Ateneo de Davao University, Center for Politics and International Affairs

𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

The Ateneo community is invited to take part in the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippine–Japan Relations.

In collaboration with the Ateneo de Davao Internationalization for Mindanao and the International Studies Department, Ateneo de Davao University, join us for a meaningful conversation on “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities,” featuring H.E. Endo Kazuya, as we reflect on our strong ties and look ahead to future opportunities.

The event will be held on April 17, 2026, at the Bapa Benny Tudtud Auditorium from 9:00 AM to 11:15 AM.

Register here: https://forms.gle/DNrqgEy5Ci7XdpU78

Be with us as we celebrate this milestone and continue weaving a shared future together.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟕𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞-𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 🇵🇭🤝🇯🇵

Celebrate with us 70 years of partnership and progress between the Philippines and Japan!

Join us for a meaningful conversation on “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities” with His Excellency Endo Kazuya, as we explore the enduring ties and shared visions that continue to shape our nations.

United in purpose, we move forward toward greater collaboration and opportunity.

📅 April 17, 2026
📍 Bapa Benny Tudtud Auditorium
⏰ 9:00 AM – 11:15 AM

Register here: https://forms.gle/DNrqgEy5Ci7XdpU78

What happens in the Middle East doesn’t stay in the Middle East.

Last March 11, 2026, at the URC Writing Room, CPIA hosted a growth session for faculty as well as members of the University Research Council and the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council, entitled: “Faultlines and Aftershocks, The Middle East and a New Global Order?”, which aimed to unpack how the growing tensions between Iran and the United States have shaped global conflicts. Especially in terms of their impact on the social, economic, and security realities beyond the Middle East, including the Philippines and Mindanao.

The forum was conducted in collaboration with the International Studies Department and the Political Science and History Department, providing a wide platform for meticulous analysis and informed discourse. The conversation was particularly enriched by Prof. Krizza Janica B. Mahinay, Department Chair of the International Studies Department; and Prof. Tetchie O. Aquino from the Political Science and History Department. Through their insights and expertise, they were able to set the tone for a conversation of how global affairs trickle down to affect the local level.

More than just a lecture, the event highlighted the complexities of today’s interconnected world and how issues between countries like Iran and the United States matter. Not just in the Middle East, but also in the complex web of international relations. Overall, the event created a space for critical dialogue and thinking, especially on how global conflicts translate into local challenges, and how one might respond in an informed and responsible way.

Ateneans, feel free to get only ONE (1) copy from among the different booklets about Martial Law.

This is a joint effort by the Ateneo de Davao University, Center for Politics and International Affairs (CPIA) and Human Rights Violations Victims' Memorial Commission (HRVVMC) to spread awareness of this significant period in Philippine History.

The available topic ranges from the Declaration of Martial Law, Economy, Human Rights, Institutions of Faith, Rule of Law, Corruption, Environment, Media, Protest Art and Culture, and People Power.

Additionally, the HRVVMC also provided specialized booklets on The Freedom Memorial Museum Gallery, HRVVMC Library and Archives, as well as artistic postcards depicting the Martial Law era.

Get your free copy now at the AdDU Center for Politics and International Affairs Office (T206), located in front of F213.

LOOK | Tao sa Tao: Student-Survivor Dialogue on the 1972-1986 Martial Law Period

Earlier this afternoon, the Center for Politics and International Affairs (CPIA), in partnership with the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission (HRVVMC), successfully concluded Tao sa Tao: Student–Survivor Dialogue on the 1972–1986 Martial Law. This online forum brought together students, educators, and storytellers in an open and profound space. Due to unfavorable weather conditions last week, the event date was adjusted to ensure everyone’s safety. However, the forum proceeded with the cooperation and understanding of all participants, given the importance of this dialogue.

The forum opened with remarks from Prof. Monica Villa-Abrille, Officer-in-Charge of CPIA, and a message of support from Lawrence Charles E. Salazar, Acting Executive Director of the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission. Their words set the tone for an insightful and meaningful session, emphasizing how the legacies of history persist in the memories of those affected.

At the heart of the session were the powerful testimonies of Martial Law survivors Hilda Narciso, Hja. Mariam Kanda, and Esperanza Santos. These intelligent and courageous women shared the realities of Martial Law with our virtual audience. Student reflectors, Maverick Lance Malnegro from the International Studies Department and Ivan Tizon from the Political Science and History Department, showed their respect for the survivors’ stories. These students reflected on how this session of recalling the past invoked our human compassion for those oppressed and stoked our anger at injustice. Seeing the passion of the students and those who made the time to attend virtually reinforced the importance of this event as a shared commitment towards preserving the dignity of the Filipino people.

Closing reflections were offered by Patrick Claudio, HRVVMC Chief History Researcher, who emphasized the role of youth who inherited this difficult history in keeping the memory of Martial Law alive. Despite scheduling challenges, the forum was held online and remained faithful to its purpose of affirming the importance of memory, justice, and empathy in democratic education.

NH | Tao sa Tao: Survivor-Student Dialogue on the 1972–1986 Martial Law Period

The online forum formally opens with the Opening Remarks of Prof. Monica A. Villa Abrille, Officer-In-Charge of Ateneo de Davao University - Center for Politics and International Affairs, setting the tone for a dialogue grounded in remembering, listening, and engaging with history as a lived experience that continues to shape democratic responsibility today.

It was then followed by a message of support from Lawrence Charles E. Salazar, Acting Executive Director of the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission, highlighting the importance of remembrance and accountability while recognizing students’ role in advancing justice, karapatang pantao, and historical truth.

As the program unfolds into the activity proper, survivors of the 1972–1986 Martial Law period take the floor, transforming history from text into testimony. Through the stories of Hilda Narciso, Hja. Mariam Kanda, and Esperanza Santos, the conversation becomes personal and deeply human, inviting the audience to listen, confront the realities of state violence, and recognize memory as a form of resistance and resilience.

This moment anchors the dialogue in meaningful exchange and rigorous reflection on history.