The Department of Political Science of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, in partnership with The Political Science Forum, organized a lecture entitled “Usaping Bangsamoro sa Administrasyong Aquino” last October 27, 2015 at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex Auditorium. The keynote speakers were the lead personalities in the Bangsamoro peace process, namely: Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Peace Panel Chair, and Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga, MILF Executive Director of the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies.
Both speakers shared their thoughts and experiences during the negotiations between the government peace panel and the Muslim panel of representatives. Both pinned their hopes on the creation of an autonomous political entity for Mindanao through the passing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which, the speakers emphasized, holds the key to the peace that the Muslims so desired. Prof. Ferrer lamented the fact that the negative publicity brought about by the Mamasapano incident has overthrown the benefits and advantages of the Bangsamoro peace agreement. After the lectures, a panel of reactors explained their take on the chances of the peace process to work in Mindanao. Dr. Augusto De Viana (Chair of the Department of History), Dr. Dennis Coronacion (Chair of the Department of Political Science), and Mr. Clint Lou Estapia, took turns in giving their reactions and comments on the said topic.
Patterned after the format of academe meets the government, the Benigno Aquino III Administration Lecture Series is meant to assess the major policies and programs of the outgoing government. Thus, the organizers have included in the lecture series an array of public issues of national importance. It is the academe’s way of engaging the government to address issues of national importance, such as the peace process in Mindanao.
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