The IRFS Opening Ceremony was very eventful, especially considering that it is not only a celebration of the triumphs of the Carolinian Circle of Young Diplomats (CCYD) but the opening of a new road for initiates of the International Relations and Foreign Service (IRFS) track of the University of San Carlos.

 

Held at the Buchcick Hall of the University of San Carlos, South Campus on the 4th of September 2015, the Opening Ceremony was a meaningful venture that introduce the IRFS majors to the world they were to study all through their years in college and beyond. What made the 2015 Opening Ceremony different from the others was that it opened doors to a campaign that endeavored to spread the peace advocacy to the youth of the country, bringing us closer to the present context.

 

The event was called the Storya Ta Forum, hosted by the #PeaceNaTa Campaign in partnership with the CCYD. It lasted from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. This event was introduced to the majors by Jamil Faisal Adiong, one of the main advocates of this campaign and a Public Management and Development (PMD) major. He also introduced the guest speaker for this event.

 

Her name is Sittie Ai’Shah Baicon B. Cayongcat, Bae a Labi (Queen or female equivalent of a Sultan) Ko Shakba, Ditsaan ago Ramain sa Mala A Bayabao. She is a National Programme Officer and Head of Sub- Office, United Nations World Food Programme, Iligan City. She is also a Core Trainer of the Women Political Leadership and a Host of the National Democratic Institute. She was the former Commissioner-at-large and Vice Chair for Special Projects, of the Mindanao Commission on Women, and the Executive Director of the Ranao Center for Peace and Development, Inc, that implemented the Integrated Relief and Rehabilitation Program of TABANG MINDANAW. She is a graduate of AB Political Science at Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology.  She has also studied Bachelor of Laws, but has not completed the last semester in 2000 because of her volunteer work to the emergency response during all-out war in 2000.  She was a consistent student activist during her time.  In fact, she is the first and only female Student Regent of the Mindanao State University – Board of Regents.  In addition, she was the former Chairperson of the Mindanao Student Councils Alliance and the President of the Federation of the MSU System Student Councils. With her expertise and knowledge, she was able to deliver her talk on the Bangsamoro and the concerns of the Bangsamoro people to the majors.

 

The event showcased how even the local concerns of the populace reflect the state of the world. The peace advocacy is not just international but it is also a major local concern. Through this, the students were able to see the situation of the people of Mindanao and their quest for peace. It has also come to my attention that while there are different ways to discuss and handle peace, it is through dialogue that people can come to terms with one another and find ways to ensure peace and stability in their communities. This experience has enlightened the IRFS majors and will surely inspire future generations to work for peace within and beyond the nation.

 

Right after the pinning ceremony in the afternoon, which was the second highlight of the Opening Day, we had a session on Etiquette by Ms. Sheida Henry, a teacher in the Department of Political Science who teaches a class on Protocol. This was useful for everyone, as much of what we learned from the session can be and has in fact been applied in daily life.

 

The best example of this is how respect is given. When introducing someone to a friend, gentlemen would normally introduce the lady with them first. If a person of seniority is with them, he or she goes first. This shows how it is necessary to give respect to women and to those who are older than us. While some would think the “ladies first” is not cool for gender equality, this kind of behavior, which I dare say should be considered chivalrous, is actually the way to show courtesy and equality. Some antiquated values of honor make sense because respect must be given to everyone, especially those who are worth it. That alone is enough of an important value IRFS majors and everyone else must take in.

 

The Opening Day was a remarkable opening to the journey of the IRFS major. The key to peace lies in the passion to serve in the name of peace and justice. We should all be channels of peace, as St. Francis of Assisi aptly puts it, and serve for the common good of all humanity. The road to peace and right conduct is paved by the will of we who believe in the goodness we can do for this world. That is our call.