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.

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.

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

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

An Exhibition on Social Democracy in Germany

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

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:

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

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.

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.

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

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