On September 23 to 25, administrators and teachers from different Jesuit schools in the country will gather for the 2nd Jesuit Basic Education Congress (JBEC), in line with the centennial celebration of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University. The gathering aims to inculcate national consciousness to the participants and let them reflect on the often forgotten but rich cultural and religious traditions of Mindanao and the undying aspirations of its people with the theme “MindaNow: Re-imagining the Filipino Soul and Story.”
Delegates can expect much insight and learning from the inputs to be given by Fr. Tony de Castro, SJ (“Why MindaNow? The Jesuit Story of Mindanao”), Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ (“What’s wrong with the Picture?: Righting Mindanao’s Story”), Dr. Ma. Lourdes Carandang (“Peace in our Classroom, Peace in our School”), and Fr. Jose Cecilio Magadia, SJ (“Quo Vadis, JBEC?[What now, JBEC]). A panel discussion “Mindanao Voices: Feelings and Wish Lists” with Mr. Luisito Montalbo, Ms. Beatriz Colmo, and Cong. Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar aims to offer participants understanding of the beauty found in this part of the country.
A number of concurrent sessions will also be available for all participants. These sessions include “Muslim-Christian Traditions: Convergences and Divergences” to be given by Mr. Rene Tiblani,” Hope: Holistic Peace Education” by Mr. Aryameir Ismael, “A Closer Look at the Indigenous People of Mindanao” by Ms. Beatriz Colmo, “Indak Padyak MindaNow!” by Mr Earl Pasilan, and “The Changing Role of Women in Mindanao” by Atty. Laisa Alamia. Another interesting activity will be the video conference on “Education in Peace-Building and Global Citizenship.”
JBEC 2012 will not only allow Ateneo de Zamboanga University to extend to the guests its centennial celebration experience but its hospitality and warm welcome as well.
