On October 3, 2026, Baguio Central University (BCU) hosted the 4th World March for Peace and Integral Regeneration (WMPIR) in conjunction with the ASEAN Festival. Spearheaded by Professor Genevieve Balance-Kupang with the support of the University President Dr. Margarita Cecilda B. Rillera, Graduate School faculty, student leaders, executive officials, and humanist allies, the gathering featured inspiring keynote addresses from local and international personalities. The celebration was highlighted by vibrant cultural performances from the BCU Chamber Choir, the Fungakan Dancers, and Graduate School student performers.
Before the 4th World March for Peace commenced, it was launched to the stakeholders of the APPSAM (Association of Philippine Private School Administrators and Mentors) last September 4, 2026, at Hotel Henrico, Legarda, Baguio City.
The Program opened with a Call to Prayer Flute, Peace is Flowing like a River, by Ms. Dom-An Florence Macagne, a Sagada Flutist.
An Opening Prayer, Pilipinas Kong Mahal, BCU Hymn, Song For Peace, was rendered by the BCU Chamber Choir, with Jomard L. Calamba, MM, as conductor.
The welcome to the 4th World March was given by Elma D. Donaal, EdD, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The introduction to the 4th World March for Peace and Integral Regeneration, the overall theme, was shared by Genevieve B. Kupang, PhD, International Relations Officer and Dean of the Graduate School, lead organizer of the 4th WMPIG.
The Movement is Growing. Genevieve B. Kupang, lead organizer of the 4th World March for Peace and Integral Regeneration, reveals a game-changer: the march is now a structured network of universities for peace! This alliance, activated alongside the ASEAN Festival, is turning higher education into a harbinger of global peace. Let’s unite.
In explaining the theme during the 4th World March for Peace and Integral Regeneration, Genevieve Balance Kupang highlighted that transitioning from “nonviolence” to “integral regeneration” represents a vital step forward in the peace movement’s evolution and language. She detailed that the term “nonviolence” inherently defines peace by what it opposes, inadvertently evoking the very concept of violence it seeks to dismantle. Citing insights from cognitive science, Kupang emphasized that active affirmation exerts a far stronger psychological impact than prohibition. Consequently, adopting “integral regeneration” provides a proactive, constructive paradigm that charts an active pathway toward holistic peace and wholeness.
Rooted in Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha, the constructive truth-force, and Cordilleran indigenous wisdom, integral regeneration provides a fully affirmative, forward-looking path where living systems heal from within. This vision echoes Congressman Domogan’s reflections, drawing on ideas she has carefully nurtured over years of study. Integral regeneration represents a shared commitment to heal fractured relationships and rebuild the trust worn down by past grievances, abuse of power, greed, absent role models, and unfulfilled promises. By bridging deep community divides and revitalizing institutions tarnished by poor governance, this movement instills renewed purpose into what was once broken.
Kupang posited that integral regeneration actively cultivates solidarity, economic resilience, institutional trust, and ecological harmony, affirming that genuine peace is indivisible and impossible in isolation.
And the Speakers and partner organizations were then introduced…
The MESSAGE FOR PEACE was given by Hon. Atty. Mauricio G. Domogan, Representative, Lone District of Baguio City, and “Peace as an Enabler for Sustainable Development” was illustrated by the talk given by the Hon. Councilor Vladimir D. Cayabas.
In his keynote address for the 4th World March for Peace and Integral Regeneration with ASEAN FESTIVAL, Atty. Mauricio Domogan frames peace as an active, living culture grounded in core ethical values of Justitia (Justice), Libertad (Liberty), Equitas (Equity), and Veritas (Truth). He highlights that true peace demands the courage to confront injustice responsibly, defend freedom with respect, broaden opportunities for all, and uphold truth in an era saturated with misinformation.
By linking these foundational principles to the university’s mission, he underscores the vital role of education in nurturing discerning, responsible citizens capable of driving genuine societal transformation. Extending this vision to a broader scale, Domogan defines “integral regeneration” as the collective work of restoring broken trust, healing divided communities, and breathing new life into institutions. He presents Baguio City and the ASEAN community as living models of this ideal, spaces where diverse cultures, histories, and backgrounds unite in harmony rather than uniformity. Ultimately, he issues a call to action to the youth, reminding them that building and sustaining a peaceful, regenerated world cannot rely on governments alone, but requires the active, shared commitment of individuals, families, and educational communities.
During the intermission, BCU Fungaran Dancers filled the space with an ethnic dance, and videos were aired, including a video with the song, Kapayapaan by Tropical Depression rendered by Rod Sanford Aticao and Styl Amando, CTELA students.
Luz Jahnen, a humanist from Germany, urged students to take active part in the promotion of a culture of peace and active non-violence. He also invited participants to Berlin 2027. He introduced Nonviolence Berlin 2027 as an open, collective call to action that transcends organizational boundaries to center human dignity and active nonviolence in everyday life. Grounded in humanism and driven by a diverse network of citizens and activists, this initiative seeks to close empathy gaps and cultivate nonviolence as the foundation for how society lives, decides, and relates.
More talks ensued, like the talk given by Dr. Marc Eric S Reyes, a professor in the Faculty Department of Psychology, “The Digital Frontier of Peace: Dismantling Violence in the Age of Connection.”
More talks focused on the theme of Peace, and performances enlivened the 4th World March.
A talk on growing organic by Ms. Carmen Cabling, Organic Farming advocate, Participatory Guarantee System Quezon, followed…
And, some of the participants joined together to form the Human Peace Sign, with feelings of Peace, Force, and Joy.
The 4th World March for Peace and Integral Regeneration ended with the recitation of the ethical commitment and signing of the banner.
Fostering regional solidarity and peace! 🌏 Alliance and cooperation take center stage as Her Excellency Constance See Sin Yuan, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the Philippines, emphasizes the value of strong ASEAN relations, particularly between Singapore and the Philippines, during the 4th World March for Peace and ASEAN Festival.
The closing remarks and closing prayer were delivered by Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, Vice President for Administration, and Mr. Arnel S. Dumo, Graduate School Student Governor.
Through the spirit of the 4th World March for Peace and Integral Regeneration, peace ceases to be a distant ideal when Equity uplifts every voice, Truth illuminates our shared humanity, Liberty breaks the chains of division, and Justice anchors our common ground. Peace and integral regeneration become our living reality.
#WorldMarchForPeaceandIntegralRegeneration
#IntegralRegeneration
#BCUASEANFestival
#BaguioCentralUniversitySoarsHigher
#WURI #WUNI #PeaceBuilding #HigherEducationforpeaceandintegralregeneration
#THESustainability
🤝 #PeaceEducation #ASEAN #GlobalGoals #SDG4#SDG16#SDG17