Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute

Here are the class photos for Week 3 of the MPI 2026 Annual Peacebuilding Training! 🌱

Here are the class photos for Week 2 of the MPI 2026 Annual Peacebuilding Training! 🌱

Here are the class photos for Week 1 of the MPI 2026 Annual Peacebuilding Training! 🌱

Stepping into the ancestral domain of the Talaandig Tribe in Lantapan, Bukidnon, our participants embarked on the Culture, Arts, and Indigenous Wisdom in Practice (CAIP) Field-Based Course. 🏔️

Guided by Rev. Luis Daniel Pantoja—also known as Lakan Sumulong—and local knowledge keepers, they moved beyond the classroom to truly live within the community: staying with host families, sharing stories, and experiencing firsthand how tradition and peace are interwoven.

Through these immersive experiences, participants witnessed the power of locally led peacebuilding rooted in cultural identity. Every rhythm, ritual, and conversation became an opportunity for conflict transformation, community cohesion, and deep healing. This journey highlights how honoring indigenous wisdom strengthens the fabric of peace and unity.

Happy Independence Day! 🇵🇭✨

Today, we honor our history by continuing to build a peaceful, united, and brighter future for every Filipino, no matter where we are in the world. Together, let’s keep moving forward.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 🎉❤️💙💛

Official Update for MPI Friends, Partners, and Alumni

Following the strong earthquake, we wish to confirm that our community is generally safe.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those gravely affected near the epicenter in General Santos. We stand in solidarity with all who have suffered devastation.

Please let’s keep them in our prayers.

The second week of learning, reflection, and connection has come to a close at the 2026 MPI Annual Peacebuilding Training. Participants from four courses: CJ, CRS, DPP, and PTRP,
gathered to share creative and practical ideas for using what they learned to make a difference.

As they return home, these peacebuilders bring with them new skills, friendships from around the world, and a stronger commitment to building lasting peace in their communities.

May these seeds of peace flourish and inspire generations to come. 🌱🕊️

The vibrant cultures of Cambodia, India, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, and many more came alive during the Week 2 Solidarity Night at the 2026 MPI Annual Peacebuilding Training!

A cherished MPI practice, this dedicated cultural night is an opportune space where participants, the MPI network, and the secretariat team celebrate the beauty of our diversity.
Through music, dances, and storytelling, shared spaces were transformed into a joyful place of mutual respect, learning, and deep connection.

This unforgettable evening served as a powerful reminder that peacebuilding goes far beyond academic discourses. Its strength lies in genuine and lifelong friendships across borders. 🤝❤️✨

We honor indigenous wisdom and value deep listening. 🪵🌾

In the Open Session in Week 2 of the 2026 MPI Annual Peacebuilding Training, held onsite and online for alumni and network partners, Jeremy Simons, one of MPI's facilitators, shared insights from over a decade of work with the Lumad and Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples of Mindanao.

He highlighted indigenous approaches to justice and peacebuilding, particularly in the context of revolutionary movements and ongoing peace processes since the early 2000s.

The session reminded us of the significance of local histories that ground our peace efforts.

"You are never too young to lead, and never too old to learn."~Kofi Annan

MPI continually provides and welcomes the young leaders of today. During the Week 2 Open Session at the MPI 2026 Annual Peacebuilding Training. We were graced with the presence of young leaders from the Gen-Peace Network of George Mason University (GMU) in the USA.

They shared how young people created ripples of peace through their student-led initiatives.

Gen-Peace is a student-led peacebuilding initiative that unites students, faculty, and advocates to foster social healing, support campus dialogue, and promote micro-peacebuilding in the community.

We thank the coordinator, Jonathan Fang, and one of the MPI facilitators, Al Fuertes, for their dedication to sharing the next generation involvement in advancing peace. 🏫🕊️