Reaction Paper: Peace, Tolerance and Harmony as Core Values of Philippine Culture by Lourdes R.

Quisumbing
I. Summary of the Article (as quoted)

The article emphasizes Philippine values and culture in relation to concept of peace, tolerance and harmony to our country. There are Seven Core Values of education with applicable Philippine values 1 Health and Harmony with nature. Maintains health and harmony with nature. 2 Filipinos are known as peace loving person in which they are not frank on telling unpleasant things that might hurt a person's amor propio or esteem. Filipinos feel pressured to meet the status quo of the society when it comes to economic standing. 3 Filipinos are very hospitable that hey will invite their visitors to come into their homes and offer them treats such as snacks and drinks after a long journey to feel the guest more comfortable. There are times they will serve only the best to their visitors even if at times they may not be able to afford it. 4 Truth and tolerance. Constantly searching for the truth and seeks knowledge that would transform society and the world. At the same time he maintains a tolerant and open disposition of the mind. 5 They say Filipinos are one of the most happiest person on the earth despite we are under third developing countries. Filipinos shows optimism by their sense of joy and humor. The ability to laugh at themselves that contributes to emotional balance and a capacity to survive. Filipinos have a high tolerance for ambiguity that enables them to respond calmly to uncertainty or lack of information. Filipinos often improvise and make productive and innovative use of whatever is available. 6 Love and goodness.Freely choose and love. 7 Filipinos are taught to become respectful individuals. This is due to the influence of Christianity that tells us to honor both our parents and our elders. The use of po and opo when in conversation with an elder or someone who is older is a manifestation of how Filipinos respect their elders. 8 Global spirituality. Cultivate a global spiritual which, essentially connects him with God and the whole Earth community.

9 Trust in God or the concept of Bahala na has been over-used time and again. This ideal is used when a person does not know what to do or is to lazy to do anything at all. This belief to put fate in Gods hands may be a sign of how religious Filipinos may be at the same time. It may show that the Filipinos are free-spirited and that they put their life in fates hands.
10 Peace and Justice. Help build peace and justice in our society, through the pursuit of family solidarity as well as the common good and well-being of the larger society. He must also cultivate respect for human rights and active non-violence. 11 Gratitude or utang na loob is a very popular Filipino characteristic. One does not forget the good deeds that others may have done to him or her especially at times of great need.

12 Sustainable Human Development. Help achieve more human and sustainable development for the community. 13 Filipinos are universally regarded as excellent workers who perform well whether the job involves physical labor and tasks or highly sophisticated technical functions. This hard workis driven by the desire for economic security and advancement for oneself and one's family. This achievement orientation is further accompanied by typically high aspirations and great personal sacrifices. 14 Nationalism and Globalism. Love of country and national unity and global solidarity and peace are the fundamental goals. 15 Filipinos are said to be loyal and have pakikisama to their friends and fellowmen in order to ensure the peace in the group. Filipinos recognize high regards to others with respect empathy and sensitivity. Peace Education aims to develop a culture of peace among citizens to develop knowledge, values and skills to resolve conflict nonviolently. In Mindanao, peace education is now generally recognized to to seek contribution to a better awareness and understanding of the root causes of conflict and violence; and to cultivate values and attitudes that will encourage all citizens to engage in personal and social action toward a more just, compassionate and nonviolent society.

II.

Position to the Article: Agree or Disagree

Amidst the raging war between secessionist Muslim groups and government troops in Mindanao, Philippines, peace education is being used as a tool for conflict resolution and for promoting better Christian-Muslim relations. This paper examines the various initiatives and the challenges facing peace educators amidst a growing resurgence of religious extremism and the well-entrenched biases and prejudices between the Christian and Muslim population. The Mindanao peace education programs promote a holistic framework of education for a culture of peace with six crucial issues. They are 1) dismantling the culture of war; 2) living with justice and compassion; 3) building cultural respect, reconciliation and solidarity; 4) promoting human rights and responsibilities; 5) living in harmony with the earth; and 6) cultivating inner peace. The framework also adopts four pedagogical principles: holism where issues of peace and violence are considered dynamically interrelated; centrality of values formation, where justice, compassion, caring for life, spirituality, one world orientation, and active non-violence are promoted; dialogue through active teaching and learning strategies, and conscientious reflection, where the active and critical consciousness of learners is formed, empowering them in the process to be catalysts for change. Today, peace education is a common fixture not only in schools, colleges and universities but also in grassroots community peace-building. Post-conflict human resources development programs of international aid organizations in Mindanao have integrated peace education in one form or another in their training designs. There are Mindanao-wide activities organized by the network of peace educators namely the observance of the week of peace; interreligious dialogues; solidarity activities during Ramadan for the Muslims and the Christmas

season for Christians; peace concerts and peace essay contests. Peace educators in Mindanao have almost given up on this generation. Our efforts are now geared towards sowing the seed of peace, tolerance and respect for pluralism in young Muslims and Christians in Mindanao through an educative process that emphasizes active engagement between cultures and religions. To speak of the track record of peace education in Mindanao at this time does not involve any empirical data but of stories of people and organizations who have transformed and were likewise transformed by this educative process, slow and incremental yet leaves lasting impressions on the primacy of the dignity of persons and respect for humanity which is the key in resolving violent conflicts in a constructive way.

III.

Applicable Experience If Any

IV. Personal Comments

Prepared by: Maria Eliza D. Santillan