8-9 April 2026

The second part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Forum was organized by Benguet State University, through the Institute of Social Research and Development (ISRD), College of Social Sciences, International Relations Office, and Gender and Development Office, in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).

On the first day, a specialized TCM clinic operated at the International Dormitory Lobby in the morning, while the “Wellness Sustainable Peace Forum” took place at the DSG Hall, College of Teacher Education, in the afternoon.

OPAPRU Project Four Leader Gigy G. Banes, representing VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, opened the program, welcoming speakers and participants. “This forum explores how wellness strengthens social bonds for peace, sharing research, best practices, and experiences linking wellness to environmental sustainability,” Banes said.

Speakers included CSS and CIS faculty members Karryl Mae C. Ngina, Melody Angco, and Christine Grace S. Lazaro; and Zion International Organization’s Dr. Paul Weidian Chen with translator Jimmy Cheung.

Next, CSS Department of History and Philosophy Faculty Member Paul Lawrence Viduya gave the synthesis of the program, followed by International Relations Office Deputy Director Doreen I. Allasiw’s closing remarks.

In her message, Allasiw thanked the speakers for sharing their knowledge and experiences, congratulating the participants for attaining newfound knowledge and hoped that the participants could apply these in contributing to the institution’s sustainability and world peace.

“Thank you to our speakers for sharing their life’s work. I hope this becomes a culture here in BSU, that we become a community of sharing, a community that shares wisdom and multiplies it, that it would contribute to the University’s sustainability and the sustainability of the human race,” Allasiw said. TCM services continued on day two.//EBawang