Appreciating Diversity / Exploring Personal Meaning of Peace

Lesson #1
1. Peace has a personal, social, and environmental dimension.

2. Read the Six Paths to Peace and discuss MSU’s commitment to contribute to peace in Mindanao. Point out that these two documents point to the commitment to work for peace at the institutional level. Relate the relevance of CWTS as service to the community through understanding and working for peace.

Six Paths to Peace

From the end of government and the National Unification Commission on the basis of nationwide consultations, the Six Paths to Peace, recommended is neatly laid out in Executive Order No. 125.

The First Path is the pursuit of social, economic, and political reforms aimed at the root causes of the internal armed conflicts and social unrest.

The Second Path is consensus building and empowerment for peace.

The Third Path is the pursuit of peaceful, negotiated settlement with the different rebel groups.

The Fourth Path is the implementation of programs for reconciliation, reintegration to mainstream society, and rehabilitation.

The Fifth Path seeks to ensure the welfare and protection of civilians and to reduce the impact of the armed conflicts on them, recognizing the possibility of continuing hostilities even as peace is pursued by the ways of peace.

The Sixth and Final Path seeks to build, nurture, and enhance a positive climate for peace.

6.2 Mission, Vision of MSU

Mission
Unlike other universities in the Philippines, MSU came into being with twin goals to fulfill:

 The University shall primarily give professional and technical training, besides providing advanced instruction in Literature, Philosophy, the Sciences, and Arts. More emphasis, however, shall be given in the teaching of Filipino native culture, Arts, Sciences, Philosophy, and Literature. Researches on these lines shall be undertaken by the University (RA 1387).

 In the pursuit of its traditional functions along instruction, research and extension services, the University shall promote and accelerate the economic, political, and socio-cultural development of Mindanao particularly the Muslims and other cultural communities therein and shall facilitate their integration into the mainstream of the national body politic.

Vision
Mindanao State University strives to be the premier supra-regional university geared towards the agro-industrial, ecological, socioeconomic and political development of Mindanao. It aspires to establish centers of excellence in science, technology, business, humanities, social sciences, and related fields. It will set the standards of excellence and serve as a training ground for future leaders of the various sectors of society.

6.2.1 Vision of MSU System – Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao

Vision
A progressive Mindanao where people live with social justice and harmony in diversity towards peace and sustainable development.