By Chessa Pae Faustino, StratCom Correspondent

The MMSU American Corner Batac celebrated the International Day of Peace today, September 27, at the University Library's Educational Technology Center. As part of the event, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) handed over World War II historical books to the MMSU Library. 

This year’s celebration, themed “Celebrating the Power of Global Solidarity for a Peaceful and Sustainable World,” was attended by BA Sociology students, faculty, staff, PVAO personnel, and war veterans.

One of the highlights was the turnover of 17 World War II historical books to the library. Ms. Yvonne Paz D. Arizabal, acting head of PVAO’s Field Service Office in Batac, led the handover to Ms. Maria Cristeta Llacuna, OIC Director of the University Library System. Arizabal stressed that these books would not only support research but, more importantly, deepen the community’s understanding of World War II veterans, ensuring that their legacy lives on.

Veterans who shared their experiences during the event included Col. Dan Libed Sales, a Post-War Veteran (Retired AFP-PA), and Vice President of the Veteran Federation of the Philippines, along with PCapt. Raymundo Arucan, Lt. Elmer Pamagtingan, and Msg. Melecio Gado.

Dr. Rommel Dascil, a Fulbright Scholar and MMSU sociology professor delivered a talk on the link between global solidarity, peace, and sustainability. He discussed the realities of war, the ongoing local and international conflicts, and how peace can still be achieved and maintained. Stressing that peace and sustainability are mutually inclusive, Dr. Dascil expressed that global issues and challenges—such as climate change, economic disparities, digital transformation and divide, and geopolitical tensions—can be addressed by individuals working together to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), transform global governance, and focus on science and technology, among other areas.

In her welcome remarks, OIC Director Llacuna highlighted that the celebration reflects the commitment to promoting peace and solidarity for a sustainable and peaceful future. She also emphasized the significance of the turnover of historical materials from the PVAO, noting that honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us and understanding the past is crucial to building a better future.

Meanwhile, the OIC President of the University, Dr. Prima Fe Franco, represented by Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano, vice president for planning and strategic foresight, expressed that partnering with institutions and engaging the academic community in activities that promote good values, no matter how small, is fundamental to attaining peace and solidarity.

The International Day of Peace, established by the UN in 1981, is observed annually on September 21.