TEY in Action: SCC and MPPM Rally Youth on Faith’s Role in Peace Building; Tri-People Voices Take Center Stage
In a strategic move to strengthen the foundational values of the next generation of peace advocates, the Transformative Education for Youth (TEY) program, through the SCC Peace and Tri-people Dialogue center, partnered with the Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement (MPPM) to convene a one-day peace-building seminar on August 9, 2025 at the Audi-visual Center 2.
Centered on the theme “Establishing Common Understanding on the Role of Faith in Peace Building,” the event gathered higher education students from the various departments of Southern Christian College (SCC-HEU). As a core component of the TEY curriculum, the seminar challenged students to explore how spiritual conviction—often a source of tension in Mindanao—can instead serve as a catalyst for social harmony and resilience.
The seminar featured insights from seasoned peace practitioners, Mr. Marionito Meringuez, the Project Coordinator of MPPM-KM, and Mr. Bong Fenis from the Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan para sa mga Kabataang Pantao.
The discussions aimed to mold participants into “Values-Based Leaders.” By enhancing their understanding of the specific roles that faith and youth religious groups play in conflict resolution, the speakers emphasized a core TEY principle: faith should not be a divider, but a bridge to break down barriers and strengthen inclusivity among diverse communities.
A highlight of the event was the representation of the Tri-people of Mindanao: the Bangsamoro, Indigenous Peoples (IP), and Migrant settlers.
Participants shared unique yet interconnected perspectives, defining peacebuilding as both an “act of unity and resistance” against historical fragmentation. The forum fostered deep conversations on self-understanding and equality, allowing students to gain empathy and respect for each other’s distinct histories and struggles.
The event concluded with a strong call to action, as participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to a harmonious and inclusive Mindanao. By the end of the session, the students pledged to become active agents of peace, ready to apply this faith-based leadership to heal divisions in their communities—a critical first step before their deployment into the TEY community internship programs.
