Social Science (BASS) Program Chair Robert Pardillo; Director Rhoderick Samonte of the Center for Internationalization and External Relations; and Research and Development Services Director Ivy Aboy, OIC-VP for Research, Extension, and Intellectual Property.
Joining them were Research Coordinator John Gerald Pilar of the College of Business Management and Accountancy, CAS Extension Coordinator April Abrera, CAS Faculty May Peracullo, and OPAPRU staff Nadevere De Leon and Francis Lagtapon.
CAS / Robert Pardillo photos
During the meeting, the Social Science Guild of CHMSU’s BASS Program expressed interest in facilitating the proposed Peace Education Quiz Bee. The activity aims to raise students’ awareness of peace, conflict resolution, and national unity, and to encourage a culture of peace on campus.
Through the partnership, CHMSU and OPAPRU also aim to conduct the Peace Education Research Conference. The proposed conference would give researchers, faculty, students, and peace advocates a venue to present findings, exchange ideas, and explore new ways of integrating peace education into classrooms and communities.
The two institutions also discussed possible joint research, capacity-building activities, instructional materials and lesson exemplars, and community programs promoting peace awareness and social responsibility.
The discussions reflect both institutions’ shared commitment to the role of higher education in promoting peace, reconciliation, and unity.
