First Peace and Human Rights Training Workshop and Dialogue with Refugees in the Philippines
In partnership with the Center for Transformative Education of the Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences (FBeSS-CTE), Philippine Normal University (PNU) – Manila, and the Philippine Arab Cooperation Council, Inc. (PACCI)
Audio-Visual Theatre, 4th Floor, Edilberto P. Dagot Hall, PNU
November 3–4, 2025
The First Peace and Human Rights Training Workshop and Dialogue with Refugees in the Philippines was successfully held on November 3–4, 2025, at the Audio-Visual Theatre of the Philippine Normal University.
The event brought together 18 refugees and rights holders, members of the PACCI Management Committee, 25 students and organizers from the Center for Transformative Education, and four representatives from Community and Family Services International (CFSI).
The activity seeks to strengthen teacher, and community capacities in human rights, peacebuilding, and inclusive education. The objectives are the following:
Clarify the refugee protection and framework in the Philippines, including Refugee Status Determination (RSD). Complementary protection, and situate it within international human rights standards.
Surface experiences of refugee education, work, safety and community life via facilitated dialogue (story circles and testimonies)
Identify policy and implementation gaps and agree on concrete commitments by agencies, schools and CSO’s for collaborative follow-through.
Strengthen partnership among PNU, PACCI, Commission on Human Rights (CHR), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Department of Justice -Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit DOJ-RSPPU, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity OPAPPRU, Local Government Units LGU’s schools and refugee led groups for sustained action.
DAY 1
Orientation, Workshops, and Panel Discussion
The program opened with an orientation led by Ms. Ma. Theresa J. Limpin, Program Development Officer of PACCI and long-time peace and human rights advocate. She facilitated the activity “What is Peace to Me?”, where participants wrote their own understanding of peace on heart-shaped cards and posted them on a shared wall. This was followed by “Do We See Violence?”, an activity designed to help participants identify forms of violence in everyday images. The session concluded with a key reflection: “How can we address peace if we do not see violence?”
Ms. Limpin also delivered a special message underscoring PNU’s historical role in welcoming refugees across three generations. She invited all participants to become Peace Weavers, strengthening peacebuilding through shared learning and compassion.
Welcome Messages
Dr. Zyrallie A. Lotivio-Bedural, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, recalled PACCI and CFSI’s initial engagement with PNU and their first joint activity—a language study session held in May 2024. She reaffirmed PNU’s long-term commitment to peace and human rights education and expressed enthusiasm for continuing collaborative efforts that empower students to promote peace and understanding within their communities.
Dr. Gladys C. Nivera, Dean of the College of Teacher Development, reflected on her realization—only in 2024, during PACCI’s visit—that refugees continue to reside in the Philippines. She expressed pride in the country’s tradition of hospitality, recalling her encounter with a former Vietnamese refugee who is now an engineer in the United States and speaks fondly of the Philippines.
Workshop:
Voices from Refugees – Story Circles
Facilitated by PNU-FBES student representatives, the Story Circles workshop allowed refugees to share their experiences on education, work, safety, and community life. The session marked the first structured dialogue between refugees and PNU students, creating a transformative, empathy-building learning experience.
PANEL DISCUSSION 1:
Understanding Refugees and Advancing Their Rights
Moderated by Asst. Prof. Timothy James L. Cipriano, the panel featured:
Ms. Iris Joy Tayag, Protection Associate, UNHCR Philippines
Atty. Charlene Mae C. Calingasan, State Counsel, DOJ Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit
Mr. Rafea Salem El-Hawi, Executive Director, PACCI
Atty. Kristian Jeff C. Episcope, Regional Director, Commission on Human Rights – Philippines
The discussion clarified the Philippine refugee protection framework, complementary protection mechanisms, and their alignment with international human rights standards.
A dynamic Q&A followed. A PNU student asked how Gen Z advocates can support refugee rights and combat discrimination. Adil, a refugee participant, inquired about the UNHCR “Each One Take One” (EOTO) program and its benefits for refugees in the Philippines. These exchanges deepened participants’ understanding of both policy environments and lived experiences.
The day concluded with a synthesis from Ms. Samar Salah, leader of the PACCI Women’s Collective, who expressed profound gratitude for the safe space created and the stories courageously shared.
She emphasized that peace and human rights are built through understanding, compassion, and everyday acts of kindness.
She thanked all organizers, speakers, and partners, leaving participants inspired to continue the journey of hope, solidarity, and shared humanity.
DAY 2
Peacebuilding Perspectives and Ways Forward
Day 2 opened with Panel Discussion 2: Refugees, Rights, and Peacebuilding – Lessons from Palestine and the Philippines, featuring:
A video presentation from Atty. Reina S. Bermudez, Chief, Center for Social Justice and Humanitarian Protection, CHR
A written message from Mr. Ziad A.M. Bedaiwi, First Secretary, Embassy of the State of Palestine, read by Asst. Prof. Cipriano
Mr. Bedaiwi’s message emphasized that the Palestinian struggle is fundamentally a human rights issue rooted in decades of occupation, forced displacement, and the denial of dignity and freedom. He highlighted education as a powerful tool for peacebuilding, sustaining identity and resilience. He encouraged deeper Philippine–Palestine cooperation in peace education, community dialogue, and solidarity efforts.
These discussions offered participants deeper insights into conflict, resilience, and the pursuit of peace.
Workshop:
Reflections and Ways Forward
The final workshop invited participants to synthesize lessons and identify practical next steps. Refugees articulated their aspirations and priorities as rights holders in the Philippines, while students expressed eagerness to volunteer in future PACCI programs.
The two-day event concluded with a group photo and announcements of upcoming PACCI initiatives, refugee-led businesses, and opportunities for student engagement. The workshop strengthened collaboration between PNU and PACCI and deepened understanding, solidarity, and shared commitment to peace and human rights.
“We may come from different places, but our shared longing for safety, justice, and humanity unites us all,” shared Samar Salah. Her message captured the spirit of the workshop—reminding everyone that peacebuilding is a collective journey shaped by diverse experiences and a shared hope for dignity.
The dialogue created a space where refugees felt heard and valued, and where students recognized their role in fostering inclusive, rights-affirming communities. All participants affirmed their commitment to continue learning, advocating, and standing in solidarity beyond the two-day workshop—translating understanding into action and strengthening the partnerships built throughout the event.
