By Genevieve Balance Kupang

Peace is a Team Effort

 Baguio Central University’s 3rd World March for Peace and Nonviolence sets a powerful example of how collaboration and shared purpose can foster peace and understanding on a global scale.

BCU Stakeholders’ Commitment to Ethics: A Unified Pledge for Peace and Responsibility.

Event Setup and Decoration

The participants of the 3rd World March (3WM) for Peace and Nonviolence Philippine leg extend their deepest gratitude to the remarkable Baguio Central University (BCU) various committees . This includes the decoration team. Through their creativity and teamwork, they transformed the stage into an inspiring backdrop, pregnant with colors and meaning, setting the perfect tone for the peace event held last October 21, 2024 at the Dr. Margarita Fernandez Hall, Bonifacio Campus.

Our profound appreciation goes to all participants who joined the 3rd World March for Peace. Special thanks to University President Dr. Margarita Cecilda Rillera, Board of Trustees Secretary-Treasurer Sir Oscar Rillera, and their daughter, Ma’am Michaela Rillera, for their dedicated efforts in bringing this advocacy to life. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Engr. Lorelie Malit, Reynaldo Runez, John Leo De Veyra, Adrian Tomelden, Christina Wallang, and Michael Rodriguez for their indispensable support.

We are grateful to our clinic personnel, Ma’am Shermine Melchor; the Elementary Faculty—Ma’ams Monica Ignacio, Brendalyne Ferrer, Orayza Mae Malasmas, and Shiela Lupaken; the Junior High Faculty, Italine Sanoy and Osmund Lictawa, Ms. Merline Ignas—for their hard work and creative contributions. A special note of appreciation goes to Ma’am Sheena Pangda, Cherry Mae Pumihic, the SSC/SGO Officers and their team, as well as the CTELA Faculty, particularly Dr. Jennifer Longchasen, for their meticulous attention to detail. We also recognize the talented Grade School, High School, and College learners whose peace posters became a vital part of the stage’s stunning backdrop and decorations.

Sample peace-inspired artworks created by our talented BCU learners , each piece a vibrant expression of their hopes for a harmonious world.

The Quiet Force of Unity: Shout-out to our decoration committee members: Reynaldo Runez, John Leo De Veyra, Adrian Tomelden, and Michael Rodriguez in motion for decoration. Engr. Lorelie Malit and Dr. Jennifer Longchasen worked with the Elementary and Jr. High School faculty in inflating and tying balloons. Their combined efforts exemplify the spirit of collaboration that transforms events into memorable experiences for all!

 A Colorful Collaboration for Peace! Sir Oscar Rillera, Ma’am Micah Rillera, Miss Italine Sanoy, and Miss Breandalyn Ferrer transformed the entrance with white and blue balloons—the colors of peace. Their teamwork beautifully enhanced the space, embodying community spirit and reminding us that every contribution enriches our shared mission!

John Leo De Veyra draped the venue with blue and white fabric decorations.

Key Speakers and Guests

In a powerful display of unity and dedication to peace, invited resource persons and BCU administrators gathered for a memorable photo. L-R: Mahadia Soria and Abdelrahman Elfranji, Dr. Elma Donaal, Dr. Margarita Cecilda Rillera, Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang, Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Mr. Ryan Javier, and Rev. Fr. Ramon Caluza, CICM. Photo credit: Michael Rodriguez.

Together, the resource persons and guests who delivered their peace insights and the BCU stakeholders embody the shared commitment to fostering peace. This gathering stands as a testament to the strength of collaboration in the pursuit of harmony and understanding. Their presence reminds us that every effort counts, reinforcing that peace is not merely an ideal but a collective responsibility.

A powerful meeting of journeys—from Gaza and Chile, converging in the Philippines: a World March base team representative shares a heartfelt conversation with a refugee, creating a safe space and building a bridge of empathy.

Elma D. Donaal, EdD, BCU’s VP for Academic Affairs, delivered her closing remarks with heartfelt gratitude, thanking the Lord and all attendees for contributing to this beautiful and meaningful Peace event. Her words resonated with appreciation, highlighting the collective effort that made the occasion a success.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Donaal expressed deep gratitude to everyone in attendance. “Gawis ay labi tako ngam-in! Madaydayaw ti Nagan ni Apo Diyos for this beautiful and meaningful Peace event. This gathering is a testament to our shared vision for peace, beginning with hope and concluding with optimism for the future we aspire to build together.

My sincere thanks to Mr. Jomard Calamba and the Chamber Choir, Coach Lea Angelica Alhambra and the Fungakan Dance Troupe and the Centralian Street Dance Troupe for their performances that captured the spirit of peace and cultural unity. To our honored guests—Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Rev. Fr. Ramon Caluza, CICM, Couple Mahadia Soria and Abdelrahman with their son Jumaa Elfranji; Mr. Ryan Javier; Mr. Wilfredo Alfsen (WM Base Team Member from Chile), Karina Lagdameo Santillan, Prof. Robert Frederick Hayden Jr., Rafael de la Rubia, Ms. Tiziana Volta, the Philippine-Italian Association, Madam President Dr. Margarita Cecilda Rillera, Trustee secretary and treasurer Sir Oscar Rillera and family, Vice Presidents Dr. Perfecto Lopez and Ma’am Amalia Ancheta,  and all who joined us—your presence has enriched this event and strengthened our collective commitment to a peaceful, just world.

 I also gave a special appreciation to the organizing team headed by Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang, the deans, faculty, the Student Supreme Council, the Student Government Organization and students whose tireless efforts brought this gathering to life. Let us carry forward the lessons and unity from these past days, working to bridge divides; may each of us continue as active agents of peace, building the compassionate future we envision. Thank you all for your contributions. MABUHAY, and may peace prevail in Baguio, the Philippines, and across the earth!”

 Artistic Performance for Peace and Non-Violence

A dancer from the Fungakan Dance Troupe.

The BCU Chamber Choir conducted by Sir Jomard Calamba. Credit: Angelo Salamat.

The Fungakan dancers gracefully shared their talent, moving in harmony for the cause of peace.

The BCU Organizing Team for the 3WM for Peace and NonViolence

A hearty cheer goes out to all the amazing individuals who made the 3rd World March Philippine Leg a success! Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Margarita Cecilda B. Rillera, Sir Oscar B. Rillera, Dr. Elma Donaal, Ma’am Michaela Caryl Rillera, and the Casa Lasa chef and team. Our gratitude extends to Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang, Ms. Sheenah Pearl Pangda, Engr. Lorelie Malit, Dr. Michael Sebullen, Dr. Lilian Pagulongan, Dr. Loida Mangangey, Dr. Lourdes Bela-o, Dr. Samuel Neyney, Dr. Jennifer Longchasen, Ms. Teresa Lyn Matiwtiw, Dr. Manion Alcantara, Dr. Edna Culbongan, Ma’am Merline Ignas, and the Senior High School Faculty and Students.

With extra applause to Sir Karl Matthieu Rillera, Ms. Italine Joy A. Sanoy, Sir Osmund Lictawa, the Junior High School Faculty, Ms. Monica Ignacio and the Grade School Faculty, Ms. Christina Wallang, the Graduate School Faculty and Students, Ivy Grace M. Bunnat, Kathleen Geryls Chua, Joemary Q. Dulay, Jessver S. Castañeda, Ms. Deberlyn Baleros, the Flame staff, Sir Michael Rodriguez, and the Student Supreme Council and Student Government Organizations.

Thank you all for your incredible support and teamwork!

Some 3WM for peace organizers gathered for a meeting with international representatives Tiziana Volta (Italy), Karina Santillan (Manila), Wilfredo Alfsen (Chile), Margherita (Switzerland), and other BCU organizers. L-R: Italine Joy A. Sanoy, Sheenah Pearl L. Pangda,  Kathleen Geryls Chua, Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, Ivy Grace M. Bunnat, Joemary Q. Dulay, Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang, and Jessver S. Castañeda. This dynamic team collaborated with international and local partners to bring the 3WM for Peace to life, exemplifying their commitment to a united, peaceful global community.

Pre-Event: The BCU Graduate School Participation in the 3WM

Pre-event. The Master of Public Administration classes, led by Dr. Ma. Remedios Laroco, the Dean of the Graduate School and International Relations Officer Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang show their support for the 3WM for Peace. Demonstrating their commitment, they purchased World March t-shirts, attended the event, and signed their tarpaulin as a symbol of their pledge to peace. Credit: Michael Rodriguez.

Pre-event. Clad in their 3WM for Peace t-shirts, the EDMGT & PHAS students demonstrated their solidarity and support for the movement. They showcased collective power in the pursuit of a more harmonious world. L-R: Emily Libod, Josefa Dampilag, Junifer Felix, Jonathan Lagan, Genevieve Kupang, Christine Loyosen, Pacita Gawaen, Alaska Turaray, Marvin Victoriano and Jhayra Bayacsan. Credit: Michael Rodriguez.

Pre-Event (October 19, 2024). BCU Graduate School students and faculty joyfully showed their unwavering support for the 3rd World March for Peace and Non-Violence! Credit: Michael Rodriguez.

As we move forward, let’s keep building unity and compassion that echo through our communities. The 3rd World March Philippine Leg wasn’t just an event; it was a collective masterpiece made possible by our incredible “Peace Dream Team.”

This heartfelt tribute goes out to every hand that helped: our talented culinary team, dedicated servers, sharp documenters, guest drivers, gracious hosts, creative designers, poster artists, and spirited emcees—all brought peace to life with their unique touch. To everyone who printed tarpaulins, sold and bought 3WM T-shirts, coordinated deliveries, crafted messages, and organized every detail—your efforts turned this vision into reality with flair, dedication, and love.

Thank you for filling each role with purpose and passion. May the God of Peace continue to bless you with joy and abundance as you work toward a peaceful world.

The 3rd World March at Baguio Central University was more than a gathering; it was a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to harmony. This event ignited a renewed sense of purpose in each of us, sowing seeds of peace that we carry back into our everyday lives. Inspired by this experience, we pledge to continue promoting dialogue and compassion, encouraging our community to become advocates for peace. Together, we’ll keep this momentum alive, working to make peace not just an aspiration but a legacy.

In case you missed reading the previous series, here are the links:

#HeartfeltGratitudetoBCU3WMOrganizers

#3rdWorldMarchPhilippineLeg

#PromotionoftheCultureofPeace

#UNSDG#16,SDG#17,SDG#11

#JusticePeaceandIntegrityofCreation

About the Author:

  Genevieve Balance Kupang  is the Dean of the Graduate School and International Relations Officer at Baguio Central University. As a member of the board of directors for both the Cordillera Association of Internationalization Relations Offices (CAIRO) and the World University Network of Innovation (WUNI)-Leaders, she is at the forefront of global collaboration. An applied cosmic anthropologist, she explores the intersections of culture and the arts, peace, justice, the integrity of creation, interfaith dialogue, curriculum and instruction and ethical AI usage. Her joy lies in empowering learners of all ages to become the best versions of themselves, nurturing their writing talents and encouraging them to share their unique voices with the world. With her, education transcends the classroom, transforming aspirations into impactful narratives!