Daghang Salamat, GenSan!

It was a successful week-long exhibition in the warm city of General Santos. The exhibition, “For Freedom and Social Justice” was held in the Science and Technology Training Center at the Mindanao State University, from 8-12 March 2010, and was attended by students and professors of MSU, as well as members of mass movements and other sectoral organizations.

Mirko Herberg presents a token of appreciation to MSU Chancellor Atty. Abdurahman Canacan

Mr. Herberg presents a token to Prof. Essil of the Department of Political Science of MSU

Mr. Herberg presents a book package to the librarian of MSU

Students pose for picture after the opening ceremonies at the MSU auditorium

Mr. Herberg leads the ribbon cutting for the official opening of the exhibit

Students listen to a brief exhibit guided tour

Students pose for a photo with Mr. Herberg and Anne-Helene Mang, SPD and JUSOS member

Students pose with Mr. Herberg and Prof. Mario Aguja of MSU

Mr. Herberg talks with students about the exhibit

Students from MSU as well as from other universities listen to a guided tour

Members of local chapters of Akbayan, Alliance of Progressive Labor, and Confederation of Independent Unions in the Public Sector listen to a guided tour

Mr. Herberg address the participants of the forum on Labor Union-Political Party relations; he shares the experiences of the SPD in Germany in dealing with its affiliate labor unions

Mr. Herberg presents a token of appreciation to guest speaker Tomasito Villarin

Ms. Mang shares to students her experiences as JUSOS and SPD member, and the young socialists’ involvement in the recent German elections

Ms. Mang poses for a picture with members of WISE, a women’s organization of the APL, after the Atbanganay 2010 forum

Ms. Mang converses with her fellow youth leaders in General Santos City

Ellene Sana of Akbayan discusses to MSU students the partylist system and her party’s platform of governance

Ms. Sana addresses the students during the closing ceremonies of the event

Exhibition held in Ateneo, January 25-29, 2010

“For Freedom and Social Justice” was held at the Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University from 25-29 January 2010, starting the year’s exhibit tour. The event was organized by FES Manila in partnership with the Department of Political Science.

The opening ceremonies were held with a forum entitled, “For Free and Just Societies: Social Democratic
Lessons and Challenges for Germany and the Philippines,” with the German Ambassador to the Philippines, Christian Ludwig Weber-Lortsch; Mirko Herberg, Resident Representative of FES in the Philippines; and, Benjamin Tolosa of the Ateneo Political Science Department. A workshop on the social democratic values was attended by students of political science.  The Ateneo School of Government co-sponsored a Partisan Civil Society Dialogue, entitled, “How Much Reforms Are There in the 2010 Campaigns” with talks given by Joel Rocamora of the Institute of Popular Democracy and Ramon Casiple of Institute of Political and Electoral Reforms. A dinner-qua-round-table-discussion was attended by Filipino social democratic activists, former PDSP members, and non-aligned activists, who reflected on the past, present, and future of social democracy in the Philippines.

As usual, guided tours were given to students, professors, as well as walk in viewers of the exhibit. The whole week was closed by a forum entitled, “Elections Make Parties–German and Philippine Realities,” attended by students who listened to talks by Mirko Herberg and Atty. Ibarra Guttierrez of the UP Institute of Human Rights.

Students listen to a guided tour

Students of Prof. Melissa Jayme-Lao listen to a guided tour

A Partisan Civil Society Dialogue entitled “How Much Reforms Are There in the 2010 Campaigns,” was held with speakers Ramon Casiple of IPER and Joel Rocamora of IPD. The event was moderated by Joy Aceron of Ateneo School of Government

Chito Gascon of the Liberal Party addresses the participants of a dinner RTD entitled, “Engaged and Critical: Reflections of Philippine Social Democracy Then and Now”

Benjamin Tolosa of the Ateneo Political Science Department explains his chapter contribution in an FES-sponsored book on the history of social democratic movements in the Philippines

Christina Montiel of the Ateneo Psychology Department shares some historical tidbits on KASAPI’s involvement in the anti-dictatorship movement

Roy Mendoza of the Ateneo History Department explains his chapter article on the history of PDSP

A student directs a question to the panelists of the forum “Elections Make Parties – German and Philippine Realities” held to close the week-long program

Atty. Ibarra Guttierrez of the UP Institute of Human Rights and FES Resident Representative Mirko Herberg give their speeches in the closing ceremonies. The forum was moderated by Alma Salvador of the Ateneo Political Science Department

Atty. Guttierrez and Mr. Herberg

KALINAW! “FOR FREEDOM AND SOCIAL JUSTICE” GOES TO GENERAL SANTOS CITY!

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), a German political foundation, has brought the exhibit entitled “For Freedom and Social Justice” to General Santos City. The exhibit will be housed at the Mindanao State University (MSU) from 8 to 12 March 2010. 

“For Freedom and Social Justice” is a means to showcase the long struggle of the oldest political party in Germany, the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The history of the party is chronicled, from its origins in the nineteenth century to its transformation from a workers’ party to a “people’s party.” Also portrayed is the party’s continuing struggle to adapt and actualize social democratic values and ideas such as freedom, social justice and solidarity.

The “For Freedom and Social Justice” GENSAN experience would offer guided walkthroughs to MSU classes, members of various organizations, as well as walk-in exhibit viewers. Forums would tackle on topics such as the relationship between labor unions and political parties both in Germany and the Philippines, and the effects of neo-liberalism on the labor sector. Another forum would provide a venue for people to know more about political parties active in the SOCSARGEN region. Finally, a major side event is a debate entitled “Atbanganay 2010,” which would gather candidates for local political positions. Atbanganay 2010 is to be held in partnership with ABS-CBN Boto Mo, Ipatrol Mo.

DATE/TIME	ACTIVITY/ VENUE	Involved Orgs/groups/person
March 8, 2010 Monday
12:00-1:00PM	Press Conference Venue: MSU
1:00-1:30PM	Arrival/Registration Venue: MSU	FTV, SOCKSARGEN SK, Gensan Student Councils, Gensan LGU, YouthVotePhil, Media
1:30-3:00PM	Invocation Venue: MSU National Anthem Cultural Presentation  Opening Remarks University President    Keynote Addresses:  Mr. Mirko Herberg FES Resident Representative	MSU-kabpapagariya Sarimanok Arts FES
3:00-3:30PM	Ribbon Cutting
3:30-4:00PM	Exhibit walkthrough  Venue: MSU	Sarangani, GenSan and South Cot. SK and Student Councils, Gensan and South Cotabato local media
4:00-4:30PM	Exhibit walkthrough Venue: MSU	IPs, Elderly and Women sector
March 9, 2010 Tuesday
9:00-10:00AM	Labor-Party members exhibit walkthrough MSU
10:00-12:30AM	Labor Union-Political Party Relations: Dynamics and Lessons Derived from Germany and the Philippines CIU-APL-Akbayan Leaders Forum  Mr. Mirko Herberg Mr. Tom Villarin Ms. Mafe Abad, ANGAT VP for Mindanao      Venue: MSU
2:30-3:30 PM	Exhibit walkthrough	NDDU class
3:30-4:30 PM	Exhibit walkthrough	Fraternities (APO, Tau Gamma Phi, Tau Alpha Omega, Anchorians, Kapatirang Pleabians)
March 10, 2010 Wednesday
8:00-9:30am	Exhibit Walkthrough Venue: MSU	Holy Trinity College student leaders, Faculty and Admin
10:00-11:00am	Exhibit Walkthrough Venue: MSU	Students Gensan Foundation College Inc.
1:00pm-4:00pm	“Atbanganay 2010” The GenSan Local Politicians Debate  Venue: Family Hotel Convention Center Media Partner: ABS-CBN Boto Mo, Ipatrol Mo	FTV, POLSCIE SOC MSU and NDDU FTV, SK GenSan, SSC Gensan, Local Media
March 11, 2010 Thursday
8:30-9:30am	Exhibit walkthrough Venue: MSU	MSU-SSC, PSEAS- (Public Sector Employees Association) of Socsargen
9:30-12:00am	Effects of Neoliberalism on  Labor Issues Prof.  Mario Aguja MSU-GenSant Venue: MSU	PSEAS
1:00-2:00pm	Exhibit walkthrough Venue: MSU	MSU ministries, Muslim Student Association
2:00-3:00pm	Exhibit walkthrough Venue: MSU	LGBT (empress MSU) MSU PolScie Society
3:30-4:30pm	Exhibit walkthrough Venue: MSU	Notre Dame of Marbel University Students
March 12, 2010 Friday
9:00 –  10:00 AM	Exhibit walkthrough Venue: MSU	NDDU class
11:00 –  12:00 PM	Exhibit walkthrough Venue: MSU	Akbayan Youth
1:30-4:00 PM	Closing Ceremonies Venue: MSU   Get to know your Party: Partylist Organizations and Mainstream Political Parties in the 2010 Elections   Invite PL orgs / mainstream political  active at the local level   (i.e., Akbayan, TUCP, People’s Champ Movement)

Opening Ceremonies for the Ateneo-leg Exhibit

For Freedom and Social Justice

An Exhibit of Social Democracy in Germany

Opening Ceremonies
Old Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University
January 25, 2009, 4:30 – 6:00 PM

Welcome Remarks
Dr. Alma Salvador
Chair, Department of Political Science
Ateneo de Manila University

Opening Message
His Excellency Christian Ludwig Weber-Lortsch
German Ambassador to the Philippines

Exhibit Viewing

Keynote Speeches

“For Free and Just Societies: Social Democratic
Lessons and Challenges for Germany and the Philippines”
Mr. Mirko Herberg
Resident Representative, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung

Dr. Benjamin Tolosa Jr.
Associate Professor, Department of Political Science,
Ateneo de Manila University
Senior Fellow, Ateneo School of Government

New! Speech available in PDF! To download click on the link below:

Social Democratic Lessons and Challenges for the Philippines

Cocktails

Exhibition’s first stop for 2010 is in Ateneo!

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Philippine Office and Ateneo de Manila University

in partnership with

Ateneo de Manila University Department of Political Science

“For Freedom and Social Justice”
An Exhibition on Social Democracy in Germany
25-29 January 2010, Old Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University
Katipunan Road, Quezon City, Metro Manila

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Day 1, 25th January, Monday
Opening Ceremonies
“For Free and Just Societies: Social Democratic
Lessons and Challenges for Germany and the Philippines”
Old Rizal Library, 4:30 – 6:00 PM

Day 2, 26th January, Tuesday
Social Democratic Values Workshop
Social Science Conference Room 1&2, 4:30 – 6:00 PM

Day 3, 27th January, Wednesday
Partisan Civil Society Dialogue“How Much Reforms Are There in the 2010 Campaigns”
4:00 – 8:00 PM

Day 4, 28th January, Thursday
Social Democracy Round Table Discussion
Engaged and Critical: Reflections of Philippine Social Democracy Then and Now
Old Rizal Library, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Day 5, 29th January, Friday
Closing Ceremonies
“Elections Make Parties – German and Philippine Realities”
Old Rizal Library, 4:30 – 6:00 PM

The Exhibition goes South!

“For Freedom and Social Justice”

An Exhibition on Social Democracy in Germany

November 30 – December 4, 2009, Cagayan de Oro City

Padayon ta sa Cagayan De Oro!

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Philippine Office

in partnership with the following organizations in Cagayan De Oro City,

Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL), Amnesty International – Cagayan de Oro, BALAOD-Mindanaw (Balay Alternative Legal Advocates for Development in Mindanaw, Inc.), KAISAHAN (tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Kanayunan at Repormang Pansakahan/Solidarity towards Agrarian Reform and Rural Development, The Political Science Society of Liceo de Cagayan University, Supreme Student Council of Mindanao University of Science and Technology, The Central Student Government of Xavier University and the Kristohanong Katilingban Sa Pagpakabana-Xavier University (KKP-XU)

present

“For Freedom and Social Justice”

An Exhibition on Social Democracy in Germany

November 30 – December 4, 2009, Cagayan de Oro City

The exhibit “For Freedom and Social Justice” is a means to showcase the long struggle of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). It traces its origins from the 19^th century, describes its political and philosophical milieus, and chronicles the transformations it has experienced for over a century of existence, as well as its continuing adaptation and actualization of ideas of social democracy.

The exhibit provides a narrative of the development of SPD’s platform, from its founding as a movement of the German working class in late 1800s, up until the formulation of its most recent platform as described in the Hamburg Program of 2007.

Consistent with its commitment to promote political education, the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung has been visiting major cities and universities across the country beginning in June 2009 to showcase the history of the oldest political party in Germany, the Social Democratic Party of Germany: its aspirations, experiences and struggles. From 30 November to 4 December 2009, the FES will launch its Social Democracy Week in Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) to raise public awareness on the values of social democracy in the field of politics, business, and society and linking Germany’s experience to political systems and issues in the Philippines.

The week-long celebration includes exhibits, fora, and other activities.  Please see matrix of activities taking place in CDO.

Schedule of Activities:

DATE / TIME / VENUE	ACTIVITY
Day 1, 30 November
Opening Ceremony / Forum on Social DemocracyVenue: Student Training Center (STC) Lobby, Xavier University
100-130PM	Arrival and Registration of participants
131-145PM	Program Preliminaries** Opening Prayer** National Anthem** Welcome Remarks Father Jose Ramon Villarin President, Xavier University
146-215PM	Reflections on Program-based and membership based Political Parties in Germany and the Philippines Dr. Wolf Preuss and Mr. Percival Cendana
246-300PM	Exhibit Presentation / Preparation for the Press Conference
Press ConferenceVenue: Xavier University
301-400PM	Press Conference
Mobilization on Freedom and Social Justice (in line with Bonifacio Day)Venue: Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City
401-600PM	MobilizationAlliance of Progressive Labor (APL)
Exhibit, Walkthrough
PM	Students from Xavier University
Day 2, 1 December 2009
Progressive ForumForum on Basic Sectors’ Participation in Political PartiesVenue: Nursing Amphi Theater, CIT Building, Xavier University
830-900AM	Registration and Arrival of Participants
901-915AM	Program Preliminaries** Prayer** National Anthem** Opening/Welcome RemarksAtty. Nonette Royo Vice President, Social Involvement-XU
916-1045AM	People’s Participation in Political Parties in Germany and Philippines:Dr. Wolf Preuss Atty. Arlene J. Bag-ao,  Executive Trustee, BALAOD Mindanaw Interviewed by: Machris Cabreros
1046-1115AM	Panel of Reactors fromYouth, Women, Farmer and Labor groups
1116-1130AM	Open ForumFacilitator: Cheryl Polutan Program Officer, KAISAHAN
1131-1145AM	Prospects and Challenges on the 2010 ElectionFather Nathan Director, AGGAP
1146AM-1200NN	Closing RemarksAtty. Normita V. Batula Managing Director, BALAOD Mindanaw
Exhibit Walkthrough
PM	Students from Xavier University
Day 3, 2 December 2009
Forum on Guapo or Trapo: Choosing Leaders on 2010Venue: Liceo de Cagayan University
100-130PM	Forum Preliminaries** Prayer** National Anthem** Opening/Welcome RemarksHon. Adrian E. Barba City Councilor, Cagayan de Oro City Dean, Liceo College of Law
131-300PM	Forum ProperMr. Tom Villarin, Akbayan Atty. Antonio Soriano, Former CDO Vice Mayor
301-330PM	Open ForumFacilitator: Sergio Dacup, Jr. Paralegal Officer, BALAOD Mindanaw
331-345PM	Closing Remarks Dean, Liceo College of Arts and Sciences
346-400PM	Preparation and Travel time to Xavier University for Exhibit Walkthrough
Exhibit Walkthrough
AM	Students from Lourdes College
PM	Students from Golden Heritage Polytechnic CollegeStudents from Liceo de Cagayan University
Day 4, 3 December 2009
Exhibit Walkthrough
AM	Students from Capitol University
PM	Students from Mindanao University of Science and TechnologyStudents from Cagayan de Oro City National High School
Day 5, 4 December 2009
Forum on Youth Participation in 2010 ElectionVenue: Xavier University Covered Court
100-115PM	Arrival and Registration of Participants
116-130PM	Program Preliminaries** Prayer** National Anthem** Opening/Welcome RemarksMr. Nestor Banuag, Jr. Asst. Director, KKP-SIO
131-215PM	Forum ProperFather Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ President, Xavier University Ms. Bianca Lapuz First Time Voters Network
216-315PM	Panel of Reactors:   Jestoni Dacot, President, Political Science Society, Liceo de Cagayan2 Neil Vincent Bacal, President, Central Student Government, Xavier University Efren Julius Aguilar, President, Supreme Student Government, MUST
316-345PM	Open ForumFacilitator: Ritz Lee Santos III Policy Advocacy Officer, BALAOD Mindanaw
346-400PM	Closing RemarksMr. Gus Cerdena Friedrich Ebert Stiftung

Dios Mabalos, Naga!

As part of its Luzon university tour, “For Freedom and Social Justice” just had its Ateneo de Naga University leg on August 26 until September 2. Guest speakers were Dr. Wolf Preuss, SPD member and formerly from Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, and Jesse Robredo, Mayor of Naga City, who talked about electoral politics in Germany and the Philippines. A Bicol Progressive Forum was also held, with the theme “Reflections on Realities and Potentials for Membership and Program-based Political Parties.” As part of their dialogue series, the First Time Voters Network sponsored a forum on youth participation in political parties, tied up with the Supreme Student Government of Ateneo de Naga, and the Ateneo Debate Team. The said forum was attended by youth representatives from political parties such as Akbayan and Liberal Party. The closing ceremonies was held with a forum on the Philippine partylist system, organized by the Ateneo de Naga Institute of Politics. The guest speaker, Hon. Risa Hontiveros, gave her thoughts on the partylist system, its potentials and recent disappointments.

Wolf Preuss addresses the audience during the opening ceremonies

A guest speaker talks at the forum

Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo leads the group to the opening of the exhibit

Members of the organizing committee poses for the camera with Mayor Robredo

Bicol Progressive Forum is held in the Ateneo de Naga University

Maricris Cabreros, program coordinator, gives a guided walkthrough

People listen to guided tour

Ms. Cabreros gives a spiel on the SPD history

Dr. Preuss talks at a roundtable discussion

Roundtable discussion participants exchange thoughts

FES Manila extends its warmest “Dios Mabalos” to the people of Naga!

Thank you, San Beda!

“For Freedom and Social Justice” was held in San Beda College, Manila from August 18-22. The event was organized by FES Manila, in partnership with the The Office of the Prefect of Student Affairs, Social Science Department and the Student Council, and in cooperation with the Bedan Advocacy and Consciousness Enhancement Society (BACES), Junior Bedan Law Circle, San Beda Debate Society, San Beda Economic Society, and Social Science Students Association.

Students, as well as members of the San Beda Community, were able to experience the exhibit depicting the rich history of the Social Democratic Party of Germany. They were also able to listen to various talks: Dr. Axel Weber, SPD member and Social Protection Specialist (ret.) in the Asian Development Bank, gave a forum on “The Role of Political Parties in Germany – Providing a Link between Citizens and the State;” Mr. Francis Isaac of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement who talked about the importance of social democratic policies on the advancement of social justice; Hon. Risa Hontiveros, who gave her thoughts on program-based politics and its importance on the 2010 elections; Bianca Lapuz, of the First Time Voters Network, who talked on the importance of youth participation in politics; and Benjamin Tolosa, Ph.D. of Department of Political Science, Ateneo de Manila, who gave a talk on “Social Democratic Challenges and Perspectives for Philippine Citizens.” Side events were also held such as the photo extemporaneous speech contest organized by the Junior Bedan Law Circle, and a debate exhibition was organized by the San Beda College Debate Society.

Rev. Mateo de Jesus, OSB, San Beda Rector, addresses the audience during the opening ceremonies

Mr. Mirko Herberg, FES Manila Resident Representative, addresses the audience during the opening ceremonies

Axel Weber, special guest for the opening ceremonies, talks about political parties in Germany

Brian Cagara and Ghada Bongcawil of the SBC Student Council introduce the exhibit to the audience

San Beda College students and their professor listen to a guided walkthrough

Students listen to a guided walkthrough

A class, accompanied by their professor, poses to the camera after a guided tour

Students listen to a guided tour

Hon. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel addresses the students at a forum on program-based politics and its importance on the 2010 elections

Students in attendance at the forum

Students register at the closing ceremonies

Professor Bienvenida Ilago, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences, addresses the audience during the closing ceremonies

FTV poster for the forum

Guest speaker Dr. Benjamin Tolosa gives his thoughts on the promise of social democracy in the Philippine context

Students listen to Dr. Tolosa’s speech

Mr. Herberg presents a token of appreciation to the SBC student council

SBC Student Council, accompanied by the Prefect of Student Affairs Mrs. Matilde Santos, presents a plaque of appreciation to Dr. Tolosa

Mr. Herberg presents a token of appreciation to Prof. Santos

Ms. Bongcawil addresses the audience during the closing ceremonies

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung expresses its utmost gratitude to the whole San Beda Community for making the event, For Freedom and Social Justice, a big success.

For Freedom and Social Justice: Maduman kami sa NAGA!

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Philippine Office and Ateneo de Naga University

In partnership with

Ateneo de Naga Institute of Politics

present

“For Freedom and Social Justice”

An Exhibition on Social Democracy in Germany

August 26- Sept. 2, 2009, O’Brien Library, Ateneo de Naga University

Schedule of Guided Tours

Aug. 27, Thursday

1:30 – 3:00 PM,  3:00 – 4:30 PM

Aug. 28, Friday

9:00 – 10:30 AM,  10:30 – 12:00 PM,  1:30 – 3:00 PM

Aug. 29, Saturday

9:00 – 10:30 PM,  10:30 – 12:00 PM

Sept. 1, Tuesday

9:00 – 10:30 AM,  10:30 – 12:00 PM,  1:30 – 3:00 PM, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Events

Aug. 26

Opening Ceremonies

“Reflections on Realities and Potentials

for Membership and Program-based Political Parties”

w/ Dr. Wolf Preuss, Councilor John Bongat, and Mayor Jesse Robredo

4:00-7:00 PM@ Arrupe Convention Center and O’Brien Library

Organizers: ADNU Institute of Politics

Aug. 27

Bicol Progressive Forum:  “Reflections on Realities and Potentials

for Membership and Program-based Political Parties”

9:30 – 12:00 AM @ Nursing Ampitheater, Santos Hall and O’Brien Library

Organizer: Institute of Politics and Naga People’s Council

Aug. 28

First Time Voters Dialogue:

“Youth Participation in Political Parties”

w/ youth arms of political parties

4:00 – 6:00 PM @ IMC

Organizers: Supreme Student Gov’t, Ateneo Debate Team and FTV Network

Sept. 1

Forum: “Exploring Bicol Politics – Issues and Trends”

4:00 – 6:00 PM @ IMC

Organizer: ADNU Institute of Politics

Sept. 2

Closing Ceremonies

“Philippine Party List System”

10:00 – 12:00 PM @ Arrupe Convention Center

Organizers: ADNU Institute of Politics