Ateneo Peace Center

A dove is about to soar towards peace, dialogue, and social action! 🕊️✨

BRIDGES OF FAITH, SEEDS OF PEACE: Sulu Youth and Ateneo Community Come Together in a Learning Exchange on Pathways to Peace

Peace is not built in grand declarations; it is planted quietly, in conversations, in shared prayer, and in the courage of young people who choose hope.

On 02 July 2026, the Ateneo Peace Center, together with the Social Development Unit, welcomed young peace advocates from Sulu in a Lakbay-Aral Learning Exchange Session convened by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) through its Social Healing and Peacebuilding Office (SHAPEO), together with Gagandilan Mindanao Women Inc. (GMWI).

The afternoon opened with an interfaith prayer for peace, a Muslim du'a and a Christian prayer offered side by side, setting the tone for an exchange rooted in mutual respect.

Our University President, Fr. Ernald Andal, SJ, warmly welcomed the delegation with his opening message, followed by a message of purpose from Dir. Atty. Ishmael I. Bahjin, Head of the Social Healing and Peacebuilding Office, and an affirming message of support from Ms. Wahida Abdullah, Founder of Gagandilan Mindanao Women Inc.

At the heart of the afternoon was the Interfaith Dialogue, "Pathways to Peace," moderated by Mr. Troy Gian Lim, Program Coordinator of the Ateneo Center for Leadership and Governance (ACLG). Sheikh Loderson "Mahir" Gustaham, Muslim Convener of the Interreligious Solidarity for Peace, shared reflections through the Islamic lens, while Br. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ, Director of Global Paths: Internationalization Office of AdZU, offered insights through the Christian lens, together illuminating the common ground our faiths share in the work of healing and reconciliation.

In peace circles, Sulu youth, AdZU student leaders, and community youth peace advocates in Zamboanga City listened to one another's stories and offered their own words of peace, with 'leaves' added to a growing Tree of Peace. To our student leaders and community youth peace advocates: thank you for showing up, for sharing your peacebuilding stories, and for walking alongside our young guests as fellow travelers on this journey.

The gathering was brought to a close by Mr. Rogin Eribal, OIC Unit Director of the Social Development Unit and Director of the Ateneo Learning and Teaching Excellence Center (ALTEC), whose closing message sent everyone forth with renewed hope.

To OPAPRU and GMWI: thank you for the trust you have placed in the Ateneo de Zamboanga University to accompany these young children in their healing journey. It is a privilege to walk with them, and with you, toward a future of a genuine culture of peace in our communities.

This engagement is anchored on SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), affirming that lasting peace is built through strong institutions and stronger partnerships.

For AdZU, it is likewise a lived expression of our Ignatian values of cura personalis, care for the whole person, and of being men and women for and with others, deepening our commitment to being united in purpose and action in the service of peace in Mindanao.

May 27 | Eid'l Adha

Eid Mubarak!

On this blessed Eid'l Adha, may we be reminded that true devotion lies in what we give—of our love, our service, and our sincerity. May Allah grant us hearts that are generous and faith that grows stronger each day.❤️

Wishing our school community a joyful Eid filled with light and barakah.✨

MALIGAYANG ARAW NG MANGGAGAWA!

Today, we celebrate the tireless effort and quiet strength of Filipino workers, whose dedication is a living testament to the values that build our nation and community.

Guided by core Filipino values such as bayanihan, malasakit, at pagkakaisa, we honor the dignity of labor and the spirit of collective upliftment that sustains our society.

In the spirit of compañerismo, we are reminded of cura personalis—care for the whole person—and our call to be men and women for others, recognizing that every worker’s contribution deserves respect, justice, and compassion.

May this day renew our commitment to solidarity, service, and the pursuit of a more just and humane society for all.

Sa bawat pawis at sakripisyo, naroroon ang lakas ng sambayanan—kaya’t patuloy tayong manindigan para sa dangal, katarungan, at kapakanan ng bawat manggagawa.

Mabuhay ang manggagawang Pinoy! 🇵🇭

🚌🛺 Kalinga sa Manibela is here!
Our drivers keep this city moving — and right now, they need us to show up for them.

With fuel prices continuing to rise, jeepney and tricycle drivers in Zamboanga City are feeling it the most. Many are working harder just to keep up, and for some, it is their families' meals that end up on the line.

In response, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, through the Social Development Unit (SDU) and the Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement (SACSI) Office, launches Kalinga sa Manibela — a community outreach program providing immediate food assistance to JODA and TODA drivers in Zamboanga City.
This is our commitment to stand with the people who keep our streets running, even when the road gets harder.

💛 Want to help? Here's how:
🏦 Bank Transfer
BPI — Ateneo de Zamboanga University
Account No.: 22111000142
Please send your proof of transaction to facebook.com/ateneosocdev

🛒 In-Kind Donation (Grocery items)
Rice, canned goods, noodles, biscuits, coffee, and other non-perishable goods
📌 Note: Items should be halal or non-pork.

Stay tuned for updates on how you can get involved! Follow the AdZU Social Development Unit page for the full details. 💛

Sama-sama nating ipamalas ang tunay na pagmamalasakit. 🤝

KALINAW Camp 2026 was more than just a leadership camp—it was a journey of becoming for every Atenean student leader. Rooted in the Ignatian call to be persons for and with others, this experience invited us to reflect, connect, and transform.

This meaningful formation initiative was made possible through the collaboration of four offices—the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), Ateneo Peace Center (APC), Campus Ministry Office (CMO), and Ateneo Learning and Teaching Excellence Center (ALTEC)—each bringing their shared commitment to forming leaders grounded in peace and service.

Anchored in the path of the Peace-Leader, we moved through a transformative journey—from peace within the self, embracing the SAKTO mindset and cultivating inner resilience; to peace with others, where we practiced dialogue, conflict transformation, and just leadership; and ultimately, to peace with the Earth and beyond, deepening our responsibility for human dignity and care for our common home.

In the spirit of cura personalis and compañerismo, KALINAW became a space of genuine encounter—where strangers became companions, stories became bridges, and differences became opportunities for understanding. Through shared meals, moments of silence, reflection (Examen), and joyful community building, we were reminded that leadership is not merely about leading—but about accompanying.

To our dear participants, volunteers, and facilitators, thank you for your openness, courage, and generosity. You have shown that true leadership is rooted in peace—one that begins within, grows in community, and is lived out in service.

As we go forth, may we continue to embody what it means to be SAKTO leaders—self-aware, adaptive, kind, transformative, and open—committed to building communities of justice, compassion, and lasting peace.

Here are some glimpses of our shared journey.
📸 For more photos, you may access them here:
🔗 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uYVfLWVPH7xdDUrfnTIAtr6R79O1Da6F

SNAPSHOTS | Kalinaw: Ignatian Peacebuilding Camp

Guided by its mission of forming leaders for others, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU), through the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), in collaboration with the Ateneo Peace Center (APC) and the Campus Ministry Office (CMO), facilitated Kalinaw: Ignatian Peacebuilding Camp on March 27–28, 2026, at the AdZU Grade School, Tumaga Campus.

The two-day camp brought together student leaders and representatives from accredited college organizations to engage in a meaningful journey of reflection, dialogue, and leadership formation.

Read more here: https://adzu.edu.ph/osa-holds-kalinaw-peacebuilding-camp-forming-student-leaders-in-ignatian-leadership-social-transformation/

More photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/uhzacikWcMPVe8Mn8

April 5 | Easter Sunday

He is risen!✨

May this Easter renew our hearts with hope, deepen our faith, and inspire us to serve with love and joy. From darkness to light, may we become witnesses of new life in all that we do.

Happy Easter to all! 💙

ICYMI | Kultura de Paz: Weaving Justice and Peace through Dialogue and Collective Action

The Kultura de Paz workshop held last March 17 offered a chance to move away from the usual lecture setup and try something more grounded. As part of the line-up of activities for WAVEs 2026, this program sits under the Justice and Peace component, following the JEEPGY framework that guides our alternative class experiences.

The goal was simple: to talk about justice and peace not as abstract theories, but as things that affect our daily lives. It was encouraging to see students open up about their own experiences and listen to one another with genuine interest.

We talked a lot about the "democratic deficit" in our current political culture and what it means to put people back at the center of power. The session was designed to help us recognize that while individual effort is important, it is collective action that truly addresses social injustice. The energy in the room remained high as we explored how constructive, community-based conversation can lead to restorative justice and social healing.

These discussions are part of a larger effort to help everyone see that their voices matter. We want to encourage a shift from being passive observers to becoming active agents of peacebuilding. By identifying concrete pathways for involvement, we hope to weave our identity as Ateneans with our responsibility as citizens.

This program was made possible through the lead efforts of the Ateneo Peace Center, in collaboration with the Ateneo Center for Leadership and Governance and the Ateneo Center for Culture and the Arts, and with the full support of the Formation Unit. This initiative also highlights our commitment to the Global Goals, specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as we work together to advocate for stronger democratic foundations.

March 21 | Eid'l Fit'r

Eid Mubarak! ✨

As we celebrate Eid'l Fit’r, may we carry forward the spirit of Ramadhan-faith, gratitude, and compassion. May Allah accept our prayers and sacrifices, and may our hearts remain guided by kindness and generosity in the days ahead. 🕌

Wishing our school community peace, joy, and barakah. 💙

Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum!