In response to CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No 1, Series of 2019, titled “Integration of Peace Studies/Education into Relevant Higher Education Curricula,” Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan, together with the Council of Peace Educators (CPEd) and under the auspices of CHED Region X, held the 1st Peace Education Learning Exchange and Capacity Enhancement Conference from 6 to 7 April 2026 at the Little Theatre of Xavier University. The event, themed “Weaving Peace into Every Thread: Advancing and Innovating Pathways for Peace Education,” aimed to enhance the competencies of peace educators in integrating peace education into relevant higher education curricula through innovative, and context-based teaching approaches.
The event opened with the participation of esteemed figures, including CHED officials, Council of Peace Educators headed by Dr Mirasol L Baguio and Xavier University administrators: University President Fr Mars P Tan, SJ, VP for Higher Education Dr Juliet Q Dalagan, College of Arts and Sciences Dean and Xavier Center for Lifelong Learning Director Dr Judy P Sendaydiego, School of Education Dean Dr Edralin C Manla, Vice President (Internal) of the Council of Peace Educators- Region X and Focal Person of the Conference from XU Dr Roderick Z Ocangas and CPED Treasurer Ms Alice Cubillan. The opening remarks by Fr Tan stressed the importance of Peace Education as a course and the need for educators to be well-equipped in their teaching.
Commission on Higher Education OIC of the Office of the Director IV Dr Arlita Amapola B Minguez, shared her message, which centered on how peace education raises change by reshaping attitudes and behaviors toward non-violence, justice, and environmental care. She also mentioned on CHED’s support for integrating Peace Studies into higher education, encouraging each institution to promote both negative and positive peace in personal, social, and ecological realms. This holistic approach is essential for sustainable development and healing communities. While Dr Rosemae Lumasag, Education Supervisor II, acknowledged the presence of the participants from different higher institutions in the Region, highlighting as well the photo opportunity with CHED and Xavier University officials. She stressed the importance of teachers, with the support of administrators, in attending conferences and trainings to stay updated on teaching innovation. She further reiterated the importance of CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No 1, series of 2019, which integrates Peace Studies into Curriculum and CMO No 42, series of 2021, which provides further guidelines on implementing Peace Education.
The keynote speaker, Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM) Director Dr Mark Anthony Torres, underscored the significance of peace in communities and the necessity of equipping teachers to address the challenges of peace education. His session, “Weaving Peace into Every Thread: Integrating Peace Education into General Education,” set the tone for the workshops that followed. The conference continued with various activities, each designed to enhance the skills of educators in integrating peace into their curriculum and teaching methods.
Among the distinguished talks were Ms Jourdyn P Balane’s “Weaving Peace into Every Thread: Peace Education Teaching Approaches,” and Mr Walter I Balane’s workshop on the role of peace educators in addressing conflict through research. The workshops provided a hands-on approach to peace education, enabling participants to develop course outlines that integrated peace studies into general education courses, such as Purposive Communication, Understanding the Self, Ethics, Science, Technology, and Society, and NSTP.
Additionally, participants were introduced to practical tools like AI to assist in developing research titles and teaching materials. The event also explored how peace initiatives in Mindanao have contributed to the region’s stability and development, with XU Campus Minister Ms Mona Lisa D Pangan, offering essential insights into the historical background of peace efforts in Mindanao. In the final workshop titled “Weaving Peace into Every Thread: Strengthening Educators as Peace Builders (The Peace Circle Workshop),” Council of Peace Educators (CPED)-R10 President Dr Mirasol Laguerta and Dr Cesar Gamba shared strategies for strengthening educators as peacebuilders. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions and workshops to better understand their role in promoting peace and non-violence through education.
The Council expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Xavier Center for Lifelong Learning, the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, and the Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts for their invaluable support in ensuring the success of the conference. They also extended their appreciation to the participants from across Region X for contributing to the event’s success.
This capacity-building conference provided participants with 6 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The insights and skills gained from the conference are expected to significantly enrich the teaching practices of the educators, empowering them to better integrate peace education into their curricula and foster peace in their communities.