DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite (PIA) – The role of barangays in fostering lasting peace in the community is highlighted as a university in Cavite launched the Barangay Peace and Conflict Transformation (BPACT) Executive Course.
Helmed by the ninth batch of Master in Sustainable Leadership and Governance students of De La Salle University in Dasmariñas, the BPACT Executive Course aims to provide barangay officials and Sangguniang Kabataan leaders with vital skills in conflict resolution, mediation, and peacebuilding.
The program likewise seeks to empower grassroots leaders to foster inclusive, harmonious, and resilient communities.
Professor Rommel Mazo, Director of the university’s School of Governance, stated that BPACT is a 13 to 15-week highly specialized course designed to support the barangay justice administration overseen by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“Peace is essential in development. Progress cannot occur without peace. The state exists fundamentally to promote peace and order. Without peace and order, there is no development, no culture, no civilization,” Mazo said.
Engr. Danilo Nobleza, Provincial Director of DILG Cavite, recognized the importance of the academe in its mission to empower barangays in maintaining peace and promoting development within their communities.
“This program is highly significant as we have seen how an academic institution was given the opportunity to offer a program that addresses the skills and knowledge needed for serving our communities,”
Nobleza assured that the interior department will fully support the BPACT Executive Course by offering technical assistance and advocating for its adoption in other local governments.
For barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials, the inaugural BPACT course is a valuable learning opportunity designed to enhance their conflict resolution skills and prevent disputes from escalating to the courts.
Ariane Agustin, a Sangguniang Kabataan member in Tanza, Cavite urged fellow SK officials to support this initiative as part of their responsibility to inspire other youth to be involved in local governance.
“To my fellow SK officials, let’s support the BPACT program. We need this because as youth leaders, we are expected to fulfill our duty and inspire the youth to participate in the community.”
Matde Blancaflor from Barangay Biwas, Tanza stated the course will better equip them to resolve cases and disputes at the barangay level and prevent them from being elevated to higher authorities.
“It provides guidelines on how cases are processed at the barangay level, helping reduce conflicts and prevent issues from escalating to the courts when they can be resolved within the barangay.”
Aligned with the principles of Conflict Sensitive and Peace Promotion (CSPP) from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), the BPACT Executive Couse also supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SGD) 16, which focuses on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. (PB/PIA4A)