The shift to federalism is premised on the need to speed up development and progress in the countryside. Nevertheless, the draft Federal Charter submitted by the Consultative Committee to Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte on 9 July 2018, raised economic, political and social concerns by various sectors. More worrying is a recent Pulse Asia survey which says that “almost 7 out of 10 Filipinos, or 69% have at best a low level of knowledge about the federal system of government that is being proposed by charter change advocates” (Businessworld, 16 July 2018).
To stimulate healthy discussion and promote general awareness on the proposed fundamental change in how our country is governed, the Angel C. Palanca Peace Program Foundation, Inc. (ACP³FI), in partnership with the Philippine Normal University (PNU) Center for Transformative Education, held the forum, “Facing the Future … Is Federalism/Charter the Way?” last 10 October at the PNU Auditorium, Taft Avenue cor. Ayala Boulevard, Manila.
Dr. Edilberto de Jesus, former Secretary of Education, was the forum moderator. Discussants were: Dr. Rosario G. Manasan of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies; Prof. Gene Lacza Pilapil, Political Scientist from the University of the Philippines; and Prof. Edmundo G. Garcia, multi awarded advocate for peace.
ACP3FI is a non government organization promoting peace education in schools, universities, and communities. Its centerpiece activities include the active integration of peace values in the academic curricula, the conduct of peace education workshops and seminars, and the annual “Peace Essay Writing” and “Art for Peace” competitions.
For further information about future events, please call ACP3FI at Tel. No. +63 2 849 4181, or email acp3foundation.2015@gmail.com. You may also visit www.acppeaceprogram.com.
